Monrovia, Liberia-May 24, 2025–In a significant development for the agricultural and forestry sectors, the Liberia Federation of Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (LFFFPOs) have elected its inaugural leadership.
The election was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, during a gathering at the Conference Hall of Viewpoint in Paynesville, Montserrado County. The election is part of LFFFPO’s effort to form a united front to empower farmers and enhance sustainable forest management in Liberia.
“This historic formation marks a pivotal moment for small-scale producers in Liberia, who have long faced challenges in accessing resources, markets, and policy support. The LFFFPOs aims to empower these producers by promoting sustainable practices and advocating for their rights and needs at both local and national levels”, said Andrew Y.Y. Zelemen, Head of Secretariat of the National Union of Community Forestry Development Committee (NUCFDC).
LFFFPO’s project is funded by the Forest and Farm Facility of FAO, and is led by Mr. Andrew Y. Y. Zelemen, who outlined the objectives as follow:
- To promote Sustainable Resource Management where LFFFPOs is committed to promoting the sustainable management and utilization of Liberia’s forest and agricultural resources.
- To ensure that these vital resources are preserved for the benefit of present and future generations.
- To advocate for Small-Scale Producers. The federation will advocate for policies and programs that support and empower small-scale forest and farm producers.
- To influence decision-making processes that affect their livelihoods, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, skills, and best practices among its members and to improve productivity, increase income, and enhance environmental stewardship across the federation.
LFFFPOs comprises several key Apex Forest and Farm Producer Organizations, each representing different sectors within the forestry and agricultural landscape of Liberia. These include:
National Union of Community Forestry Development Committees (NUCFDCs), the National Union of Community Forest Management Bodies (NUCFMB), the National Charcoal Union of Liberia (NACUL), the Botanical Products Association of Liberia (BOTPAL).
Others are, the Liberia Cashew Development Association (LCDL), the Liberia Chainsaw and Timber Dealer Union (LICSATDUN), the Liberia National Federation of Cooperatives Society, Farmers Union Network of Liberia, Liberia Furniture and Carpenter Union, the Association of Beekeepers of Liberia (ABEL), the Rubber Planters Association of Liberia, Art and Craft Association of Liberia and the Community Empowerment Innovation in Agriculture Cooperative Society.
The diverse representation within the federation underscores the collective strength of Liberia’s forest and farm producers, who are now better positioned to advocate for their interests and collaborate on sustainable practices.
Speaking further, Mr. Zelemen said “the formation of LFFFPOs is expected to foster greater collaboration among its members, leading to enhanced productivity and sustainability in Liberia’s forestry and agricultural sectors. By uniting under a common banner, these organizations can leverage their collective knowledge and resources to address the challenges they face.”
As the federation embarks on this new journey, it aims to create a supportive environment for small-scale producers, ensuring that their contributions to Liberia’s economy and environment are recognized and valued. LFFFPOs represents a hopeful step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for forest and farm producers in Liberia.
