Report on Liberia-China Agricultural Training Program and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On July 1, 2025, a delegation of 23 technical staff from Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture departed for China to participate in a month-long training program. This initiative focuses on enhancing agricultural product processing and preservation, aligning closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Training Program Overview

The training, organized by the China National Research Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Co, aims to address post-harvest losses and strengthen Liberia’s agricultural value chain. The delegation includes county agriculture coordinators and district officers from all 15 counties of Liberia.

Key Components of the Training

• Intensive instruction on modern processing techniques for rice, livestock, poultry, aquatic products, and peanuts.
• Technical lectures delivered by experts.
• Hands-on demonstrations to enhance practical skills.
• Site visits to advanced Chinese agricultural facilities.

Significance for Liberia’s Agricultural Sector

Deputy Minister for Extension at the Ministry of Agriculture, Moses Gbanyan, emphasized the importance of this initiative in revitalizing Liberia’s food sector. The training is expected to equip staff with advanced knowledge and techniques to mitigate food processing challenges and reduce post-harvest losses, which are major obstacles to agricultural growth in Liberia.

Challenges Addressed and SDG Alignment

Liberia’s agricultural sector currently faces significant post-harvest losses due to outdated processing methods and insufficient preservation infrastructure. Capacity building through international cooperation is viewed as a critical strategy to modernize the sector and improve rural livelihoods, contributing directly to the achievement of the following SDGs:

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By reducing food loss and improving food processing, the program supports food security and sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Enhancing agricultural value chains promotes economic growth and employment opportunities in rural areas.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Improved processing and preservation reduce waste and promote sustainable resource use.

Complementary Initiatives and Broader Cooperation

This training complements ongoing projects such as the Smallholder Agricultural Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) and the expansion of lowland rice farms in Nimba and Bong counties.

The program is part of a broader five-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between China and Liberia in June 2024, which supports technical cooperation in:

• Irrigation
• Mechanization
• Integrated pest management
• Value chain development

Earlier in 2025, a Chinese delegation led by the mayor of Shenzhen pledged support for agricultural infrastructure and mechanization in Liberia. As part of this partnership, 288 farm mechanization machines from China are scheduled to arrive in Liberia this month, further supporting agricultural development and contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).

Conclusion

The Liberia-China agricultural training program represents a strategic effort to enhance food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and foster economic growth in Liberia. Through international cooperation and capacity building, this initiative advances multiple Sustainable Development Goals and sets a foundation for long-term agricultural development and rural prosperity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on improving agricultural product processing and preservation to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food security in Liberia.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Capacity building and technical training aim to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable economic growth in rural agricultural communities.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article highlights modernization of agricultural processing techniques and mechanization, which relate to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The cooperation between Liberia and China, including training programs and equipment support, exemplifies international partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land, technology, and markets.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including agricultural processing.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators related to SDG 2
   • Post-harvest loss rates of key agricultural products (rice, livestock, poultry, aquatic products, peanuts) – implied as a measure of improvement in food preservation and processing.
   • Increase in agricultural productivity and value chain enhancement – implied through improved processing techniques and mechanization.
2. Indicators related to SDG 8
   • Number of trained agricultural technical staff and extension workers – as a proxy for capacity building and employment in the sector.
   • Increase in rural incomes and livelihoods – implied outcome of improved agricultural practices.
3. Indicators related to SDG 9
   • Number of mechanization machines deployed and operational in Liberia’s agricultural sector.
   • Adoption rate of modern processing technologies among farmers and processors.
4. Indicators related to SDG 17
   • Number and scope of international training programs and technical cooperation agreements.
   • Volume of technical and material support (e.g., farm mechanization machines) provided through partnerships.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: global.chinadaily.com.cn