[KOLAHUN, LOFA COUNTY, June 14, 2025] – The Government of Liberia has officially inaugurated the newly reconstructed Fangoda Dam in Kolahun District, Lofa County, an investment of US$650,000, fully funded by the government. This milestone marks a renewed commitment to strengthening food security, which also repositions Lofa as a key “breadbasket” county.
The modern irrigation facility is designed to support year-round rice cultivation on over 250 acres of lowland, providing a sustainable boost to local rice production. The initiative falls under the “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda, a national effort to reduce the country’s reliance on importing its staple food, rice, by at least 70% by 2030, while generating jobs and income for rural communities.
At the handover ceremony, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah underscored the economic importance of the dam, calling on young people to shift their focus from politics and view agriculture as a pathway to prosperity. “Development goes beyond politics; it starts with you,” Minister Nuetah stated. "We want to come back here and see a fully functional rice field," he added, promising improved rice seeds and other tools to buttress their efforts.
The newly constructed dam replaces a dilapidated structure operated by AGROMECO in the 1960s, which was destroyed during the civil war. This rice production company made Kolahun a significant hub for rice production during Liberia’s pre-war era.
Beyond improving cultivation, the dam is expected to create seasonal employment and empower students and youth, especially during school holidays.
Youth leader Momo Kamara welcomed the project with enthusiasm, saying, “This is a dream come true for Lofa,” he said. “Let’s protect it and use it well.”
While in Lofa County, Minister Nuetah also visited key agricultural sites in Foya District, including a 2,000-hectare area earmarked for large-scale farming, which further demonstrates the government's long-term strategy to expand farm productivity and promote rural development.
This bold move by the Government of Liberia underlines its commitment to ensuring food security, reducing poverty, and empowering the next generation through agriculture.