Liberia: Poverty Reduction Rests On Agric. Sector, Nationalism

from All Africa

The Analyst (Monrovia)

Grand Kru Representative Gbenimah Slopadoe says Liberians need not to play any magic to reduce the level of poverty in the country without first demonstrating what he called absolute nationalism and empowering the agriculture sector.

In order to achieve, he proposed the establishment of an "Agriculture for Food and Employment Fund." which according to him could provide soft loans to farmers.

According to him, this is intended to increase production of traditional and non-traditional crops intended to provide food security, generate income and create employment.

In a statement at a 2-day capacity building Workshop for GCAP-LINC members at the St. Teresa Pastoral Retreat Center over the weekend, Rep. Slopadoe said show of nationalism will also have impact on efforts aimed at reducing poverty.

He deputized for House Speaker Edwin Snowe as Chief Launcher.

"Liberians actions to reduce poverty in this country should begin with absolute nationalism. This generation of Liberians must pledge absolute loyalty to their beloved country and engage in activities aimed at reconstructing it as their only home," he said and added "Here we born, here we will die.

Giving background on poverty, the Grand Kru lawmaker referred to it as the lack of resources, both human, money and material, and stressed that if these resources are mismanaged, then there bounds to be poverty.

"That is the case with us; we have mismanaged our resources through deception, dishonesty and greed," Rep. Slopadoe noted

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Dan T., Sayeh, Chairman/GCAP-LINE said the occasion was about "joining hands with civil society actors involved in creating highlights on the issues of poverty and at the same time creating space for interaction, interrogation and making reports on issues that affect the lives of Liberians.

GPCAP-LINE is a Global Action Against Poverty-.Liberia Coalition which according to him is in about 80 countries around the world highlighting the issues responsible for poverty.

Deputizing for Richard Tolbert, National Investment Commission (NIC) Executive Director, Sabastine Smith focused on efforts being employed by the institution with the help of other agencies of government to empower Liberia entrepreneurs.