Liberia launches major farm-to-market road works in Bong County

LIBERIA – The Ministry of Agriculture has launched the rehabilitation and construction of 59 kilometers of farm-to-market roads in Bong County under the Tree Crops Extension Project Phase II, a move officials say will ease access for farmers and improve agricultural trade across the county.

The works cover seven lots across key farming communities and target some of Bong County’s most productive areas. The roads will link farmers to markets, processing centers, and storage facilities, cutting travel time and easing the movement of crops.

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah led the official launch and described the road works as a direct investment in food production and rural livelihoods. He said better roads would help farmers move their produce faster and at lower cost.

“We are fixing these roads because of agriculture. I therefore urge the people of Bong County to redouble their efforts in producing their own food so they can improve their livelihoods,” Dr. Nuetah said.

Local farmers and traders expect the improved roads to lower transport costs, reduce post-harvest losses, and raise incomes. Many communities currently struggle to move produce during the rainy season, when poor roads slow or block access to markets.

Contractors urged to meet timelines

Dr. Nuetah warned contractors to follow their contracts closely and meet agreed timelines. He said the ministry would not allow extensions and stressed the need for quality work. He also called on contractors to hire locally so nearby communities benefit from short-term jobs during construction.

Beyond the 59 kilometers already launched, the ministry has placed an additional 28 kilometers of farm-to-market roads in Bong County under procurement. Officials say these roads will widen access for more farming areas once construction begins.

The Bong County works form part of a larger road program under TCEP II that covers both Bong and Lofa counties. When combined, the projects bring the total length of feeder roads under rehabilitation in the two counties to 340 kilometers. The International Fund for Agricultural Development is funding the program.

The ministry expects contractors to complete the works within ten months. Once finished, the road network will offer reliable all-weather access to farming communities. Officials say this access will support steady food supply, improve links between farms and markets, and strengthen agricultural production across Bong and Lofa counties.

Government officials view the roads as a practical step toward supporting smallholder farmers, improving food availability, and backing rural incomes through better infrastructure.

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