Urban Liberia has seen a steady decrease in poverty rates, with only three in 10 people living below the poverty line in its capital city, Monrovia, as of 2016. However, in rural areas of Liberia, this figure stands much higher, with eight in 10 living below the poverty line. During his inauguration speech on January 22, 2024, President Joseph Boakai outlined his plans for a poverty reduction scheme in Liberia, known as the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID). Set to operate from 2025 to 2029, with a launch scheduled for November 30, 2024, the ARREST agenda focuses on six key areas.

How Does the AAID Poverty Reduction Scheme in Liberia Work?

1. Agriculture: Currently, Liberia’s economy relies on agriculture and the export of natural resources like gold. In his inauguration speech, Boakai emphasized agriculture’s crucial role in the country. Boakai noted that it provides jobs to 50% of the population, either directly in agriculture or in related industries. Boakai identified agriculture as “a key driver” in the Liberian economy. Furthermore, the agriculture sector could provide a stable income and food security to many, whilst reducing poverty in Liberia.
2. Roads: Existing roads in Liberia are among the least developed in West Africa. The country spans 111,370 square kilometers, but the road network covers only about 10,600 kilometers. The majority of these roads are unpaved. Boakai recognized the need for roads to connect citizens. Furthermore, he stated the need for significant spending on roads as a “critical intervention for economic growth and national development.” By connecting more rural areas to big cities, such as Monrovia, people in rural areas are able to reach higher-paying jobs.
3. Rule of Law: Following two civil wars and accusations of the previous government being corrupt, with the United States treasury having to sanction three of George Weah’s government officials for corruption, Boakai made sure to highlight the urgency for transparency and accountability within his government. This campaign against corruption is likely to ensure that government spending is in the best interest of citizens.
4. Education: In order to reduce poverty in Liberia, Boakai has stated that he will “rethink” the education system in such a way that provides students with vocational skills and more subjects within the curriculum. This will then better prepare students for higher-paying jobs in a wider array of sectors, helping to boost development.
5. Sanitation: Currently, in Liberia, around a quarter of citizens do not have access to clean water and drinking facilities and 40% of the population is forced to practice open defecation without access to well-equipped sanitation services. This then exposes people to diseases closely linked with unclean water, such as cholera. Improving sanitation increases the ability of people to work without the impact of disease. Furthermore, this ensures a steady stream of income and allows children to stay in school. Without prolonged absence, the chances of a life affected by poverty are greatly reduced.
6. Tourism: After two civil wars, Liberia’s tourism industry was incredibly damaged. In 2014, the Liberian Tourism Association was established, a nonprofit organization partnering with companies to unite the Liberian tourism industry. In his inauguration speech, Boakai expressed a desire to “unlock the potential of the tourism sector.” The aim would be to create further contributions to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), reducing poverty in Liberia.

Final Remark

This poverty reduction scheme established by Boakai will enable the development of Liberia. Additionally, this will allow for the reduction of poverty among Liberian citizens, removing the economic divide that currently exists between those in urban and rural areas of the country.

– Freyja Stone

Freyja is based in Manchester, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr