In Gbarnga, from fields to connectivity: how agro-tech is changing the face of Africa's marginalized areas, from inclusion to new opportunities.

In a country where 70 percent of the population lives from subsistence agriculture, the digital revolution might seem like a mirage. Yet, in the wild heart of the LiberiaA pilot project is demonstrating that technology and rural development are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, access to digital transformation is becoming the key to ensuring food security, essential services, and decent work.

From fields to the web: the challenge of agriculture 4.0

A crucial workshop for the future of Liberian rural communities was held from July 11 to 13, 2023, in Gbarnga, the county seat of Bong County, three hours from the capital Monrovia.

Organized by FAO, ILO, UNDP, and other UN agencies, the event brought together institutions, tech companies, and community representatives to discuss a replicable model: that of "Smart Villages," where digital technologies enable previously inaccessible services.

“The project leverages strategic partnerships with ICT sector actors to ensure equitable access to essential services and economic opportunities,”

explains Octavius T. Quarbo, Assistant FAO Representative in Liberia. The goal? To transform the most fragile areas into innovation hubs, reducing poverty and inequality.

Success Stories: From Niger and Pakistan to Liberia

During the workshop, successful examples from Niger and Pakistan were presented, where the adoption of low-cost technologies has improved access to credit, training, and markets.
In NigerFor example, mobile platforms have enabled thousands of farmers to receive weather alerts and agronomic advice via SMS. PakistanInstead, rural digital centers have facilitated access to e-learning and telemedicine.

“The key is to engage women and young people, align with local priorities and ensure accessible connectivity,”

stresses Ken Lohento, FAO expert in digital agriculture.

This approach is already bearing fruit in Liberia: in three counties (Bong, Lofa, and Nimba), 3.000 young heads of households, half of them women, are testing solutions such as agribusiness apps and online training courses.

The challenge of connectivity: public and private sectors in the field

If the idea is a success, its implementation depends on one critical factor: internet coverage. In Liberia, only 26 percent of the rural population has access to the internet, compared to 76 percent in urban areas.
To bridge the gap, the project involves operators such as Orange Liberia and MTN, together with the Government, to expand the digital infrastructure.

“We need courageous public policies and targeted investments,”

admits an official of the Ministry of Telecommunications.
But the signs are encouraging: in 2024, the country launched a plan to bring broadband to 60 percent of rural areas by 2026.

The next stop: scaling the Liberian model

The Gbarnga workshop was not only a training opportunity, but also an opportunity to build alliances.

“Now we need to translate the discussions into concrete actions,”

says a representative of UN Women.

In the coming months, community digital centers will be launched, where farmers will be able to access weather forecasts, online marketplaces, and financial services.
If the model works, Liberia could become a case study for sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating that digital transformation is not the privilege of megacities, but a tool for redemption for those living on the margins.

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