Chairman’s Message
We are pleased to invite you to join us in advancing economic opportunity and improving the health and well-being of the Liberian people through sustainable agricultural and agribusiness development.
Aligned with the broader objectives of COLED, and similar to the Natural Resources Cluster, our mission is to convene researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, and local communities to drive innovation and transformation within Liberia’s agricultural sector.
As Liberia continues to develop, the role of agriculture remains central to national growth and food security. We call upon stakeholders—particularly the academic community and agricultural institutions—to partner with us in strengthening this vital sector. As a non-political body, we are committed to providing unbiased expertise and sharing knowledge that supports both the Government of Liberia and its people.
Our work is guided by three strategic priorities:
- Developing the next generation of agricultural professionals through education and training
- Enhancing agricultural productivity through research, innovation, and extension services
- Promoting the adoption of modern technologies to improve farming practices and value chains
By joining this cluster, you become part of a shared vision grounded in service, collaboration, and national impact. Through coordinated efforts across all COLED clusters, we position ourselves to respond effectively and swiftly to the evolving needs of Liberia. The time is now to leverage our collective expertise to unlock opportunities and deliver meaningful, lasting results.
Vision Statement
To serve as a diaspora-driven catalyst, providing expertise that strengthens food security and agricultural sustainability in Liberia.
Mission Statement
To unify Liberian agricultural expertise, resources, governance, and leadership within the diaspora to support the effective management and long-term development of Liberia’s agricultural sector.
We foster strategic partnerships with government institutions, local communities, and private stakeholders to promote accountability, build institutional capacity, and ensure that agricultural development delivers sustainable social and economic benefits for all Liberians.
Purpose Statement
As we bridge global expertise with local implementation, our purpose is to:
- Provide technical advisory services and leadership development for government agencies, community leaders, and academic institutions
- Support the development of value-added agricultural products
- Strengthen post-harvest systems through technical advisory and innovation
Critical Issues to Address
- Limited access to modern farming techniques
- Increasing impact of climate change
- Inadequate agricultural infrastructure
- Restricted access to financing and credit
- Gaps in agricultural education and workforce development
Chairperson:
Dr. Alton B. Johnson, PhD
Chairman
Dr. Alton B. Johnson is a distinguished academic leader, researcher, and administrator with extensive experience in agricultural science, water resources management, and land-grant university systems. He is widely recognized for his leadership in advancing research, extension services, and institutional development within higher education.
He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy with a concentration in Soil Physics from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He also earned a master’s degree in Agronomy, specializing in Soil and Water Management and Conservation, from Mississippi State University, and a bachelor’s degree in General Agriculture from the University of Liberia.
Dr. Johnson currently serves as Director of the Rice Research and Extension Center at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, the University’s largest off-campus flagship research and extension facility. His career reflects a wealth of leadership experience across multiple land-grant institutions.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Johnson served as Dean and Professor of Water Resources Management in the College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture, and as Director of University Land-Grant Programs at Central State University (2016–2021). Earlier, he held the positions of Dean, Research Director, and Extension Administrator at Prairie View A&M University (2011–2016), and Interim Assistant Dean of Research and Chief Research Officer at Alcorn State University (2009–2011).
During his sixteen-year tenure at Alcorn State University (1994–2011), Dr. Johnson held several key leadership roles, including Interim Research Director, President of the Faculty Assembly, Chair of the University Athletics Committee, and Faculty Athletics Representative. He also served in the President’s Office as Co-Chair of the Transition Team for the University’s 17th President and as an advisor on land-grant issues. Additionally, he was Director of the Mississippi River Research Center, where he led research and public service initiatives focused on improving water resources in Mississippi.
Dr. Johnson has further strengthened his leadership capacity through advanced professional development. He holds certification from the Leadership for the 21st Century (LEAD21) program and a Certificate of Achievement in Leadership Excellence from the American Management Association (AMA). He has also completed executive training programs in strategic planning, executive leadership, critical thinking, marketing, and leadership preparation. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at Harvard University Graduate School of Education and has completed coursework in Leading Successful Change Initiatives at Harvard University Extension School.
One of Dr. Johnson’s most notable achievements occurred during his tenure at Central State University, where he worked closely with members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation to secure increased funding through the 2018 Congressional Farm Bill. This effort resulted in a permanent increase in the university’s combined Research and Extension funding from $4.6 million to $21.4 million, significantly strengthening the institution’s land-grant mission.
Dr. Johnson is widely respected for his strategic leadership, commitment to academic excellence, and impactful contributions to agricultural research, education, and public service.
