What's Happening?
Liberian journalist Nukanah Kollie, serving as Bong County Coordinator and a member of the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN), is representing Liberia at the 2025 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp and International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) World Congress in Nairobi, Kenya. Kollie, who is also a senior reporter at Super Bongese Radio, joined nine other emerging agricultural journalists from around the world for the event, which runs from October 13 to 18. The program includes leadership and multimedia training focused on storytelling, communication, and agricultural policy reporting. Participants will also attend the IFAJ World Congress, exploring Kenya's agricultural innovations under the theme 'Feeding the Future: Innovations and Sustainability in African Agriculture.'
Why It's Important?
Kollie's participation in this global event highlights Liberia's growing presence in agricultural journalism and communication. It underscores the efforts of the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network to empower journalists and strengthen their international connections. The event provides a platform for young journalists to develop leadership skills, promote cross-cultural understanding, and enhance storytelling excellence. This initiative is crucial for advancing agricultural communication, which plays a significant role in addressing issues like climate-smart agriculture, food security, and sustainable practices. Kollie's involvement is expected to inspire and mentor other journalists in Liberia, contributing to the country's media landscape and its role in sustainable development.
What's Next?
Upon returning to Liberia, Nukanah Kollie is expected to share his experiences and insights gained from the event with his colleagues. He aims to mentor young journalists and apply the lessons learned to strengthen agricultural and environmental reporting in Liberia. This could lead to improved media coverage of agricultural issues, fostering greater awareness and understanding among the public and policymakers. The Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network plans to continue its efforts in providing training and advocacy to enhance the media's contribution to sustainable development and rural transformation across the country.
Beyond the Headlines
Kollie's participation in the IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Boot Camp reflects broader efforts to empower journalists in developing countries, particularly in the field of agriculture. This initiative not only enhances individual skills but also contributes to building a network of informed communicators who can address global challenges such as food security and climate change. The event's focus on innovations and sustainability in African agriculture highlights the continent's potential to lead in these areas, offering valuable lessons for other regions.
