Monrovia — The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the nation’s agricultural sector by deepening its partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) through the launch of a new agricultural mission aimed at expanding farmer support, improving rural infrastructure, and boosting value addition nationwide.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah underscored the growing impact of the Liberia–IFAD partnership, revealing that Liberia has, for the first time, pledged US$100,000 to IFAD’s 13th Replenishment, with half of the amount already paid.
The minister described the contribution as a strong demonstration of national ownership and sustained commitment to financing agricultural development. He further disclosed that the partnership has mobilized more than US$52 million in investments supporting key agricultural initiatives across the country.
The new agricultural mission will focus on expanding and reviewing flagship IFAD-supported programs, including the Tree Crops Extension Project Phase II and the Mid-Term Review of the Building Climate Resilience Project.
Key priorities include the establishment of a National Coffee Seed Garden to promote Liberia’s prized Liberica coffee, expansion of feeder road networks to improve market access for farmers, strengthening cocoa production systems, and scaling up rice production to advance national food security goals.
Officials say improving rural road connectivity remains critical to reducing post-harvest losses and linking farmers to markets.
Minister Nuetah also disclosed ongoing discussions with IFAD to develop a livestock investment project targeting southeastern counties. The initiative will focus on expanding indigenous livestock breeds, including the local Muturu cattle, with the aim of increasing domestic meat production, improving access to animal protein, and creating economic opportunities for rural households.
The agriculture minister emphasized that agro-processing and value addition remain central pillars of the government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
“Processing our agricultural products locally creates jobs, empowers communities, and increases national economic returns,” Nuetah said.
IFAD Country Director Pascaline Barankeba described the mission as essential to ensuring accountability and sustainability of ongoing investments.
“This mission is crucial because it allows us to reflect honestly on what has been achieved, identify gaps, and ensure that our investments deliver sustainable results,” she said.
Through the strengthened partnership, Liberia and IFAD aim to advance a shared vision of transforming agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, and building a more resilient future for communities across the country.
