The Government of Liberia has signed a landmark agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to implement the Scaling-up Agro-ecology Approaches in Liberia Project. The initiative is funded by a US$5.3 million grant aimed at revolutionizing Liberia’s agricultural sector through sustainable farming practices.
The signing ceremony, held in Monrovia, saw Liberia represented by Minister of Finance and Development Planning Hon. Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, while IFAD’s Country Representative, Miss Pascaline Barankieba, signed on behalf of the organization.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ngafuan expressed gratitude for the partnership, describing the project as a cornerstone of Liberia’s efforts to improve food security, combat climate change, and enhance the livelihoods of rural farmers.
The project aims to introduce sustainable farming practices that enhance productivity while preserving natural resources. It will provide smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, with tools, training, and support to improve soil fertility, conserve water, and protect biodiversity. Market linkages will also be strengthened to boost farmers’ incomes and improve access to resources.
Miss Barankieba played a key role in formalizing the partnership. IFAD’s involvement underscores its commitment to addressing food security and supporting sustainable development in Liberia.
The project is expected to benefit thousands of farmers in Liberia’s rural communities, many of whom face challenges such as soil degradation, limited access to resources, and the impacts of climate change. By promoting agro ecology, the initiative will help reduce dependence on chemical inputs, improve yields, and foster long-term resilience.
The Scaling-up Agro-ecology Approaches in Liberia Project represents a crucial step toward achieving sustainable development in the country. It builds on Liberia’s agricultural ambitions, leveraging international collaboration to create a model for eco-friendly farming practices in West Africa.
With implementation set to begin soon, the project is poised to deliver significant impacts, ranging from increased food security to improved rural livelihoods. For Liberia, this agreement is not only a funding milestone but also a commitment to a future defined by sustainable and inclusive growth in agriculture.
