In a momentous move to bolster agricultural development in Liberia, the World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have commenced a joint field supervision mission for the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P). The mission, which began on September 2 and is set to continue through September 3, 2024, aims to assess and enhance the implementation of this pivotal project across five counties in Liberia.
The STAR-P initiative, funded by both the World Bank and IFAD, is designed to transform Liberia’s agricultural sector by fortifying value chains for critical crops, enhancing market access, and promoting agribusiness growth. This mission will scrutinize the project’s ongoing execution, focusing on its financial management, procurement procedures, and compliance with environmental and social safeguards.
Leading the World Bank delegation is Osman Gyasi Kadir, Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader. The IFAD team is spearheaded by Operations Officer Johnson Kolubah. The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) is represented by Deputy Ministers Moses R. Gbanyan, who oversees Regional Development, Research, and Extension, and Antoinette F. Dukuly, who handles Administration.
The mission will cover the implementation areas in Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, and Nimba counties. Field visits to project beneficiaries in these regions are a key component of the mission, offering firsthand insights into the project’s progress and its real-world impact.
National Project Coordinator Galah Toto and STAR-P Operations Manager Stephen Marvie will also participate, providing critical oversight and input on the project’s execution and challenges.
This mission underscores the ongoing dedication of the World Bank, IFAD, and the Liberian government to improving agricultural productivity and advancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers throughout the country. The anticipated outcomes of this mission are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that STAR-P achieves its goals and delivers lasting benefits to Liberia’s agricultural sector.
The mission’s findings and recommendations will be pivotal in refining the project’s strategies and ensuring its success, thereby supporting Liberia’s broader agricultural transformation goals and contributing to the nation’s economic development.