Monrovia, Liberia – The World Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have launched a joint technical implementation support mission for the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P). This mission, which began on August 26, 2024, and will conclude on September 6, 2024, is designed to assess the current status of the project’s implementation and accelerate its progress through strategic interventions.
The mission’s primary objectives are to review STAR-P’s ongoing implementation, enhance its execution, and address emerging challenges. Particular focus will be placed on the project’s financial management, procurement performance, and environmental and social safeguard standards compliance.
Leading the World Bank delegation is Osman Gyasi Kadir, Senior Agriculture Economist, and Task Team Leader, while Operations Officer Johnson Kolubah heads the IFAD team. Representing the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) are Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research, and Extension Moses R. Gbanyan and Deputy Minister for Administration Antoinette F. Dukuly. Key figures from the STAR-P and the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) are also involved, including National Project Coordinator Galah Toto and STAR-P Operations Manager Stephen Marvie.
As part of the mission, the teams will conduct a field visit to selected project beneficiaries in Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, Margibi, and Nimba counties. This field mission, scheduled for September 2-3, 2024, will offer firsthand insights into the project’s progress and impact on the ground.
Funded by the World Bank and IFAD, STAR-P is focused on transforming Liberia’s agricultural sector by enhancing value chains for key crops, improving market access, and promoting agribusiness development.