[Monrovia, Liberia, October 23, 2024 ] – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) have embarked on a week-long field mission across Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties. This mission aims to assess the implementation progress and impact of key IFAD-funded agricultural projects under the Tree Crop Extension Projects (TCEP I & II) and the Building Climate Resilience Project (BCRP).

The delegation began its visit in Bong County, engaging with 20 enthusiastic farmers, including eight women from the Sustainable Development Farmers group in Gbondoi. With support from the BCRP, these farmers have not just transformed their fields but also their lives by intercropping plantains with vibrant crops like watermelons, cucumbers, peppers, and cabbages. With high-yield seeds, innovative tools, and training in organic fertilizer production, the group has seen remarkable results—harvesting over 52 bags (25kg) of pepper between July and October, generating an impressive L$486,000.

The farmers praised a power tiller introduced by the BCRP, which has improved and revolutionized their land preparation process, cutting the time needed from weeks to just a few days. Plans for a free energy irrigation system are also underway, promising enhanced year-round production and sustainability.
In Melekie, the delegation visited the War-Affected Women Multipurpose Cooperative, where the BCRP has supported a thriving poultry farm of 500 chickens. With a mortality rate below 1%, the cooperative has sold 100 birds, bringing in L$70,000, with plans to reinvest the proceeds to expand operations. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Agriculture and appealed for additional support to complement their efforts to include more women. The group, also involved in rice production, has expanded its lowland farm from 10 to 69 hectares with the help of two power tillers from the project, aiming for 90-100 hectares next year.
In Lofa County, the delegation met cocoa farmers benefiting from TCEP II to discuss challenges, success, best practices, and lessons learned. The farmers reported outstanding results, with early-maturing seedlings producing 25 to 30 pods per tree. Furthermore, the team evaluated the rehabilitation of 62.19 km of farm-to-market road in Voinjama and Kolahun Districts. Under TCEP II, 313 kilometers of roads are planned for rehabilitation in Lofa and Bong, with 60.49 kilometers in Bong alone, significantly improving farmers' access to vital markets.
This joint mission highlights IFAD and the MOA's firm commitment to enhancing agricultural development and food security across Liberia. Insights from these field visits will inform future strategies better to support local farmers and uplift communities sustainably.
The mission will continue with engagements involving agricultural cooperatives under TCEP II to discuss operational successes, challenges, and sustainability, further fostering the growth of Liberia's agricultural landscape.