[By O’Neill A.R. Philips/Contributing Writer]
Monrovia — The Country Director of the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) has said the Smallholders Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project ( STAR -P) is a milestone to transform rural livelihoods and future generations of Liberians.
Madame Pascaline Barankeba made the assertion on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at the begining of a three – day STAR – P/ ISLA workshop being held at Corina Hotel in Sinkor.
ISLA , is the acronym for Investing in Livelihood Resilience and Soil Health, a project under the STAR – P at the Ministry of Agriculture and funded by IFAD.
Country Director Pascaline said the first phase of the STAR – P has left a strong foundation.
” The first phase of STAR – P left a strong foundation through strengthening the value chain, improving the rural communities development and expanding market assess,” Madame Pascaline stated.
She said with the next phase of the project under the STAR – P and ISLA , IFAD management team will build on those achievements to boost productivity, increase production, restore soil health and reduce climate vulnerability through sustainable land management, integrating soul fertility and climate smart agriculture.
IFAD Country Director Pascaline emphasized that focus will be placed on rice, oil palm and vegetables production. She said those produce are fundamental components of Liberia’s agriculture transformation and food security.
” Strengthening these value chains , balancing food serenity, increasing income generation and nutrition, Liberia can reduce import dependency and create rural jobs and a more resilient and inclusive economy,” she noted.
Madame Pascaline reiterated that the STAR – P and ISLA project is an opportunity to restore Liberia’s agriculture, soil health, enhances resilience and improve livelihoods for unborn generations of Liberians.
She used the occasion to thank the Government of Liberia through the MOA for its partnership and continued collaboration in implementing IFAD projects in Liberia.
Country Director Pascaline also extended profound appreciation to the European Union and the World Bank for their commitment and collaboration in supporting the implementation of the Government National Agriculture Development Plan ( NADP).
In brief remarks at the opening ceremony, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah warned project implementing partners that his ministry will terminate the services of any implementing partner that will delay the implementation of the project.
Dr. Nuetah said there will be no room for delay and also warned that there will be no extension of project implementation timeline unless there is a new financing agreement for new activities.
” Whatever has happened in the past will not happen this time,” Dr. Nuetah warned. ” If you have a task to perform as an entity and do not perform, we will get you out of it,” he stressed.
The Agriculture Minister used the occasion to remind participants about the tremendous growth in the agriculture sector citing the 2024 World Bank Climate Report on Liberia.
He said the Liberian economy saw a growth of about 4% in 2024 with agriculture driving the growth by 3.4%.
Dr. Nuetah attributed the growth in the agriculture sector to some of the contributions of IFAD through projects like BCRP and TCEP, which are particularly focus on increase rice and tree crops productions.
He thanked IFAD for the support and commended staff of STAR -P for their dedication in implementing agriculture projects across the country.
At the same time, Stephen Marvie, STAR -P and ISLA Project Coordinator told participants at the workshop that it is an opportunity to restart by calling on stakeholders for interactive sessions, and to discuss key project issues.
Mr. Marvie said the three days gathering will create reflection on STAR -P past project implementation strategy and provide a way forward for the implementation of the next phase of the STAR -P and ISLA project.
He also demonstrated a power point presentation on the MOA and IFAD strategic linkage,operational clarity and results, with focus on IFAD policy, strategic, transparency and accountability.
The workshop brings together stakeholders in the agriculture sector including the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP), Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority( LACRA), Ministry of Commerce ( MOCI), Agriculture Cooperatives, the IFAD staff amongst others.
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