-Country Director Asserts Milestone To Transform Rural Livelihoods
MONROVIA – The Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Madame Pascaline Barankeba, has declared that the Smallholders Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) is a milestone initiative designed to transform rural livelihoods and secure the future of generations of Liberians.
Madame Barankeba made the assertion on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the opening of a three-day start-up workshop for STAR-P and its component project, ISLA (Investing in Livelihood Resilience and Soil Health). The workshop was held at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor.
The IFAD Country Director noted that the first phase of STAR-P laid a strong foundation for the new initiatives. “The first phase of STAR-P left a strong foundation through strengthening the value chain, improving rural community development, and expanding market access,” she stated.
She outlined that the next phase, under STAR-P and ISLA, will build on these achievements to boost productivity, increase production, restore soil health, and reduce climate vulnerability through sustainable land management.
“A focus will be placed on rice, oil palm, and vegetables production,” Madame Barankeba emphasized. “These produce are fundamental components of Liberia’s agriculture transformation and food security.”
She reiterated that the project represents a pivotal opportunity to restore Liberia’s agricultural soil health, enhance resilience, and improve livelihoods for future generations. The Country Director also extended gratitude to the Government of Liberia, the European Union, and the World Bank for their collaboration and support.
In his remarks, Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah issued a stern warning to implementing partners, stating that his ministry would not tolerate delays. He vowed to terminate the services of any partner that fails to perform according to the project’s timeline.
“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.”
The Minister pointed to a 3.4% growth in the agriculture sector, as reported by the World Bank in 2024, attributing part of this success to past IFAD-funded projects. He thanked IFAD for its continued support and commended the staff of STAR-P for their dedication.
Meanwhile, the STAR-P and ISLA Project Coordinator, Stephen Marvie, explained that the three-day workshop was designed as an interactive session for stakeholders to reflect on past implementation strategies and chart a clear path forward for the new project phase. The workshop brought together key stakeholders from various government agencies, regulatory bodies, and agricultural cooperatives.
