U.S. Grants Aim to Bolster Agriculture and Private Sector in Liberia

U.S. Grants Aim to Bolster Agriculture and Private Sector in Liberia.

On May 22, 2024, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Liberia took a significant step towards bolstering Liberia’s agricultural sector by signing co-investment grants aimed at improving food crop production, processing, and marketing. These grants, part of the $20-million “Feed the Future Liberia Food Security, Nutrition, and Resilience” project, are designed to enhance agriculture-led economic growth, food security, and nutrition in Liberia.

In collaboration with eleven agricultural cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Bong, Nimba, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa counties, the USAID initiative seeks to leverage private sector investment to drive agricultural expansion. The first cohort of co-investment grants, totaling $450,000, will be matched with $340,000 in private sector investment. These grants are tailored to boost food crop productivity and create job opportunities, thereby contributing to Liberia’s economic growth.

Jim Wright, USAID Liberia Mission Director, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with local cooperatives and SMEs to foster private-sector-led agricultural growth in Liberia. He emphasized the significance of collaboration in driving development and hailed the event as a testament to the power of partnership.

Among the sub-grantees, the Say No to Hunger Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative stands out with ambitious plans for utilizing the grant. The cooperative aims to expand its agricultural operations, increase production capacity, and generate more employment opportunities within the community. Mr. P. Ezekiel Sayeteeng, Executive Director of the cooperative, expressed gratitude for USAID’s support and optimism for the future.

The co-investment grants program aligns with broader efforts to support economic development in Liberia. The United States aims to foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and promote sustainable economic growth by collaborating with local businesses. This initiative also aligns with the Liberian government’s objectives to strengthen the private sector and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic development.

The signing ceremony, held at the Say No to Hunger Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative facility in Nimba County, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from the private sector. The event underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving development goals and highlighted the potential of Liberia’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Through this partnership, USAID and local stakeholders are working together to drive positive change in Liberia’s agricultural landscape. By investing in agricultural cooperatives and SMEs, they aim to not only increase food crop productivity but also create opportunities for economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas where these cooperatives operate.

The signing ceremony at the Say No to Hunger Farmers’ Multipurpose Cooperative facility serves as a symbol of hope and progress for Liberia’s agricultural sector. It showcases the power of collaboration and underscores the importance of private sector involvement in driving sustainable development.

Moving forward, USAID’s co-investment grants program will continue to support innovative initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth and contribute to the overall prosperity of Liberia. Through such initiatives, the United States reaffirms its commitment to partnering with Liberia on its journey towards a more resilient and prosperous future.