GOL Secures US$5.3 Million EU Grant For Agricultural Development
GOL Secures US$5.3 Million EU Grant For Agricultural Development
MONROVIA, Dec. 5 (LINA) – Amid efforts to build a sustainable agricultural sector, the Government of Liberia (GOL) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have signed a €5 million (approximately $5.3 million) grant agreement from the European Union (EU) to fund the Scaling-Up Agroecology Approaches in Liberia.
This initiative marks a pivotal step toward boosting agricultural sustainability and addressing climate change challenges in Liberia.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Monrovia on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan hailed the EU’s continued support as a cornerstone of Liberia’s agricultural transformation.
He emphasized that the grant aligns with the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development and the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP).
“This grant is more than financial aid; it’s a bold statement of our shared vision for a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector,” Minister Ngafuan said.
For her part, IFAD Country Representative Pascaline Barankeba described the signing as a milestone in Liberia’s agricultural journey.
She reiterated IFAD’s dedication to supporting Liberia through sustained and innovative partnerships, noting that the organization will announce Liberia’s allocation under its 13th replenishment (IFAD 13) early next year.
“This grant is not just about funding; it is about empowering Liberia’s farmers with the tools and resources they need to thrive,” Madam Barankeba stated.
The EU-funded project aims to strengthen the resilience of smallholder farmers by promoting agroecological practices.
Minister Ngafuan signed on behalf of the GOL, while IFAD’s Pascaline Barankeba represented IFAD.
He added that the project will bolster food security, enhance climate resilience, and open income-generating opportunities for her organization.
Other dignitaries present included Agriculture Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Finance Ministers Anthony G. Myers and Tanneh G. Brunson, Acting Deputy Minister for Administration Paul T. Lamin, and key officials from the agriculture and finance ministries.
Key components of the initiative include, improving soil fertility and sustainable water management systems, introducing irrigation technologies tailored to smallholder needs and fostering innovative co-creation models for community engagement.
The project is part of the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P), which has already received $28 million in co-financing from IFAD and the World Bank.
The new funding complements existing resources and extends STAR-P’s operational timeline to four years starting in 2025.
