Agriculture Ministry Launches Specialized Refresher Training to Enhance Child Labor and SGBV Prevention in RETRAP Project Counties

Gbarnga, Bong County– November 24, 2025 – The Ministry of Agriculture, through its Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP), has kicked off a three-day specialized training in Gbarnga to equip frontline agricultural officers with the skills to address child labor and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in their communities.

The refresher training brings together 25 members of RETRAP’s Grievance Redress Committees, County Agriculture Coordinators, and leaders of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) from Bong, Nimba, Margibi, Grand Cape Mount, and Montserrado counties.

The initiative aims to strengthen the project's Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), ensuring community members have a safe, accessible, and trusted channel to report abuses. This effort is a direct response to recent monitoring reports, which identified gaps in understanding and applying child labor safeguards and SGBV response protocols among project partners.

“We want to create an environment where people feel heard and where institutions respond with clarity and urgency when issues arise,” said Chief Konikay Nimely, RETRAP Environmental Safeguards Specialist and Lead Facilitator. “This training builds a culture where farmers feel confident to speak up, knowing the system will protect them.”

Through practical exercises such as case studies, role-plays, and reporting drills, participants are learning to identify, prevent, and respond appropriately to sensitive social issues. The curriculum is aligned with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards, which mandate robust community feedback systems.

Participants expressed confidence that the new skills would directly benefit their communities.

“Farmers faced problems for years, but didn’t know where to report them. Now, I understand how the GRM works and can help others use it,” said Augustine Kollie, a participant.

Sarah Nimpson from Nimba County added, “I work with women farmers every day. This training has opened my eyes to how we can report issues safely.”

The training, which runs from November 24 -26, 2025, underscores the Ministry of Agriculture's commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, and accountable project environments, ensuring that vulnerable community members are protected and empowered.

RETRAP seeks to enhance agricultural productivity and promote inclusive rural economic growth.