Liberia has launched a new €5 million agricultural project to restore degraded soils, strengthen climate resilience, and improve livelihoods for thousands of smallholder farmers.
The 2025–2029 STAR-P/ILSA Project, co-financed by the European Union (EU) through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), was officially unveiled by the Ministry of Agriculture in Monrovia.
The initiative, titled Investing in Livelihood Resilience and Soil Health in Africa (ILSA), builds upon the earlier Smallholder Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalisation Project (STAR-P).
It will promote climate-smart farming, soil rehabilitation, agroforestry, and the use of locally produced biofertilisers and biopesticides. Targeted value chains include horticulture, tree crops, and non-timber forest products.
Agriculture Minister Dr Alexander Nuetah said the project reflects Liberia’s renewed commitment to sustainable farming and rural self-reliance.
“We fought hard to shape this project to reflect Liberia’s vision for a sustainable and productive agriculture sector,” Nuetah said.
“This is a major step in the right direction, one that will help our smallholder farmers build resilience and restore the strength of our soil.”
The €5 million investment is expected to benefit approximately 5,300 farmers, with nearly half of them being women and youth. It will support model farms, capacity-building in soil testing and management, and the introduction of eco-friendly agricultural inputs to reduce dependence on imported fertilisers and chemicals.
Nuetah noted that ILSA aligns with other EU-backed programmes such as Seed4Liberia, which promotes elite cassava varieties and revives the Coffee Liberica strain.
He added that the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will launch its “One Country, One Priority” initiative focused on Liberica coffee during the National Agriculture Fair in December.
“Thanks to the EU, we are now resuscitating Coffee Liberica, a product of national pride,” he said.
IFAD Country Representative Pascaline Barankeba highlighted the project’s importance amid rising climate threats to food security.
“Across Liberia, unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and declining soil fertility threaten farmers’ livelihoods,” she said.
“Resilient food systems begin with healthy soils, empowered communities, and inclusive rural economies. This project will help strengthen all three.”
Barankeba added that IFAD will help establish 100 modern farms, 100 youth-led green enterprises, and strengthen national soil laboratories to promote science-driven agriculture.
EU Ambassador Nona Deprez described the initiative as part of the EU’s broader strategy, which links agriculture and climate action.
“This is not just another project; it is a €5 million investment in the future of Liberia’s farmers,” Deprez said.
“It integrates soil health research, sustainable input production, and resilience against climate impacts, core to the EU’s development policy.”
Representing the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Kpambu Pelima Turay reaffirmed government support for transparency and results.
“Agriculture is central to Liberia’s economic growth and poverty reduction,” Turay said. “Investing in soil health and farmer resilience strengthens communities and contributes to national development.”
The STAR-P/ILSA Project will run from 2025 to 2029, focusing on sustainable land management, climate-smart agricultural practices, and market access for smallholders.
Minister Nuetah officially declared the project launched “We are ready to show impact, not just on paper, but in the field,” he said.
“This project represents hope, resilience, and the rebirth of our agricultural future.”
Source: Liberian Investigators
