By By: Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia – The Government of Liberia has officially launched the 2025–2029 STAR-P/ILSA Project, a €5 million agricultural initiative designed to restore degraded soils, strengthen climate resilience, and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.
The project is funded by the European Union (EU) through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture under the leadership of Minister Dr. Alexander Nuetah.
Building on the earlier success of IFAD’s STAR-P program, the new initiative focuses on sustainable soil management, agroforestry, crop diversification, and the local production of environmentally friendly biofertilizers and biopesticides. It aims to directly support over 5,300 smallholder farmers, with special attention to women and youth, while indirectly benefiting tens of thousands more in rural communities.
Speaking during the launch, Pascaline Barankeba, IFAD’s Country Representative, emphasized that the project will establish model farms, promote youth-led green businesses, and enhance national soil laboratories — key steps toward achieving long-term agricultural sustainability.
Also addressing the event, EU Ambassador Nona Deprez highlighted the project’s strong alignment with global and regional goals for climate-smart agriculture and environmental protection.
Representing the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Kpambu Pelima Turay reaffirmed the Liberian government’s commitment to providing policy backing, financial resources, and institutional capacity to ensure the project’s success.
The STAR-P/ILSA Project is seen as a major milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food security, restore soil fertility, and promote environmentally sustainable farming practices. It marks a deepening partnership between the Government of Liberia, IFAD, and the European Union — all working together to build a more resilient and productive agricultural sector for the nation’s future.
