By O’Neill A.R. Philips
Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander, has called for more funding to develop the sector.
Nuetah’s called in when government and partners launched a €5 million STAR-P, and ILSA project to improve soil resilience, and enhance smallholder farmers livelihood.
Dr. Nuetah urged the government to consider a way to source additional funding to impart targeted beneficiaries in the agriculture sector.
He made the remark at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, during the launch of the Smallholder Farmers Transformation, and Agribusiness Revitalization Project, and Investing in Livelihood Resilience and Soil Health in ACP Countries (STAR-P/ILSA) program.
Nuetah said the STARP/ISLA targets about 5,300 smallholder farmers, but with €5 million allocated for the implementation of the project.
While considering the amount intended for each beneficiary, Liberia still has a long way to go to achieve her objective in food security.
“As I look at our set targeted beneficiaries, and considering the €5 million for 48 months, I think we should consider how to get additional funding,” Dr. Nuetah said.
He however acknowledged the amount, and thanked the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) for allocating the largest portion of the fund for African Caribbean and Pacific Countries (ACP).
Nuetah said Liberia needs additional funding for agriculture to cultivate rice, cassava, oil palm and vegetables, which will serve as fundamental economic growth.
Furthermore, in a press release issued by the MoA on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Ministry admitted that the sector continues to face major financing constraints, despite being the backbone of the economy.
IFAD Country Representative, Pascaline Barankeba, spoke of the establishment of model farms, youth-led green enterprises to strengthen national soil laboratories to support long-term sustainability.
Madame Barankeba said the STAR-P/ILSA Project represents a strategic partnership between the government, IFAD, and the EU to build resilient food systems, restore soil health, and promote sustainable agricultural development.
The 2025–2029 STAR-P/ILSA Project, is funded by the EU through IFAD and implemented by the MoA.
The project aims to restore degraded soils, improve climate resilience, and enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers nationwide.