Government has commended outgoing International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Representative to Liberia, Madam Pascaline Barankeba.
Madam Barankeba was celebrated for her outstanding contribution that strengthened the agriculture sector, and deepened collaboration between the government and IFAD.
At a well-attended farewell ceremony held in Madam Barankeba’s honor, Agriculture Minister, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, described Madam Barankeba as a “strategic partner whose guidance, advocacy and commitment helped advance Liberia’s agricultural priorities.”
Nuetah recalled that when he returned to the Ministry, Barankeba played a key role that engaged Liberia with IFAD.
“She guided me on the IFAD policies; on what needed to be done for IFAD to give us the attention that we needed.”
Nuetah credited Liberia’s increased commitment to IFAD’s 13th replenishment, which resulted in benefiting from a historic US$56 million allocation.
Dr. Nuetah also highlighted Barankeba’s support for Liberia’s national agriculture agenda, which included the Liberians Feed Yourselves Agenda.
The agenda transformed the sector, increased local production and improve food security.
The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, praised Madam Barankeba’s service.
Ngafuan: “Her tenure reflected a strong partnership between Liberia and IFAD.”
Madam Barankeba meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the partnership with the government, and reflected on the progress made through joint investments in agriculture.
“As I prepare to conclude my assignment as IFAD Country Representative for Liberia, I reflect on the sources of strength that have made this journey so meaningful, the resilience of the farmers, the vision of its leaders, and the enduring partnership between the government and IFAD.”
Achievements under the partnership, included support to rural households, expansion of productive farmland, rehabilitation of cocoa farms, improved rural connectivity, and the establishment of Liberia’s first national cocoa seed garden.
“This achievement belongs to all of us.” Barankeba also recognized the contributions of government institutions, development partners, farmers, cooperatives and rural communities.
She reaffirmed IFAD’s continued commitment to support Liberia’s development priorities, and expressed confidence in the agricultural future.