Deaths Overwhelm US$200K Livestock Investment

What was announced as a major investment in the livestock sector has been overtaken by unsuspected deaths of the animals.

As such, the sector faces scrutiny over delivery, procurement and accountability because of the losses among Muturu cattle destined for Grand Kru County.

Government reportedly committed US$200,000 to acquire 200 Muturu cattle under the Ministry of Agriculture’s livestock development program.

The development is part of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s “Liberians Feed Yourselves” agenda. According to findings attributed to Liberia Early Warning Watch (LEW-Watch), only 47 cattle arrived in Liberia in the initial delivery.

Of that number, 12 were reportedly taken to the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), while 35 were transported to Grand Kru.

Agriculture Ministry has provided a different account of the losses.

According to reports, the Ministry said, 24 of the 35 cattle died during transportation, citing the length of the journey, and inadequate feeding. The supplier has reportedly agreed to replace the dead animals.

The reported difference between the 200 cattle purchased, and the 47 reportedly received in the initial delivery has become a central issue surrounding the project.

The Ministry is expected to clarify whether the remaining animals were delivered through subsequent shipments, remained with the supplier, or were covered under a different delivery arrangement. At the center of the controversy is the need for a clear reconciliation of government’s procurement, payment, delivery, transportation, losses and replacement arrangements. The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission electronic procurement system shows that the Ministry of Agriculture advertised a national competitive bidding process for Muturu cattle in April.

LEW-Watch has also raised allegations concerning a procurement protest by another vendor, and the Ministry’s handling of the process.

Those allegations require verification through official procurement records, including bidding, and evaluation documents, any protest filed, the Ministry’s response and the PPCC’s determination.

The Muturu project intends to rebuild livestock sector, and increase domestic food production.

The reported losses have consequently placed greater attention on the planning, procurement, transportation, and implementation of government-funded agricultural projects.