By: Linda Gbartie
MONROVIA: Eleven (11) agricultural cooperatives and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) from Bong, Nimba, Montserrado and Grand Bassa Counties are benefiting from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) co-investment grants.
The USAID co-investment grants aimed to improve food crop production, processing, and marketing.
A statement from USAID on the signing ceremony of the FSNR Grant on May 22, 2024, disclosed that the grants are co-investments made with eleven agricultural cooperatives and SMEs in four counties, Bong, Montserrado, Grand Bassa and Nimba Counties.
The statement indicated that the United States, through its Agency for International Development Mission in Liberia on May 22, 2024 signed the co-investment grants to improve food crop production, processing, and marketing.
According to USAID, the initiative is part of the US$20 million “Feed the Future Liberia Food Security, Nutrition and Resilience “project funded by USAID.
The statement said the “Feed the Future Liberia Food Security, Nutrition and Resilience “project also aims to enhance agriculture-led economic growth, food security, and nutrition.
Feed the Future is the United States Government’s global initiative to end poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.
Additionally, the United States Agency for International Development revealed that the first cohort of co-investments is in the total of US$421,367.
The USAID also mentioned that US$421,367 grants will leverage private sector investment of US$340,000.
“These grants are designed to enhance food crop productivity and create job opportunities, thereby contributing to Liberia’s overall economic expansion,” the statement said.
The Mission Director of USAID Liberia, Mr. Jim Wright, speaking at the signing ceremony of the FSNR Grants said, they are thrilled to partner with local cooperatives and SMEs to drive private-sector led agricultural growth and development in Liberia.
Mr. Wright highlighted that the signing of the grants is a testament to the power of partnership and collaborations.
Also, one of the sub-grantees, Executive Director of the Say No to Hunger Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, Mr. P. Ezekiel Sayetee, speaking at the event outlined ambitious plans for the use of the Grant.
Mr. P. Ezekiel Sayetee told USAID that his group intent to expand its agricultural operations that will increase their production capacity and create more employment opportunities within the community.
However, Mr. Sayetee expressed gratitude to USAID for the support.
“The co-investment grants program is part of a broader strategy to support economic development in Liberia. The United States aims to stimulate innovation, enhance competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth by partnering with local businesses. This initiative also aligns with the Liberian government’s goals to strengthen the private sector and reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic development,” the statement added.
The signing ceremony of the FSNR Grants was held at the Say No to Hunger Farmer’s Multipurpose Cooperative facility in Nimba County.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from the private sector.
It highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving development goals and showcased the potential of Liberia’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
