The REALISE Project has officially launched its Community Livelihood and Agriculture Component (CLAS) in a ceremony held in Vehyipa, a village renowned for its agricultural activities situated on the outskirts of Sanniquellie. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency across eight counties in Liberia, marking a significant step toward community development and sustainable farming.
The launch event attracted a broad audience, including key government figures such as Julius Sele, Chief Launcher and Executive Director of the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE); Youth and Sports Minister Cllr. Cole Bangalu; Nimba County Superintendent Kou Gono; and several other dignitaries, all present to support this vital initiative.
In his address to the attendees, Chief Launcher Julius Sele underscored the necessity for local farmers to seize the opportunities provided by the REALISE Project. “Take full advantage of the government offerings through the REALISE Project and focus on growing more local food to mitigate the significant burden of purchasing imported rice,” he urged the community members.
Sele also emphasized the critical need for self-sufficiency in food production. “When we grow our own food, we gain control over the choices we make regarding what we consume in our homes,” he asserted. His remarks were a clarion call for initiative and resilience within the local agricultural sector.
Addressing the challenges posed by climate change, Sele advised farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. “Be vigilant about climate change and its impacts on livelihoods. Utilize the techniques you have learned through the project, avoid indiscriminate tree cutting, and aim to maximize your yields by improving the management of lowland areas,” he stressed.
Representatives from the World Bank and the French Development Agency, key financiers of the REALISE Project, also attended the ceremony. They expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress and reiterated their commitment to promoting sustainability and self-sufficiency among beneficiaries.
The REALISE Project is a collaborative effort funded by a consortium of organizations including the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Government of Liberia. With its agriculture component now active in eight counties, the project aims to empower local communities and enhance food security across the region.
