The African Development Bank (AfDB) has initiated a mid-term review of its $19.4 million project, the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS), aimed at improving food security and reducing poverty among rural populations in Liberia.
The assessment, which commenced on March 24, 2024, is set to conclude on April 4, and involves comprehensive discussions with key stakeholders, including Liberia’s Agriculture Minister, Alexander Nuetah.
Mark Eghan, Principal Agricultural Economist at AfDB, heads the mission, which seeks to evaluate the project’s progress since its approval.
The review focuses on measuring achievements against planned outputs and outcomes while providing support for overcoming challenges related to procurement, financial management, and overall project execution, as detailed in a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture.
During the opening discussions, Minister Nuetah expressed his support for the project, underscoring the necessity of aligning its objectives with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan. He cautioned against significant shifts in project direction that could potentially cause delays in implementation.
The AfDB team will engage with various stakeholders, including project beneficiaries and implementing partners, to gain insights into the project’s impact and identify areas for additional support. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the objectives of SADFONS are met effectively while addressing any challenges that may arise.
This mission reiterates AfDB’s commitment to enhancing food and nutrition security in Liberia through the successful implementation of agricultural projects that focus on boosting productivity, improving market access, and strengthening rural livelihoods. The project specifically targets increased production of staple food crops such as rice, cassava, and vegetables, thereby empowering smallholder farmers.
Over its five-year lifespan, SADFONS aims to cover five counties, ultimately working to improve the overall food and nutrition security of targeted rural populations. The findings from the mid-term assessment will be summarized in an Aide-Mémoire, to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance, outlining key insights and recommendations for future actions.
