Margibi County Senator, Nathaniel McGill, is calling for full accountability in the management and implementation of two major World Bank-funded agriculture programs—the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) and the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP)—which together amount to US$200 million.
In a formal communication to the President Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate and his distinguished colleagues, Senator McGill requested that the Minister of Agriculture be summoned to provide a comprehensive update on these projects, which aim to support local farmers and expand agribusiness across Liberia.
According to McGill, concerns about accountability and transparency surrounding the disbursement and management of these funds must be addressed to ensure that the programs are delivering on their intended purpose—improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and boosting Liberia’s agricultural sector.
“These two projects amount to approximately US$200 million, aimed at supporting local communities and farmers in expanding agribusiness in Liberia,” McGill stated. “Notably, under the STAR-P program, over US$40 million was allocated during the previous administration for granting micro-loans to small farmers across the country. It is imperative that we account for how these resources are being used.”
In his letter, Senator McGill outlined several areas where the Ministry of Agriculture must provide clarity. He requested a full breakdown of the programs, detailing how funds under STAR-P and RETRAP have been allocated and disbursed since their inception. He also demanded information on the total number of beneficiaries, specifying how many farmers or agribusinesses have received loans or other forms of support through these initiatives.
Additionally, McGill asked for a geographical distribution of recipients to ensure that beneficiaries are located across all regions of Liberia and that the programs are being implemented equitably. He also called for a report on the current implementation status, seeking a clear assessment of how both projects are being executed, including management processes and oversight mechanisms.
Senator McGill emphasized that because these programs involve loan disbursement, it is vital to track their progress and ensure the funds are being used effectively to benefit the country’s agricultural sector. “Given the scale of these projects and their potential to transform Liberia’s agricultural landscape, the Senate must ensure proper oversight and transparency,” McGill noted. “The people of Liberia, especially the small farmers these programs are meant to help, deserve to know how this money is being spent and who is benefiting from it.”
The STAR-P and RETRAP programs were established to address critical gaps in Liberia’s agricultural sector by providing financial support to smallholder farmers and strengthening agribusiness value chains. The projects are intended to boost food security, improve rural incomes, and create economic opportunities in Liberia’s farming communities.
However, Senator McGill’s request suggests growing concerns about whether these objectives are being met and whether the resources are reaching the intended beneficiaries. “The lack of public information and periodic updates raises questions,” McGill stressed. “We need a clear picture of where the money has gone, who has benefited, and whether the programs are making the intended impact.”
To address these concerns, Senator McGill is urging the Senate to summon the Minister of Agriculture to appear before the full plenary. During this session, the Minister would be required to provide a detailed report on the status of the STAR-P and RETRAP programs and respond to questions from lawmakers.
McGill included a worksheet from the World Bank website as part of his communication, which provides preliminary details on the funding and objectives of these projects. However, he insists that a more detailed, government-led accounting is necessary to fulfill the Senate’s oversight responsibilities.
“I respectfully urge the Senate to act swiftly by inviting the Minister of Agriculture to provide these necessary updates,” McGill concluded. “This action reinforces our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continued support for our farmers—who are the backbone of Liberia’s agricultural economy.”
The Senate is expected to deliberate on Senator McGill’s request in the coming days. If approved, the Minister of Agriculture will be required to provide the requested information and clarify the management, implementation, and impact of the $200 million agriculture projects.
