The delegation, headed by the Bank Regional Director for Strategy and Operations, Renaud Seligmann, underscored the World Bank’s commitment to enhancing food security and supporting local farmers.
FUAMAH, Bong County – As a means of bolstering agricultural development in Liberia, a delegation from the World Bank On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, visited the Fuamah Multipurpose Cooperative Society (FMCS) rice fields.
By Bill Cooper, contributing writer
The team, during the tour of the field, witnessed firsthand the impact of the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP) and Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P).
The delegation, headed by the Bank Regional Director for Strategy and Operations, Renaud Seligmann, underscored the World Bank’s commitment to enhancing food security and supporting local farmers through sustainable rice production and other agricultural initiatives.
The FMCS, located in Bong mines, Bong County, has been a beacon of hope for local farmers that are receiving support from the government through the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) to improve their agricultural practices.
The cooperative, which consists of over 986 members, has been a key player in the region’s efforts to increase rice production, a staple food in Liberia, where the demand for locally grown rice has surged in recent years.
However, upon their arrival, the World Bank delegation was greeted by enthusiastic members of the cooperative, who showcased their rice fields and shared their experiences with RETRAP and STAR-P.
During the tour, the team observed the cooperative’s rice fields, which were flourishing thanks to the support received from the project. The delegation was particularly impressed by the level of work done on the farm, thus joining the farmers to harvest their already-ripe rice.
The cooperative’s president, Prince Peters expressed gratitude for the support received from the World Bank, highlighting how the project has transformed the livelihoods of many farmers in the area.
“We are grateful for the assistance we have received through RETRAP and STAR-P because it has not only improved our rice production but has also empowered us as farmers. We are now able to feed our families and contribute to the local economy,” he narrated.
Despite the progress made, Peters also pleaded with the WB team to help them build an irrigation system at the field, something he will enable them to increase their rice production yearly.
The RETRAP and STAR-P is a World Bank, launched in 2021, to support the government program to improve agricultural productivity and market access for Smallholder farmers and agri-enterprises for selected value chains in Liberia.
The projects also focused on providing farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and resources through grants and training on modern farming techniques, enabling farmers to pool resources and share knowledge.
In a remark, the Bank Regional Director for Strategy and Operations, Renaud Seligmann, said, “I am excited to be here today, to witness the tremendous work all of you local farmers are doing for your country, Liberia.”
“And with this progress seen so far, we are committed to supporting local farmers and ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed.
The success of the Fuamah Multipurpose Cooperative Society is a testament to what can be achieved when farmers work together and receive the right support,” he noted.
Seligmann also pledged the World Bank’s continued support for local agricultural initiatives, and added, “We are committed to working with the government to develop solutions that will empower farmers and enhance their livelihoods.”
Deputy Agriculture Minister for Technical Services Moses Gbayan thanked the World Bank team for the support towards local farmers, thus pledging the government’s continuous support to buttress the Bank’s support for local farmers.
Meanwhile, the visit to the FMCS rice fields was not only about assessing agricultural practices but also about engaging with the community, as the Bank delegation took the time to interact with cooperative members, listening to their stories and understanding their aspirations.
One of the highlights of the visit was a demonstration of the harvesting of the rice field, where cooperative members showcased their skills and shared their knowledge with the delegation.
This hands-on experience allowed the World Bank team to appreciate the cultural significance of rice farming in Liberia and the impact RETRAP and STAR-P have had on the farmers.
As the World Bank delegation concluded their visit, there was a sense of optimism among the cooperative members, with the FMCS now looking to expand its operations, with plans to increase rice production and explore new markets for their products.
