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A delegation from Liberia’s Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) has completed a learning and exchange visit to Sierra Leone’s Agriculture Value Chain Development Project, aimed at strengthening collaboration among International Fund for Agricultural Development-supported initiatives in the region.
Led by Project Coordinator Stephen Marvie Jr., the visit sought to draw lessons from AVDP’s success in improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and advancing agribusiness development. He described AVDP as one of IFAD’s leading projects in Africa, noting its significant impact on transforming farming communities.
The Liberian delegation focused on two key areas: oil palm development for smallholder farmers and Inland Valley Swamp (IVS) cultivation through a community-based approach. Marvie said AVDP’s strength lies in its ability to transition farmers from low productivity to sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprises through inclusive participation and targeted investments.
During the visit, the team toured several AVDP intervention communities in southern Sierra Leone, engaging directly with beneficiaries and local stakeholders. The interactions provided firsthand insight into improvements in farming practices, productivity, and livelihoods.
The delegation also visited Njala University, where discussions focused on research collaboration and the institution’s role in supporting the oil palm value chain, particularly in seedling pre-nursery management.
At the closing session, AVDP Project Manager Monica Kwame-Greene highlighted the complementary nature of the two projects. She explained that while STAR-P focuses more on agribusiness enterprise development, AVDP prioritises equipping smallholder farmers with the skills and resources needed to build sustainable farming businesses.
She reaffirmed AVDP’s commitment to knowledge sharing and regional cooperation, citing the longstanding ties between Sierra Leone and Liberia. Plans for a reciprocal learning visit to Liberia were also announced.
