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By: Richard Williams /0775339618/ 0881084573/richardwilliamsp30@gmail.com
Suehn Mecca, Bomi county- The French Ambassador to Liberia, Isabelle Le Guellec, has commended the impact of the REALISE Project following a field visit to Suehn Mecca District in Bomi County.
Speaking during the visit on Thursday, Ambassador Le Guellec expressed satisfaction with the level of progress achieved under the program, noting that it is not only boosting agricultural production but also strengthening local capacities, promoting group cohesion, and building resilience among rural households.
“Beyond boosting agricultural production, the programme is strengthening local capacities. I am impressed based on what has been showcased of beneficiaries’ harvests and processed products,” she said, urging beneficiaries to take full ownership of the initiative. She added that the Government of Liberia would continue to provide support when international partners are not present.
The Ambassador’s remarks came as beneficiaries of the REALISE-CLASS initiative displayed samples of their agricultural produce and processed goods in Maloma Town. Residents shared testimonies of how the project has transformed their livelihoods.
One beneficiary, Salia Kamara, highlighted the establishment of a local rice mill that now serves more than 28 surrounding communities. According to Kamara, the initiative has enabled families to send their children to school and sustain themselves through agriculture and related income-generating activities.
The REALISE Project is supported by significant funding from the Government of France through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which is contributing approximately US$9.5 million to livelihood activities in rural Liberia. The funding aims to help vulnerable communities rebuild economic activities, improve food security, and strengthen local resilience.
In a post-visit interview, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Frederick Cooper, described the beneficiaries’ testimonies as encouraging. He said the feedback “confirms the old adage that it is better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish,” noting that the Maloma community has already begun planning how to sustain the gains of the project after its completion.
Anita Marshall, Deputy Project Coordinator for Economic Inclusion under REALISE, provided an overview of the CLASS initiative, which focuses on equipping beneficiaries with sustainable farming practices adaptable to climate change, while strengthening their capacity to manage agricultural activities and small businesses effectively.
Bomi County Development Officer Alfred Zinnah also commended the government and development partners for extending opportunities to rural citizens. He called for increased support for mechanized farming to boost production and urged beneficiaries in Maloma to remain committed to sustaining the program.
“If we can bring more tractors and modern equipment to our farmers, production will rise even faster. We ask our partners to keep the momentum going,” Zinnah said.
The field visit delegation included the French Ambassador, representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the World Bank, and local government officials.
The REALISE Project is implemented by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment, with support from international partners. The initiative seeks to improve income opportunities and food security for vulnerable populations, particularly women and youth in rural communities.
