NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA – May 12, 2025 — A high-powered delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and the World Bank has hit the ground running in Nimba County to kick off a week-long joint field mission aimed at assessing the transformative impact of the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP).

Over the next four days, the mission will crisscross key counties, Nimba, Bong, Margibi, and Montserrado to inspect ongoing field activities, engage local farmers, and gather firsthand insights from communities benefiting from the US$55 million initiative.
Backed by the World Bank and implemented by the MOA, RETRAP is changing the narrative of rural development in Liberia. The project is focused on unlocking economic opportunities for the rural poor by boosting agricultural productivity, connecting farmers to markets, and supporting agribusinesses that are deeply rooted in local communities.
Targeting over 90,000 beneficiaries across 11 counties, half of them women - RETRAP is putting money in the hands of farmers through improved value chains in cassava, rubber, piggery, and poultry. It is also funding the construction of roads, storage facilities, and market hubs to improve farm-to-market access, while strengthening the capacity of key government institutions and private sector players.
The field mission is not just a routine check. It’s a critical pulse-check on Liberia’s bold effort to shift agriculture from subsistence to business.
“Our goal is to ensure that the project is on track and delivering real, tangible benefits to the people it was designed to serve,” said World Bank’s Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader, Osman Gyasi Kadir at the launch of the field mission in Tappita, Nimba County.
Throughout the tour, the team will evaluate infrastructure upgrades, monitor crop production and processing centers, and speak directly with farmers and agri-entrepreneurs about their experiences. This hands-on engagement is expected to highlight both successes and areas where adjustments may be needed to improve delivery.
The mission team is made up of experts from the World Bank, senior government officials, technical staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Corporative Development Agency (CDA)
At the end of the four-day mission, a detailed report will be produced outlining progress, gaps, and actionable recommendations. The findings will guide the next phase of RETRAP implementation, ensuring that the project not only stays on track but accelerates its impact.
Most importantly, the mission aims to build stronger partnerships among stakeholders and reaffirm Liberia’s commitment to inclusive agricultural growth.
As Liberia works toward self-sufficiency in food production and economic resilience, RETRAP stands as a beacon of hope, turning plowshares into prosperity, and fields into thriving enterprises.