240 Communities are Benefiting from Round Two of REALISE Project’s Community Livelihood and Agriculture Support Component
Under the second round of implementation of the Community Livelihood and Agriculture Support (CLAS) component of the Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project, 240 communities are now benefiting from community development and communal farming support.
In each of the 240 communities, 28 selected individuals will receive tools, seed grants, and a $350 labor subsidy for the duration of the subproject.
Additionally, the project will provide each community with a development grant to implement a project of their choice, aimed at addressing a shared need and promoting the greater good of the community.
While addressing project beneficiaries in Gbarpolu County recently, Component Manager Anita Marshall emphasized the program’s goal, stating, “This project is designed for your benefit. It is intended to improve your standard of living through your own labor, supported by the REALISE project.”
She further encouraged community members, saying, “As beneficiaries, you hold the responsibility to lift yourselves out of poverty. Our role is to provide the necessary support and resources to help you succeed.”
About the CLAS Component
The Community Livelihood and Agriculture Support (CLAS) component is a key element of the REALISE Project. It focuses on enhancing food security and building climate resilience among vulnerable rural populations in Liberia.
Objectives and Activities
CLAS targets 16,200 beneficiaries across eight counties: Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Nimba, and Sinoe. Key activities include:
- Climate-Smart Agriculture Training: Equips beneficiaries with sustainable farming practices to adapt to climate change.
- Life Skills and Business Management Training: Builds the capacity of beneficiaries to manage agricultural activities and run small businesses effectively.
- Technical Assistance: Provides support to extension officers from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) at both county and district levels.
Implementation and Impact
The CLAS component is being implemented in phases. Beneficiary recruitment is conducted through transparent community consultations and a randomized selection process to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
The project is funded by the World Bank, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Government of Liberia.
