Monrovia, October 27, 2025 — The Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project has launched the third and final round of its Communal Farming and Community Development Projects in 273 communities across seven of Liberia’s 15 counties. The initiative falls under the project’s Community Livelihood and Agriculture Support (CLAS) component.
This final round covers Bomi, Bong, Gbarpolu, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, and Nimba Counties. Each participating community will receive support to cultivate 35 acres of farmland with crops of their choice over the course of one year. In addition, every community will receive a development grant of USD 1,800 to implement a project that benefits the wider population.
Speaking during the launch in Gbarnga, Bong County, CLAS Component Lead and Deputy Project Manager Anita Marshall encouraged beneficiaries to show strong commitment to the initiative.
“As we bring these activities to your communities, we want you to be committed and willing to do the job for your own benefit,” she said.
Marshall emphasized that while project staff may not be present daily to monitor progress, community ownership is essential to achieving the desired outcomes.
“Your willingness to work will determine the results we want to see because our goal is to help people rise out of poverty. This is why your communities were selected based on the national poverty ranking, which shows where government support is most needed,” she added.
She also extended gratitude to the leadership of the beneficiary counties for their cooperation and transparency in identifying communities most in need of development support.
Meanwhile, Project Coordinator Jesse H. Bengu urged REALISE implementation staff to demonstrate dedication and reach even the most remote areas.
“I want every one of you to sacrifice your time and energy to reach every town and village that needs this project,” Bengu stated.
Under this phase, 28 communal workers will be selected through a lottery process in each community, along with five community leaders, to collaborate with the project over the next 12 months.
The REALISE Project is funded by the World Bank, French Development Agency (AFD), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE).
