Bong County, Liberia – September 23, 2026: The Recovery of Economic Activity for Liberian Informal Sector Employment (REALISE) Project has commissioned a farm and rice mill at Freeman Farm in Bong County, marking another significant step toward strengthening Communal agricultural production, improving food security, and expanding livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 23, brought together representatives of the Government of Liberia, REALISE Project, local authorities, community members, farmers, and other stakeholders who witnessed the formal dedication of the agricultural facilities.
The farm and rice mill form part of the REALISE Project’s broader interventions aimed at supporting vulnerable households through livelihood opportunities, agricultural productivity, and community-driven development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Jesse Bengu, Project Coordinator of the REALISE Project, highlighted the importance of the investment in strengthening local agricultural value chains and creating sustainable economic opportunities for beneficiaries.
“The commissioning of this farm and rice mill demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Liberia and its partners to investing in the productive capacity of our people. We want communities to have the tools, facilities, and opportunities they need to produce more, process their products, and improve their livelihoods,” Bengu said.
He noted that the facility is expected to contribute to improved rice production and processing while creating opportunities for farmers and surrounding communities to benefit from agricultural activities.
Bengu further encouraged beneficiaries and community stakeholders to take ownership of the facility and ensure that it is properly maintained and used for the intended purpose.
Also speaking at the occasion, Anita Marshall, Deputy Project Coordinator for Economic Inclusion emphasized the importance of connecting communal support with income generation and economic empowerment.
“Our objective is not simply to provide support, it is to create an opportunity for farmers and communities to increase production, add value to what they produce, and generate sustainable income. This investment is about empowering people to become more economically resilient,” Marshall said.
She stressed that investments in agriculture remain critical to improving household livelihoods, particularly in rural communities where farming serves as a major source of income and food.
The newly commissioned rice mill is expected to help farmers reduce the challenges associated with transporting rice for processing while improving efficiency and adding value to locally produced rice.
The farm will also provide an important platform for agricultural activities and livelihood development within the beneficiary community.
Community members expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, the World Bank, and the REALISE Project for the intervention, noting that the facility could help improve agricultural production and provide additional economic opportunities for farmers.
The commissioning is part of the REALISE Project’s continued efforts to support vulnerable Liberians through investments in livelihoods, social protection, economic inclusion, and community development.
The project is Government of Liberia-owned and supported by the World Bank, AFD and SIDA with implementation involving the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MYS), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), and the Liberia Agency for Community Empowerment (LACE).
