Monrovia – On March 13, 2025, Senator Nathaniel McGill of Margibi County has requested the Liberian Senate to call upon the Minister of Agriculture for a detailed report on the progress of the Smallholder Agriculture Transformation and Agribusiness Revitalization Project (STAR-P) and the Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETRAP). These initiatives, backed by the World Bank with funding around $200 million USD, aim to assist local farmers and enhance agribusiness throughout the nation.

In his communication to Senate President Pro-Tempore and fellow lawmakers, Senator McGill expressed concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of these initiatives. He highlighted that over $40 million USD was allocated under the previous administration for microloans to small farmers, yet details on the distribution and impact of these funds remain unclear.

The senator is requesting a full breakdown of both programs, including a detailed report on fund allocation and disbursement. He also seeks clarity on the number of beneficiaries, their locations, and the extent to which the initiatives are reaching farmers nationwide. Additionally, McGill wants insights into the current implementation and management process to ensure effectiveness.

“Given that these programs involve loan disbursements, it is crucial that we track their progress and ensure that funds are being utilized effectively to benefit our farmers and strengthen our agricultural sector,” McGill stated.

The senator’s petition underscores growing concerns about accountability in Liberia’s agricultural sector, as stakeholders seek to ensure that funding intended for economic empowerment reaches its intended recipients. The outcome of this inquiry could provide critical insights into the effectiveness of government-backed agribusiness initiatives.