©FAO Liberia

PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION

THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

Fe b r u ar y 2 0 2 3

SDGs:

Country: Liberia

Project Code: TCP/LIR/3703

FAO Contribution: USD 436 000

Duration: 1 September 2019-31 December 2021

Contact Info: FAO Representation in Liberia

FAO-LR@fao.org
PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

Implementing Partners Maize is widely utilised in commercial poultry diet across

Ministry of Agriculture (MoA); Ministry of Internal the world because of its high calorie content and ease of
Affairs (MIA). digestion. Harvested green, maize is produced in a variety
of agroecological zones in Liberia and consumed as a
Beneficiaries
standard dish. However, due to limited production,
Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI); Liberia had to import an estimated 15 500 mt of maize in
Extensionists; Feed producers; Maize farmers; 2015, mainly from neighbouring Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire
Poultry farmers. (FAO/WFP. 2015. Crop and food security assessment). This
Country Programming Framework (CPF) Outputs reliance on expensive imported feeds limits local farmers'
ability to compete with meat and egg imports.
CPF Output 1: Sustainable and resilient food systems for
Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the
improved food and nutrition security, disaster and crisis
project aimed to enhance and sustain maize production
established and enhanced.
in order to provide consistent and affordable sources of
CPF Output 2: Access to information, technology, and
corn for feed production, hence increasing the profit
inputs for sustainable and inclusive agricultural livelihoods,
margins of both feed producers and poultry farmers, as
production, and productivity among smallholder farmers
well as the viability of domestic chicken production. With
enhanced.
more competitive farmers, local production of affordable
fresh eggs and meat can generate sustainable livelihoods
and enhance food and nutrition security in Liberia.

IMPACT
The project contributed to efforts to ensure food and
nutrition security, as well as to improve the livelihoods
©FAO Liberia of the population in targeted counties. Implemented
activities contributed to maintaining maize productivity
BACKGROUND
and increasing crop and livestock production, thereby
With 70 percent of its population reliant on agricultural contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2,
livelihoods, Liberia heavily depends on agriculture for its which is geared towards ending hunger by 2030. By
economic growth. Subsistence farming accounts for ensuring farmers have stable livelihoods and access
around 35 percent of the sector, with rice and cassava to affordable livestock feed, this project contributed to
being the main staple foods (Ministry of Finance and SDG 1, which aims to eradicate poverty.
Development Planning. 2017). Livestock is an important
part of the agricultural economy because it provides food, ACHIEVEMENT OF RESULTS
nutrients, income, savings, draught power, manure,
In Bomi, Bong and Nimba counties, the project ensured
transportation and a variety of other social and cultural
that both human and logistical resources are available
services. It offers good job prospects and employs
to safeguard maize production as a viable agricultural
60 percent of the national workforce, with a gross
industry for sustainable development. This was
domestic product (GDP) per capita growth at 7.3 percent
accomplished through the implementation of
for the period 2009 to 2013. Traditional herding
capacity-strengthening activities for farmers and
techniques accounts for 100 percent of cattle, goats,
extensionists from public institutions. Farmers were also
sheep and guinea fowl holdings and 58 percent of pig
given agricultural inputs to boost crop productivity,
holdings (FAO. 2012. Country Programming Framework
as well as equipment for improved maize processing. The
Liberia).
project focused on building the capacities of maize
One of the biggest issues impeding animal production and
producers and aggregators to use postharvest storage
productivity, particularly poultry production, is a lack of
facilities and machinery. Dehusking equipment was
feed supplies. In rural areas, poultry feed consists of
provided to aggregators to increase maize production
scattered grains from threshing flour mills, leftover grains,
quality, and enhanced storage facilities were
broken rice, kitchen wastes, grass, insects and leftover
constructed. Three warehouses were built and equipped
boiled rice. Wheat, rice polish, fishmeal, oyster shell,
with post-harvest processing and bagging machinery.
common salt and vitamin-mineral premix are also popular
imported materials used as chicken feed.

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PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

This material, together with trainings on efficient FOLLOW-UP FOR GOVERNMENT ATTENTION
agronomic, processing and marketing practises, offered
innovative solutions to maize farmers, aggregators, feed To assure the continuation of this project and an exit
strategy from this assistance, another FAO-led project is
processors and livestock producers. Market linkages were
also established to offer further development for their being initiated for the ensuing biennium to assist livestock
businesses. producers in expanding livestock production, with an
emphasis on feed production enhancement. Similarly,
The interventions facilitated the production of poultry
feed and poultry at lower cost. Employing newly acquired support to livestock farmers under the MoA-led World
enhanced agricultural practises, as well as pest Bank-funded Rural Economic Transformation (RETRAP)
initiative builds on the existing project's success, notably
management techniques, poultry feed producers and
processors gradually began producing reliable and in terms of long-term access to feed. Implemented
consistent supplies of dried maize for feed production. from June 2021 to June 2026, RETRAP supports
small-to-medium scale producers in upscaling their
The support given throughout the aggregation and
post-harvest stages that led to lowering feed production production of maize, soy bean, cassava and cow pea to
costs, eventually helped poultry producers increase fresh ensure sustainable access to feed for livestock production.
egg and meat production, enabling them to compete with SUSTAINABILITY
imported goods.
In order to assure the sustainability of maize production, 1. Capacity development
the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) was Through a training of trainers (ToT) model, 18 maize lead
supported to produce and supply quality foundation seeds farmers, three district agriculture officers and three county
to potential maize farmers. Furthermore, maize producers agriculture officers from Bomi, Bong and Nimba counties
were linked to processors, and processors to poultry were trained on sustainable maize production,
farmers. productivity and crop protection, including pests and
The project revived an institutional collaboration between disease management. They, in turn, trained other farmers
the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Ministry of on maize production for animal consumption.
Internal Affairs' (MIA) Communal Farming Division by 2. Gender equality
reactivating a previously signed Memorandum of
The project had a gender-sensitive approach. Three of
Understanding (MoU), thus ensuring instructional
the thirteen cooperatives referenced were women-led.
sustainability of the project. The project concept was
Participation of both women and men was ensured during
integrated into the national and local programming
consultations, assessments, trainings and site selection.
of MoA, MIA, and CARI. These three institutions have
While women represent about 70 percent of the
pledged to maintain and expand on the benefits obtained.
agricultural labour force, they face challenges in accessing
IMPLEMENTATION OF WORK PLAN AND BUDGET lands and other productive resources, training
opportunities and access to credit. In order to contribute
As a result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on towards addressing this inequality, the project prioritized
movement, accessing internationally procured items, female beneficiaries in gaining access to essential inputs
acquiring timely construction services by local providers, such as tools, machinery, trainings and advisory services.
as well as obtaining international specialized FAO expertise Gender and social inclusion elements were mainstreamed
were challenging. Some activities were cancelled and during the project implementation. Women, youth,
the budget was considerably revised following a workshop persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the elderly received
and needs assessment that indicated other emerging relevant inputs and technical assistance, consistent with
needs. These impediments and changes required a no-cost the findings of the needs assessment in which specific
extension of the project to ensure its completion. areas along the value chain were analysed to define how
these specific groups could participate. Child labour was
avoided as cooperatives are empowered, and all
stakeholder engagements included sensitization and
awareness about the dangers of using child labour. Under
its protection of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA)
reporting mechanism, FAO gave beneficiaries and
community members the opportunity to report any
©FAO Liberia
suspicion of child labour.

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PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

In addition, unannounced inspections of project sites 5. Technological sustainability

were regularly conducted to ensure that all PSEA and None of the project participants were familiar with the
anti-exploitation measures were followed. dehusking equipment introduced. However, beneficiaries
3. Environmental sustainability welcomed this new technology as they found it suited
for their work. During the project, good agronomic
In accordance with the FAO-WHO international pesticide
practises, as well as preservation methods inspired by
management code of conduct, the project managed
local knowledge, skills, and technology, were appraised
environmental risk by ensuring that no hazardous
and promoted.
chemical were used at production and processing sites
and by encouraging the use of organic fertilizers. 6. Economic sustainability
Aggregation and processing facilities along places with As a result of the newly developed semi-commercial
hydrological power grids were encouraged to connect production of maize for animal feed, new occupations
to minimize the use of fuel-powered generators. were created in maize production, animal feed processing
4. Human Rights-based Approach (HRBA) – in particular and aggregation, particularly transportation opportunities
Right to Food and Decent Work for part-time motorcycling youths.

The Right to Food, especially nutritious food, was

promoted under this project. During all trainings, modules
on nutrition covering production, processing, domestic
preparation and consumption of meat products as a
source of protein were offered. Similarly, the Right to
Decent Work for all community actors, including men,
women, elderly, PWDs and youth, was also enhanced
along all aspects of the value chain. The project promoted
the safety of labourers, ensured that safety equipment
was used, including boots and gloves, and that labourers
were reasonably remunerated.

©FAO Liberia

DOCUMENTS AND OUTREACH PRODUCTS

 Front Page Africa. 4 March 2020. Monrovia.
Liberia: 559 Farmers to benefit for corn production
in MIA-FOA pilot communal farming project.
http://bit.ly/3kLHleI.
 Liberia Broadcasting System. 4 March 2020.
Monrovia. 500 Liberian farmers to benefit from
FAO’s maize production project.
http://bit.ly/3YlCQVZ.
©FAO Liberia
 Randolph Kolleh. March 2021. Monrovia.
Liberia maize market assessment report. 27 pp.

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PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

ACHIEVEMENT OF RESULTS - LOGICAL FRAMEWORK

Expected
Food and nutrition security and the livelihoods of the population in targeted counties are improved
Impact
Capacities to sustainably increase production and productivity of maize in the targeted counties
strengthened
Indicator Increased maize production in Bong and Bomi counties.
 Production of 2.15 mt/ha.
Baseline
 Cultivated area of 26.12 ha.
 The project contributed to strengthening the capacities of maize farmers and
extensionists to sustainably increase production and productivity. A total of
24 participants from Bomi, Bong and Nimba counties were trained, under a training of
trainers (ToT) model, in sustainable maize production, productivity and crop protection,
including pests and disease management: 18 maize lead farmers, three district
agriculture officers and three county agriculture officers. They, in turn, trained other
farmers on maize production for animal consumption.
 The project also procured assorted hand tools and three dehusking machines to increase
End Target
production and processing of maize. A total of 46 750 kg of fertilizers, including
34 500 kg of nitrogen phosphate potash (NPK) fertilizer and 12 250 kg of urea, were
distributed to farmers to boost their productivity. Although the aim of 60 ha was not
Outcome met, around 40 ha were planted, with an average yield of 3.25 mt/ha. Due to lower feed
production costs within project counties and neighbouring areas, as well as incentives
provided at the aggregation and post-harvest stages, livestock feed processors,
particularly poultry producers, were eventually able to increase egg and meat
production.
The project built human and logistical capacity to ensure maize cultivation is a viable
farming business for long-term development. The interventions helped in the development
of low-cost livestock and poultry feed. Poultry feed manufacturers and processors gradually
developed reliable and consistent sources of dry maize for feed production. Beneficiaries
were provided with improved agronomic methods, as well as pest management training.
Comments
The project supported CARI to produce and supply quality foundation seeds to potential
and follow-up
maize growers. Three Yamaha AG 100 motorbikes were procured and supplied to MoA
action to be
extensionists to support follow-up monitoring activities. All technical and logistical support
taken
was geared towards making beneficiary farmers more competitive in the face of high
importation of poultry-related products, thus making fresh eggs and meat available and
affordable. Although Nimba county was not initially part of the project, the Government
recommended that it be included due to the county's marketing potential near its border
with Guinea and overall productivity.

Production and productivity of maize increased

Output 1 Indicators Target Achieved

 Ha cultivated.  60 ha
Partially
 Quantity of maize produced.  2.15 mt/ha
Prior to project interventions, the three counties' total production capacity was 26.12 ha of maize with a yield
Baseline
of 2.15 mt/ha.
Due to COVID-19 movement and gathering restrictions, the project was not able to meet production and
productivity targets in Bomi, Bong and Nimba counties. However, in Bomi and Bong counties, production and
Comments productivity values steadily increased. With the support provided, production and productivity capacity
are expected to further increase even after the project’s end. At the peak of production, a maximum of 40 ha
were cultivated in the three counties, at an average yield of 3.25 mt/ha.
Establishment of the implementation project unit
Achieved Yes
FAO supported the appointment of a national project coordinator (NPC) by the MoA and
Activity 1.1 subsequently established a technical working group to support and provide guidance to the
Comments project implementation unit. The MoA nominated an agronomist/agricultural economist as
NPC. Throughout the project implementation, other government staff from MIA supported
the NPC.

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PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

Inception workshop
Achieved Yes
An inception workshop brought together stakeholders from the private sector and line
Activity 1.2 government entities to discuss the scope, work plan and implementation aspects of the
Comments project. A strategy for implementation was developed, as well as the main roles of the
various stakeholders. The technical working committee also agreed to assist the project
implementation unit.
Conduct a needs assessment study
Achieved Yes
At the conclusion of the inception workshop, a baseline survey and needs assessment
were carried out in maize-growing areas in Bomi, Bong and Nimba counties. In 21 villages,
Activity 1.3
production locations were located and beneficiaries were profiled (five in Bomi, eight in
Comments
Bong and eight Nimba). According to the baseline needs assessment, the profiled
communities and beneficiaries needed storage facilities, as well as access to high-quality
maize seeds for livestock feed production.
Communities and beneficiaries selection
Achieved Yes
Activity 1.4
With support from FAO, a technical team was formed by implementing partners (MIA, MoA
Comments
and local authorities) to identify and select sites and profile targeted beneficiaries.
Provision of the agricultural inputs and tools to beneficiaries
Achieved Yes
The project sourced, procured and distributed quality maize seeds, simple farm machines
and tools after a competitive bidding process, in accordance with FAO’s procurement
Activity 1.5
policies. These items were supplied to beneficiaries to enhance maize production,
Comments
productivity and marketing. In addition to assorted hand tools, 46 750 kg of fertilizer,
including 34 500 kg of NPK fertilizer and 12 250 kg of urea, and three dehusking machines
were procured to increase production and processing.
Land preparation
Achieved Partially
Thanks to the field assessment, 229.2 ha of land, including 18 ha in Bomi county, 142 ha
in Bong county and 69.2 ha in Nimba county, were pre-selected for maize production by
Activity 1.6 959 beneficiaries, including 407 men and 552 women. However, due to the protracted
Comments COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions, seeds were delivered late. As a result, some
beneficiaries in Nimba county dropped out of the project. Beneficiaries who continued
participating in the programme were encouraged to share their skills with other farmers
in neighbouring villages.
Training of beneficiaries, MIA/MoA staff in improved and mass maize production
Achieved Yes
Under this activity, 24 participants were trained on improved crop protection techniques.
Activity 1.7 Participants were chosen from the project counties: 18 maize lead farmers, three district
Comments agriculture officers and three county agriculture officers. To ensure the long-term viability
of the project, qualified district and county agricultural agents provide regular extension
and advisory services to project beneficiaries.
Training of beneficiaries in market opportunities and business plan
Achieved No
This project was unable to hire a national consultant to assist farmers in formulating
business plans and marketing their products. However, thanks to another FAO-led project,
Activity 1.8
TCP/LIR/3704, which aimed at training extensionists in farm business management with
Comments
marketing characteristics, beneficiaries in Bong county benefited from support to roll out
knowledge to farmers, including those involved in maize production. The same thing was
done for Nimba and Bomi, but on a regional scale.

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PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

Linking the maize producers to processors, and processors to poultry farmers

Achieved Partially
Due to limited resources, producers and processors were linked primarily through the
aggregation facilities established and equipped as part of the project. Processors use these
facilities in each of the three counties to prepare maize as a base ingredient for animal feed.
In order to connect poultry farmers with processors, FAO collaborated with the MoA
through its county-based field technicians to encourage poultry producers to establish
direct market links with aggregators and processors thereby ensuring reliable supply of
animal feeds. FAO-established youth-run integrated model gardens for vegetable and
Activity 1.9
poultry production situated in Totota, Bong County, that were linked to the Gbartala Maize
Comments
Aggregation Center for the supply of processed maize. Similarly, in Nimba, Say No to
Hunger, a private sector-based agribusiness enterprise that was already involved in animal
production initiatives, acted as an aggregation point for maize growers. This enterprise,
which is near the Northern City of Ganta, bordering Guinea, holds great potential to supply
producers and transporters using the animal quarantine centre at the Guinean border.
Follow-up action plans aimed at strengthening institutional relationships poultry producer
associations, aggregators, livestock farmers and feed processors have been designed to
ensure that MoA extensionists deliver ongoing advisory services.
Develop an integrated pest management program for maize production
Achieved Yes
Building on a previous TCP targeted at managing fall armyworm, and which resulted in the
Activity 1.10
development of an early warning system for pest control in June 2019, the project
Comments
strengthened components essential to maize production. National agronomists and
international plant production and protection officers provided technical assistance.

Feed production unit for livestock and poultry established

Output 2 Indicators Target Achieved

Number of feed production units Three warehouses constructed and equipped with
Yes
operational. post-harvest processing and bagging machines.
Baseline 0
Three warehouses were constructed and equipped in Bomi, Bong and Nimba counties. In addition, tools and
gender-friendly post-harvest processing machinery, as well as quality foundation seeds, were purchased and
Comments
distributed. However, production activities in Nimba county were significantly impeded by a variety of
circumstances, including COVID-19 movement restrictions.
Identify a site for installation of livestock/poultry feed production unit
Achieved Partially
FAO, MoA and MIA and project beneficiaries agreed to focus on expanding production and
Activity 2.1 building three warehouses during the project inception workshop and subsequent needs
Comments assessments. Hence, the establishment of a livestock/poultry feed production unit was
cancelled. However, linkages were made with smallholder farmers groups to purchase
processed maize and produce animal feed at small scale.
Train feed processors in the use of the unit and feed formulation
Achieved No
Activity 2.2 This activity was cancelled as the emphasis of the project was shifted towards increasing the
Comments production of maize as a raw material, as well as strengthening the smallholders’ capacities
to offtake maize production.
Identify, source and procure animal/poultry feed supplements
Achieved No
Activity 2.3 This activity was cancelled as the emphasis of the project was shifted towards increasing the
Comments production of maize as a raw material, as well as strengthening the smallholders’ capacities
to offtake maize production.
Construct two storage facilities
Achieved Yes
Activity 2.4 Three warehouses were constructed and equipped with post-harvest processing machines.
Comments Three aggregators were installed to coordinate the maintenance and operations of the
machines.
Procure one poultry feed milling machine with accessories
Achieved No
Activity 2.5
Since precursor Activities 2.1 and 2.3 were revised, this activity appeared irrelevant and
Comments
was consequently cancelled.

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PROJECT TO ENHANCE ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION TCP/LIR/3703
THROUGH MAIZE PRODUCTION IN LIBERIA

Aggregate maize from production to processing centres

Achieved Yes
Activity 2.6 Aggregators from the three counties collected production from communities at
Comments post-harvest processing centres/warehouses for further distribution to processing
centres/livestock producers.
Develop market strategy
Achieved Yes
One comprehensive market assessment was conducted across the three project counties
(Bomi, Bong, and Nimba). The assessment report highlighted potential dried maize
Activity 2.7
producers and feed processors. Based on this, the project facilitated joint collaborative
Comments
meetings with both parties and linked them with aggregators/cooperatives to serve as an
intermediary supplier to processors, in accordance with recommendations contained in the
assessment report.
Training on leadership and business management
Achieved No
FAO sought the assistance of the Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) to offer trainings on
leadership and business management. However, this aspect of the project was not achieved
Activity 2.8
as the COVID-19 pandemic imposed an additional financial burden on programme delivery.
Comments
The new approach was to rely on the FAO-led project (TCP/LIR/3704/C2) for farm business
training to deliver aspects of leadership and business management targeted under this
activity.
End of project workshop
Achieved Yes
Activity 2.9 FAO and partners met with beneficiaries on a site-by-site basis to assess progress and
Comments implement sustainable practices. Additional seeds and fertilisers were distributed and both
FAO field technicians and MoA/MIA extensionists carried out monitoring activities.

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