Food and Enterprise Development (FED) Program Activity Highlights for December 1st-15th, 2015

The program's activity highlights for December 1st-15th, 2015, demonstrate significant progress in implementing key interventions to support smallholder farmers and improve agricultural productivity. On December 1st, 2015, the President of Liberia signed Executive Order #73, drafted and supported by USAID FED. This executive order temporarily removes customs tariffs on essential inputs for agricultural value-chains, building on the successful implementation of Executive Orders #30 and #64. The removal of tariffs is expected to significantly help smallholder farmers import agricultural inputs, thereby improving their productivity and competitiveness. USAID FED also conducted a four-day training at Booker Washington Institute and Grand Bassa Community College, commencing on December 1, 2015. The training, led by USAID FED Science Laboratory trainer consultant Mr. Emmnauel Lincoln, aimed to strengthen the capacity of soil science lab technicians at four key institutions. The training focused on laboratory and field settings, with the objective of enhancing the technicians' skills and knowledge. In addition, a two-day Goat Management Training was conducted by USAID FED Goat Specialist Morris Karnuah at LCCC Goat Shelter/Demonstration site on November 8-9, 2015. The training targeted four main participants, including farm technicians, the farm manager, and animal science instructors, with the aim of strengthening their capacity to administer basic treatment and first aid to goats. Youth groups in Liberia also made significant progress during the reporting period, harvesting various crops, including African eggplant and cabbage. Koon Koon harvested 130kg of African eggplant, while Gbajina Town harvested 260kg of African eggplant and 90kg of cabbage. Paul Napah and Mamia Morris also harvested various crops, including eggplant and cabbage. Furthermore, USAID FED and the Central Agricultural Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Nucleus Breeding Herd at CARI, Bong County. Under the MoU, USAID FED agreed to assess the livestock quarantine facility, hire a firm to undertake conversion works, and provide technical assistance to develop a nucleus breeding herd manual and train CARI staff on nucleus breeding herd management.