Nimba rural technology; OPG with Partnership for Productivity

Partnership for Productivity/Liberia (PfP/L), strengthened by past A.I.D. support, will implement the project. The project will have four components - agricultural production, appropriate technology (AT), enterprise development, and credit. Also, PfP/L will strengthen its relationships with the Government of Liberia (GOL), other donors, local concessionaries such as LAMCO, and PVO"s, and the program area will be expanded to link up with the German Development Project for Central Nimba County. Active participation of all beneficiaries is vital. Agricultural development will be promoted through existing extension services, schools, and clubs. Two senior agricultural advisors and their three Liberian counterparts will train 250 farmers in mixed farm management at the existing demonstration farm; continue experimentation to improve staples (e.g., cassava); market test new crops; and will develop 1,500 acres of swampland for rice production. The nascent cooperative movement will be supported. The AT program will require training foremen, trainers, and extensionists and providing machine and hand tools to strengthen the AT Center in Yakepa. Development of low-cost construction technology will continue; likely entrepreneurs will be identified for training in adapting the new technology. Also, local artisans will have their skills upgraded and will simultaneously be taught business skills. Development of new enterprises related to forestry (e.g., sawmilling) and service industries (e.g., retailing) will be fostered. PfP/L will encourage the GOL to review small business regulations and communicate changes to the business community. Finally, the existing revolving credit fund will be strengthened and expanded to support all of the above activities. A credit officer and two assistants will be hired. Loans will be directed toward subsistence farmers for purchasing inputs and processing local farm products, toward strengthening rural-urban linkages, and toward small community development projects.