Liberia launches LIFELINK with US$30M allocation to transform livestock sector

LIBERIA – Liberia has launched LIFELINK, the country’s first fully dedicated livestock development program, a major step toward strengthening its livestock industry.

Agriculture Minister Dr J. Alexander Nuetah announced the initiative in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), describing it as a turning point for the sector.

“This is the first time we are moving toward a specialised project focused directly on livestock development,” he said.

The program will revitalise seven ranches across Liberia and open more than 120,000 hectares of grassland in the southeast for cattle expansion, including the scaling up of the indigenous Muturu breed. 

With an initial allocation of US$30 million under IFAD 13, LIFELINK is designed to reduce meat imports, strengthen domestic production, and create sustainable income opportunities for rural farmers. 

“This project can mark the beginning of our meat independence,” Dr Nuetah added. 

IFAD Country Director Pascaline Barankeba stressed that the initiative is not simply about livestock, but about investing in livelihoods, nutrition, and economic resilience. Full implementation is expected by the end of 2027, once the design and approval process is complete.

LIFELINK is expected to improve the availability of animal protein, expand access to income for rural households, enhance dietary diversity, and provide stability against global price shocks. 

By focusing on pro-poor livestock value chains, especially poultry and small ruminants, the project can enhance women’s participation, create youth employment, and stimulate related markets, including feed, veterinary services, and meat processing.

Lessons from Sierra Leone

Liberia’s effort comes with important lessons from Sierra Leone, where a similar intervention under the EU BAFS project struggled to deliver lasting impact. 

Weak institutional coordination slowed progress, technical gaps in ranch management limited productivity, and community ownership was insufficient to sustain results. 

Market linkages were also underdeveloped, leaving farmers without reliable buyers. These challenges underline the importance of strong governance, technical training, and private-sector engagement in Liberia’s program.

Welthungerhilfe has already expressed readiness to partner with the Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD in delivering LIFELINK. 

Collaboration with experienced organisations can help avoid past pitfalls, strengthen community participation, and ensure that Liberia’s livestock sector achieves its ambitious goals.

Liberia is strategically managing livestock development, aiming not only to increase production but also to build inclusive growth, strengthen nutritional security, and enhance national food sovereignty.

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