The United States Agency for International Development Food and Enterprise Development (USAID FED) Program for Liberia and Liberian Entrepreneurial & Asset Development (LEAD) microfinance institution are teaming up to finance Liberian farmers and small agribusinesses with a second round of loans worth $2.5mn Liberian Dollars (approximately $29,500 USD).

In November 2013, USAID FED and LEAD facilitated loans worth $1.6mn LD to 120 farmers who used the money to expand farmlands, purchase agriculture inputs and expand marketing channels. After the 6 month term, 96% of the loans were paid back in full, proving that farmers can use extra capital effectively and pay back loans on time.

As a result, LEAD has released more capital for qualifying farming cooperatives—supported by USAID FED—that divide the money among members. The loans are expected to benefit over 250 farmers and agribusinesses in the coming six months.
“Contrary to what Liberian banks and lending institutions have professed, farmers have the highest repayment rate compared to borrowers in other sectors”, says Allen Gweh, LEAD’s Country Director. “It’s about time the financial institutions start looking at small businesses that are desperately in need of help to expand.”

Liberian farmers face barriers in accessing credit because they have inadequate or no business records and they lack collateral for loans. Banks often see farmers as a risky investment because of the misconception that non-repayment is common.

In the first round, thirty members of the Menlehkoyee vegetable farming group in Nimba County received a loan worth 250,000 LD. In five months, the group had already earned enough money to repay the loan and interest. By the end of six months, the group earned 487,000 LD, recording a profit of 237,000 LD.

“It’s hard to make my farm profitable on my own. We can’t get enough money to expand or start a meaningful business. Having a loan has given our group a new opportunity to create something meaningful,” says YarYeanue, the Chairwoman of Menlehkoyee group.

LEAD is a recipient of a grant from The United States African Development Foundation (USADF), which is an independent agency established to support African designed and driven solutions that address economic and social problems in conflict and post-conflict communities. In addition, LEAD has received support from the Central Bank of Liberia’s Loan Extension and Accountability Facility (LEAF). Each loan has a term of six months and a 16% interest rate.

The USAID FED Program for Liberia aims to reduce hunger and promote food security for Liberians through increased agricultural productivity and profitability in rice, cassava, vegetable and goat value chains. It is implemented in six counties: Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa, Margibi and Montserrado.

The United States – as the largest donor and closest ally – is supporting the Liberian priorities to build sustainable local capacity, make a difference in people’s lives, and move towards a shared vision of self-sufficiency and prosperity. For more information please visit. www.usaid.gov. USAID’s Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia is Africa’s largest project under President Barack Obama’s Feed the Future Initiative, which promotes a move away from subsistence and increasing food security by working with public and private bodies, including the Government of Liberia, the private sector, local NGOs and other key stakeholders.

By: Nicholas Parkinson
Communications Specialist
USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia (FED)
Tel: 088 649 6708