December 18, 2008

New Project Won—Liberia: Agriculture for Children’s Empowerment

ACDI/VOCA has won the $2.7 million, USAID-funded Agriculture for Children’s Empowerment (ACE) project as part of USAID’s new global initiative to improve child welfare using economic growth activities. Liberia’s current socioeconomic indicators show a strong correlation between household economic status and child welfare. In addition, the country’s successful reconstruction and economic growth will require a well-educated and healthy workforce. However, since Liberia is still recovering from civil war, it is essential to address the conflict’s social impact and foster more trusting relationships that support performance improvements on the farm, in the factory and in schools, and in addition provide more relevant and viable youth employment outlets.

ACDI/VOCA’s five-year program will address children’s vulnerability by improving their families’ economic circumstances. Building on ACDI/VOCA’s expertise and experience in leveraging local knowledge and resources, ACE will foster competitiveness in horticulture and rice value chains and extend the agricultural input industry into selected rural communities. It will also enable communities to invest more effectively in their children’s current well-being and future success.

To learn more about ACDI/VOCA’s work in Liberia, click here.