At Women in Agriculture for Sustainable Development (WASUDEV), we believe that inclusive dialogue and collaboration are essential to shaping a more equitable and prosperous future for Liberian agriculture. We are therefore pleased to announce our participation in the national consultation process that will inform the development of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s new Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for Liberia (2026–2030).

This is a pivotal moment for Liberia. The COSOP serves as IFAD’s medium-term strategic framework for engagement in the country, guiding investments, partnerships, and policy interventions in the agricultural and rural development sectors. The next COSOP cycle, covering 2026–2030, comes at a time when Liberia is striving to strengthen food security, empower rural communities, address climate challenges, and create more inclusive economic opportunities—especially for women and youth.

WASUDEV’s Role in the Consultation Process

WASUDEV is honored to contribute to this process by bringing to the table the perspectives, experiences, and aspirations of women farmers and agripreneurs across Liberia. Our participation ensures that the voices of rural women—who are often the backbone of agricultural production—are not only heard but actively shape national and international development priorities.

During the consultation, we are engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders, including government ministries, development partners, civil society organizations, farmers’ groups, and private sector actors. Our input focuses on the unique barriers that women in agriculture face, such as limited access to land, finance, markets, technology, and training. We are also highlighting successful community-led initiatives that can be scaled and supported under the new COSOP framework.

Why This Matters

IFAD’s COSOPs are not merely technical documents—they represent a shared vision between Liberia and IFAD for tackling rural poverty and promoting sustainable agricultural growth. The inclusion of gender-responsive strategies within the new COSOP could lead to:

• Greater investment in women-led agribusinesses and cooperatives
• Support for climate-resilient farming techniques tailored for women farmers
• Improved access to financial services and credit for rural women
• Capacity-building programs to strengthen women’s leadership in agriculture
• Expansion of rural infrastructure that benefits women and marginalized communities

Looking Ahead

As Liberia looks toward 2030 and beyond, the agricultural sector must be a driver of inclusive and sustainable development. Women are central to that transformation. By participating in the IFAD COSOP consultation, WASUDEV is helping to ensure that Liberia’s agricultural future is one where rural women are not left behind, but rather, are empowered to lead.

We extend our gratitude to IFAD for creating space for civil society organizations like ours to contribute meaningfully to this process. Together, we can build a resilient and thriving rural economy—one that delivers for women, families, and communities across Liberia.

Stay tuned for more updates as the COSOP process evolves. WASUDEV remains committed to advocacy, partnership, and grassroots empowerment as we work to transform agriculture for sustainable development.