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__________________________________________________________________

A Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia Report

_____________________________________________________________________________

Date: April 2018

www.ainliberia.org

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_____________________________________________________________________________

Table of Contents Page

1. Abbreviations .............................................................................................................. 3

2. Acknowledgments ..................................................................................................... 3

3. Project Description .................................................................................................. 4

4. Summaries of BSC’s Achievement During Reporting Period ........................... 5

5. Key Accomplishment in line with Deliverables within Scope of Work ........ 5

5.1 AIN Central Office (Monsterrado) ..................................................................... 5

5.2 Summaries of AIN Activities in the Counties ................................................... 6

5.2.1 Detailed of AIN Activities Implemented in Counties .................................. 8

6. Recommendation ........................................................................................................ 9

7. Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 10

8. Planned Activities – May 2018 ............................................................................... 10

9. Annex .......................................................................................................................... 12

9.1 AIN Periodic Meeting Report ........................................................................... 13

9.2 Bong County Activities ....................................................................................... 16

9.3 Nimba County Activities .................................................................................... 17

9.4 LADA Grantees Supported – Reporting Template ....................................... 18

9.5 Gallery .................................................................................................................... 19

9.6 Attendance ............................................................................................................. 19

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1. Abbreviations and Acronyms

AIN Agribusiness Investment Network

AIIC Agriculture Investment & Infrastructure Company

BSC Business Startup Center Monrovia

CNFA Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture

DEM Department for Economic Management

BCAA Bong County Aquaculture Association

FTF Feed the Future

IFC International Finance Corporation

LAN Lofa Agribusiness Network

LADA Liberia Agribusiness Development Activity

MOCI Ministry of Commerce & Industry

MOA Ministry of Agriculture

MFDP Ministry of Finance & Development Planning

NAN Nimba Agribusiness Network

NBDAC National Business Development & Advisory Council

NCSCC National Cassava Sector Coordination Committee

NCC National CODEX Committee

NFFUL National Fish Farmers Union of Liberia

NGO Non-Governmental Organizations

NIC National Investment Commission

NSL National Standard Laboratory

SADC Selma Agriculture Development Company

SME Small Medium Enterprises

USAID United States Agency for Intentional Development

WAVF West Africa Venture Fund

WB World Bank

2. Acknowledgements

The Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia appreciates the support provided by USAID –

CNFA/LADA Senior Management and Component Lead Teams for this opportunity given us to

help coordinate, implement and/or serve in support roles for the national Agribusiness

Investment Network as well as for Local Agribusiness Network in Bong, Nimba and Lofa

Counties. For the BSC, the establishment of this unique network referenced as the Agribusiness

Investment Network (AIN) is a great innovation platform for the BSC with primary objective to

help increase agricultural investment in Liberia. The BSC also acknowledged in a very special way

all agribusinesses, including Producers, Processors, Aggregators, Agro Dealers, etc. that have

shown interest in the network and have taken a step in joining the network to make the

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agriculture sector in Liberia vibrant. To keep the Network vibrant in delivering its services, fees

are required to keep membership status active. Consensus has been made amongst members an

agreed amount. This is BSC Monrovia own way of appreciating your valuable time and effort as

we all strive for food security in Liberia. The BSC also urges all registered and potential members

and members to keep on the spirit of togetherness as it is vital for the sustainability of the

network and to help spread the message so that the network can reach to all parts of the relevant

counties.

3. Project Description

The Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia is a local Business Development Service Provider

working in the Small Medium Enterprises Sector. The BSC is a subawardee of LADA to facilitate

and coordinate the establishment of the Agribusiness Investment Network (AIN). The BSC will

house the AIN and enure that AIN has the capacity to provide business development services to

its members, establish business linkages, identify, engage and pitch to potential investors, organize

periodic meetings to discuss challenges encountered by members and design strategies for solving

these challenges/hurdles, and advocate of behalf of themselves, policy reforms for her members.

The BSC will also assist the AIN Administratioin to engage in market research to provide up-to-

date market information regarding products, prices, consumers, etc. for her members to trade

smoothly. The BSC supports the Agribusiness Investment Network (AIN) to implement her

core objectives with support provided by USAID – CNFA/LADA. AIN’s central objective is to

increase investment in post-harvest handling, processing, and auxiliary services, and to make the

services more widely available. The AIN will serve as a resource of information, capacity building

platform, and business and market linkages platform, etc. which would be an essential piece for

the project’s lasting success. AIN will enable agrodealers to better anticipate the demand for

inputs; enable farmer organizations to schedule production that meets market requirements; and

guide investment decisions by post-harvest processors and service providers. AIN will offer

training programs that address the needs and opportunities to different actors along the value

chains. Below are key services/activites of the AIN:

▪ Advocate for policies regulations, acts, etc. on behalf of agribusinesses

▪ Connect producers to national and international market opportunities

▪ Develop relationships between investors and financial institutions

▪ Train and provide technical assistance for agribusinesses

▪ Gather information on agri-sector for policy advocacy

▪ Organize events, workshops, roundtable discussion with agro-business, farmers,

stakeholders, etc. to discuss opportunities for investment in the agriculture sector

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▪ Provide capacity building & technical services for maximum productivity

▪ Provide up to date market information for local farmers and agribusinesses

4. Summary of BSC’s Achievements During Reporting Period

Supported by BSC, the AIN held her 5th Periodic Roundtable Meeting on 27 April 2018 at the

BSC Monrovia Office. The meeting brought together a cross section of members from various

value chains and sectors. The essence of the meeting was to discuss key talking points including

sustainability, profiling, promotion, etc. The meeting concluded tangible next steps, particularly

sustainability of the Network.

5. Key Accomplishments in Line with Deliverables within Scope of Work

As per the approved deliverables of the BSC sub award, below are key achievements of the

activities implemented by the BSC.

5.1 AIN Central Office – Monrovia

No. Strategic Activity Activities Results

1. Lobby and Advocacy for the

passage of the Instruments

(Pesticides, Seeds, Fertilizer,

NSL Act and Food Law)

During the month of April, the AIN developed

a Roadmap for the passage of the the Legal

Instruments. The Roadmap provided a clear

description of the setps and activities that has

to happen to get the Acts and Regulations

approved by the Legislature. AIN Consultant,

Dr. Roland Massaquoi and William Dennis met

with relevant Legislative Committee Members

informally to discuss their support. Dr.

Massaquoi also met with the Vice President

(President of the Senate) to advocate for

plenary intervention.

See Excel File Attached for Road Map

Roadmap has been

developed and submitted to

LADA Senior Management.

Meetings held with Sen.

Peter Coleman and Sen.

Morris Saytumah and Vice

President Taylor.

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2. Investment Opportunity for

AIN Members

The AIN continued discussion with the

Department of Economic Management at the

Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.

The discussion centered around accessing the

Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI)

funding supported by the World Bank to the

Government of Liberia. The Deputy Minsiter

informed that plans are underway to request

for application from Liberian Businesses across

all sectors to apply for the funding. The Funding

is 4.1 Million United States Dollars.

The Deputy Minister

assured the AIN that once

application is out, they will

inform the AIN to invite

agribusinesses that has the

potential to apply.

3. Setting up the AIN

Provisional Board

The BSC has identified potential individuals

from key sectors to be part of the Provisional

Board of the BSC. Introductory messages have

been sent and individuals have confirmed their

participation. First Meeting is scheduled for

May 2018 to review the draft By – Laws and

Constitution for the Network.

Provisional Board Members

will review the Draft By –

Law & Constitute and the

Article of Incorporation and

submit a final draft for

adaptation at the AIN

General Assembly.

4. Communication/Information

Sharing

Regular updates on AIN activities including

activities within the counties are posted on the

AIN website. The membership tap has been

included that provides detailed information

about all AIN members at the moment.

Opportunities for programs in the Agric sector

are also been updated.

Posted on AIN Social Media

pages and website all AIN

activities during the month

of April 2018

www.ainliberia.org

5.2 Summaries of AIN Activities in the Counties

In the outstation communities, the AIN continued to work with the LADA grantees in Nimba

and Lofa Counties. The support focused on assisting the Grantees to understand the sections of

the reporting templates to ensure they produce the required quality of the reports. The AIN met

with the USAID Evaluation Team in Gbarnga, Bong County to discuss the AIN support to

members. The meeting discussed activities organized and implemented by the AIN in the various

counties and what are the outcomes of the support. The AIN Regional Office met with

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agribusinesses as part of the regular Periodic Roundtable Meeting to discuss sustainability,

profiling and publicity.

▪ The AIN Regional Coordinator worked closely with key grantees in Lofa particularly

Selma Agriculture Development Company (SADC) and Agriculture Infrastructure and

Investment Company (AIIC). The support focused on strengthening their capacity in filling

in the reporting templates, as well as providing business development services in

management, marketing and financial management. Assisting in the development of a clear

process for record keeping, marketing strategy and engaging potential markets for selling

the products. The AIN provided information on opportunities for business linkages with

individual buyers/consumers in Voinjama market who are potential clients for the two

grantees to sell their rice. The AIN will continue to strengthen the relationship between

the buyers and the grantees to ensure that transction occurs. The AIN also worked with

other agribusinesses in counties on business management and strengthening their linakges.

▪ In Nimba, the AIN Regional Coordinator also worked with other grantees including

Kpodo, Dokodan and Gbeley-Geh Cooperatives. The support also focused on

strengthening their capacity filling up the reporting template, but also providing

entrepreneurial mentorship for them to continuously report on their activities and not

when it is demanded by LADA. This is very keen for continuation of the grantees to

properly report on their activities first of all to improve insight in their own business, but

also for potential technical and financial assistance. The AIN will continue to provide

mentorship on Attitudes, Ethics and Behavior change and entrepreneurial skills

development to enhance their capacity for better business management. The AIN

Regional Coordinator worked with the group on drafting a marketing plan for engaging

potential markets for their products. It was agreed that by Mid-May a draft Marketing Plan

will be developed to guide how they intend to grab market shares.

▪ The AIN team met with the USAID’s LADA Mid – Term Evaluation Team on 18 April

2018 to discuss activities within the county. The meeting focused on support to the

agribusinesses particularly on business linkages and access to external capital as well as

profiling and publicity of the key agribusinesses that has great potential to attract

investment. The AIN indicated that business linkages are ongoing with key markets and

individual potential buyers, the Local Agribusiness Networks in all three counties have

been introduced informally to some buyers. What is important is to keep the relationship

active as possible. The AIN informed that profiling is also ongoing and as at 1 April 2018,

over 265 agribusinesses are part of the AIN database and are posted on the AIN website

“Membership” tap. The AIN also explained that the Coordinator, Mr. William Dennis is

working with various opportunities from the Government of Liberia, World Bank and

Private Equity Investors to attract financing for members. The Evaluation Team advised

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that weekly promotion of agribusinesses that are doing well either in production or

processing should be in the spotlight. The Team also advised that the AIN should

encourage more agribusinesses to be part which allows to members to contribute to the

sustainability of the Network by committing to due payments and publicity.

5.2.1 Detailed of AIN Activties Implemented

During the period under review, the AIN participated in the Agriculture Coordination

Coordination Meeting held on 20, April 2018 in Gbarnga, Bong County. The meeting was higlhly

attended by 6 key organizations within the region. The organizations attended included: China

Aid, Action for Safer Community (ASCO), Liberia Environmental Care Organization (LECO),

Ministry of Agriculture (MOA, CARITAS and the AIN. The discussion was centered around MoA

providing technical backstopping to projects, programs and activities ongoing within the county.

The MoA informed that information sharing is essential for the development of the sector and

they are ready and willing to share. Information regarding potential market linkages, business

opportunities and partners that have approached them for actors in key value chains for

procurement of agriculture commodities. The MoA announced and introduced their new County

Coordinator Mr. Kollie Nahn who will steer the activities of the Ministry within the County. The

MoA agreed to conduct rountine site visits to offices and projects to provide technical support

where necessary and information relevant to their project activities. The AIN Regional

Coordinator informed that there is a need to strengthen the collaborative efforts to ensure

smooth implementation of various activities are achieved. He stressed that MoA needs to be

readily available and willing to share information on government intervention and assistance. The

Coordination meeting is very essential and should happen monthly at various projects and

programs offices so that everybody feels a part of the development process and partners can fully

understand and physically see what is been done.

After the ACC Meeting, the AIN engaged the Aquaculture Inland Fishery Federation in Liberia in

Melekie, Bong County. The AIN Regional Coordinator met with the Team to discuss the

registration process for the Bong County Acquaculture Association. The AIN Regional

Coordinator linked the Association to a representative at the Liberia Business Registry (LBR) to

assist in obtaining the Article of Incorporation.

During the Period under review, the AIN also met and had a lengthy discussion with USAID’s

LADA Mid-Term Evaluation Team both in Bong and Montserrado Counties. The meeting in Bong

county was very productive as the Regional Coordinator explained the AIN role in the LADA

thematic areas and and the team was able to visit members of the AIN to see what support has

been provided. The Regional Coordinator explained that the AIN has database and profile over

200 agribusinesses across the country and still engaging new members. He also said that business

management support for record keeping, financial management, marketing and customer service

mentorship is being provided monthly to the beneficiaries. He further noted that business linkages

with potential buyers in the various markets places in the counties has been ongoing with a few

agribusinesses in Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties.

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In Monrovia, the BSC Director re-emphasized that the BSC in supporting the establishment of

the AIN and current activities. He informed that the BSC is facilitating the passage of the Legal

Instruments (Seeds, Fertilizers, Pesticides, NSL, Food Law) that would create a conducive

business environment for agribusinesses in the country. Also, identifying potential investors,

financiers, equity funds and business angels who are agriculture focus to see the potential of some

of the AIN members for investment. He also explained that business linkages and identifying new

markets are very essential for the AIN beneficiaries and the BSC is working tirelessly to ensure

that AIN can establish strong business and market linkages between potential buyers/consumers

and AIN members is achieve before end of YR3.

6. Recommendation

The AIN over a year and half has expanded increased her membership extensively in the bread

basket counties of Liberia, Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties. Profiling and databasing agribusinesses

and providing mentorship and coaching to these agribusinesses to improve their internal

management and increase sales. Connecting potential buyers and agribusinesses (processors) to

business opportunities to increase income. Setting up the Provisional Board to review existing

documentations to fully establish the AIN. It is recommended that LADA continues to support

the AIN to adequately position herself to provide the relevant services to her members. The full

establishment is underway which will adequately outline the key activities the network will engage

in. The AIN also recommends that LADA strengthen the BSC Monrovia to fully set-up the AIN

particularly technical and financial support to enable the Startup Center to possess the relevant

requirement for the AIN setup. The AIN is also recommending that continous support to expand

the database in other value chains that LADA is not working on be encourarged. There are other

value chains players/actors such as Oil Palm, Goat, Livestock, etc, that LADA is not focusing on

be encouraged to join the the Network. The AIN has reached out to these value chains in

counties such as Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Sinoe, etc. to join the Network and get

services that the AIN offers. This will create a smooth environment for agribusinesses across the

spectrum of the country. It is finally recommended that LADA fully capacitate the AIN in terms

of logistics, and other resources to enable them actively engage members across the country to

benefit from the services been offer. What is important now is that the AIN design strategies to

identify new opportunities to finance the activities of the Network and become sustainable. The

BSC will assist the AIN to develop concrete sources for incomes. The AIN will remain strong

and aggressive in providing information, connecting businesses, attracting investments and

providing capacity building to her members to help strengthen the agric sector and contribute to

the Government’s vision to becoming self-sufficient and provide food security for her people.

The sector the AIN is working in is a critrical sector to achieving the overarching goal of the

Government of Liberia.

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7. Conclusion

The month of April 2018 focused again on supporting the grantees in developing a comprehensive

report of their activities/operations for their company. This time around, the AIN focused on

strengthening the internal capacity in terms of working closely with the team members who are

responsible for generating the information that needs to be reported. One on one coaching and

mentorship has been very helpful with staff of the grantees (AIIC, SADC, Kpodo, etc.) Motivating

the staff to continuously do the reporting is very important to the growth and expansion of the

enterprise. The AIN regular Periodic Roundtable was very essential for exploring different

avenues for sustainability for the Network. The discussion centered around raising funds to keep

the wheels of the Network growing. The members were excited that their role is cardinal for

the growth of the platform. The AIN new strategy to fully establish the Network is ongoing, this

will ultimately provide a structure objectives and goals for the platform and provide the requisite

support that the members deserve.

At the same time, continuous public and private sector organization engagements to make aware

the AIN is ongoing. There has been tremendous relationship building with public institutions such

as the Ministry of Finance, National Investment Commission, Ministry of Commerce, etc. which

is cardinal for the growth of the AIN. Also, private sector organization, particularly Financial

Institutions like the World Bank, West Africa Venture Fund (WAVF), etc. are essential for

accessing financial support for the AIN members, this will yield tangible results to support some

of the members that encountered financial challenges expanding their businesses. Finally, in

conclusion, the AIN roadmap for the enactment of the Acts and Regulations (Pesticides, Seeds,

Fertilizers, NSL Act, Food Law) will provide a suitable atmosphere for members of the AIN to

operate their businesses. Also, more importantly that Liberian Agribusinesses to take advantage

of the opportunities provide growing seeds, providing the requisite fertilizers for farmers, etc.

The Acts will create institutions to monitor and regulate business transaction within the specific

areas. The AIN is strongly engaging the relevant Legislative Committees to ensure that the Acts

& Regulations (Pesticides, Fertilizers, Seeds, etc.) are passed. The Agriculture Sector has been

earmarked as a major sector to contribute to the growth and development of Liberia, increasing

incomes for farmers, strengthening private sector development and increasing export of various

agriculture commodities, etc. The AIN is part of the process.

8. Planned Activities May 2018

No. Strategic Objective Activities Timeline/Staff Anticipated Results

1. Lobbying and Advocating of Acts

and Regulations

Component 3 Lead,

Dr. Massaquoi,

William Dennis, etc,

10 – 20 May 2018 –

Zaza Mulbah, Roland

Roadmap

developed/implementation

strategy design and

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will develop a

strategy/roadmap

to ensuring the

Legal Instruments

are passed by the

Legislature.

The team will also

organize a

roundtable

discussion to

review the

strategy/roadmap

and design

implementation

strategy.

Massaquoi and

William Dennis

process begins to engage

stakeholders.

2. AIN Full Establishment A Roadmap and

Implementation

strategy will be

developed for the

full establishment of

the AIN.

Provisional Board

named and first held

to start the revision

of the draft By –

Laws, Constitution

and Article of

Incorporation.

AIN General

Assembly will be

planned to review

and adapt the By –

1 – 18 May 2018 Dr.

Massaquoi, William

Dennis, Zaza Mulbah

and Provisional Board

Members

By – Laws and

Constitution fully drafted.

AIN Assembly held, and

Potential Board Members

named

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Laws and

Constitution.

3. AIN support to Local

Agribusinesses Network (LAN)

Organized

roundtable

discussion for AIN

members to be

aware of the full

establishment plans.

20 – 25 May 2018 -

Emmett Teage and

Numanee Zergbo

Information on the

Provisonal Board work

provided.

4. Agriculture Sectoral

Engagements (Cassava Sector)

Participate in the

National Cassava

Sector

Coordination

Committee and

advise on strategic

plans/activities for

the Value Chain.

May 2018 – William

Dennis and Numanee

Zergbo

2018 plans/activities

discussed and documented

for the NCSCC

5. Investment Forums Continue to engage

Banks, Financiers

and Investment

Companies to

discuss potential for

investing

agribusinesses in

Liberia.

1 – 31 May 2018 –

William Dennis

Banks, Financiers, Funds,

Investors understand AIN

objectives and members

database shared

6. Communication/Information Post regularly on

AIN website and

social media pages

all activities of AIN

for the month

1 – 31 May 2018 –

Rashelia Klayee

Potential partners and

sponsors are aware of AIN

activities monthly.

9. Annexes

9.1 AIN Periodic Meeting Report

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AIN Periodic Meeting

BSC Monrovia, UL Main Campus, Capitol Hill

Monrovia, Liberia

Date: 27, April 2018

______________________________________________________________________________

Background

The Business Startup Center (BSC) Monrovia supports the Agribusiness Investment Network

(AIN) to implement her core objectives with support provided by USAID – CNFA/LADA. AIN’s

central objective will be to increase investment in post-harvest handling, processing, and auxiliary

services, and to make them more widely available. As its roles as a source of information, training,

and business links will make it essential for the project’s lasting success. AIN will enable

agribusinesses to better address demand for inputs and supplies; enable farmer organizations to

schedule production that meets market requirements; and guide investment decisions by post-

harvest processors and service providers. AIN will offer training programs that address the needs

and opportunities to different actors along the value chains. Below are key services/activites of

the AIN:

▪ Advocate for policies regulations, acts, etc. on behalf of agribusinesses

▪ Connect producers to national and international market opportunities

▪ Develop relationships between investors and financial institutions

▪ Training and technical assistance for agribusinesses

▪ Gather information on agri-sector for policy advocacy

▪ Organize events, workshops, roundtable discussion with agro-business, farmers,

stakeholders, etc. to discuss opportunities for investment in the agriculture sector

▪ Provide capacity building & technical services for maximum productivity

▪ Provide up to date market information for local farmers and agribusinesses

Today’s meeting is about bringing together all the actors in the agribusiness sector to present the

Network website in detail, how agribusinesses can make use of the platform to promote their

businesses, sustainability of the Network and business opportunties.

Agenda

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9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Arrival of Members

10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.: Self-Introduction

10:20 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Remarks (Zaza Mulbah – Chief of Staff, CNFA/LADA)

10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Presentation of AIN Website – Mr. William R. Dennis II,

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Sustainability of the AIN

11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.: Business Opportunities

11:40 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Q & A – Participants

11:50 a.m. – 12:00 noon.: Remarks – AIN Member

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: AOB, Snacks & Networking

Title: Periodic Meeting Report

Date of Meeting April 27, 2018

Venue of Meeting BSC Monrovia, “The Entrepreneurship Center”

AIN Members Producers, Processors, Financiers, etc.

AIN Staff Emmett Teage, Numanee Zergbo, William Dennis

Key Focus Sustainability, Profiling & Promotion

Section 1.0: Purpose of Meeting

The key purpose of the meeting was to discuss the below:

1. Presentation of the AIN website for profiling of members and promoting members who are engage

actively in production of cassava, rice, vegetables, etc. as well as processing to attract potential financial

and non-financial support

2. Dicussion around the sustainability of the Network, Due Payment, Registration Fees, Promotion of

website fee, etc. that would be used to support activities/programs of the AIN

3. Discussion on the revision of the Draft By – Laws, Constitution of the Network by Provisional Board

Section 2.0 Major Discussion Points

AIN Website, Profiling, Promotion and Sustainability

▪ Mr. William Dennis, AIN Coordinator presented the AIN Website and explained the various

taps on the home page and describe their essence. He explained that the website provides

information on the Mission, Vision, & Objectives of the AIN, background of the existence, and

temporary managers. He also further noted that the website showcases all the members who

have filled in the AIN Membership Form. The Membership Tap provides a full detail of all

members, what specific value chain they are engaging in, location, contact details, owner, ect.

Monthly reports of the AIN are also being posted regularly on the website. There is also

information of support LADA is providing to her grantees uploaded to the website for

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promotion and information puproses that could be relevant for members for future

partnership. He asked that the members regularly visit the website to get information of

activities/programs since it would impossible to meet every now and then. The Coordinator

concluded that the website is a great platform for members for promote their enterprises and

get information on agric-sector and opportunities. Market information, access to finance

opportunities and private sector programs will be uploaded to the website, he ended.

▪ The Coordinator explained as part of the sustainability of the Network, it was essential to

discuss that profiling and promotion of members be addressed. He pointed out that AIN are

designing plans to visit agribusinesses and conduct a comprehensive assessment of their

activities which will be videotape for promotional purposes. He continued that this is a

marketing strategy that the AIN wants to provide for her members. The ultimate objective of

the profiling and promotion is to make aware the audience who visit the website regularly to

know what is going on with members, more importantly attracting external support from

partners in the financial sector. The Coordinatior explained that this will cost members a fee

that would be also used to maintain the website and videotaping cost. The floor was open to

suggest an amount. The members suggested that a fee of between US$ 10.00 – 20.00 be pay

by member for promotion of their enterprises. They also suggested that it the promotion

should be not more than a week in the spotlight on the website. This will give other

agribusinesses chance to be showcase. It was suggested that a fee be placed on hold until the

By – Laws and Constitution be finalised at which time the Body will vote for a specific amount.

But what was important is that, members are in full consent of paying for promotion activites

that will posted on the website and contribute to the sustainability of the Network.

▪ The discussion on Dues Payment was presented for deliberation. The Coordinator stressed

that dues would be one of the most important fee that members has to pay to keep the

operations of the Network, and it is pivotal that all are in agreement. The Members proposed

that a monthly fee of LD 500.00 – 1,000.00 be pay by each member. They suggested that since

all of this will be documented in the By – Laws & Constitution, a vote for a agreed amount will

be finalized. But also, the toipic was very essential for discussion and all the members are in

full agreement.

▪ Other issues discussed during the meeting, some members suggested that since sustainability

is key for the operations of the AIN, it discussed that all members should complete the

registration process by paying an amount of US$ 5.00 which would be a one time payment and

member can obtain a “Certificate of Membership” to authenticate their membership. Again,

members were very open to the idea and decied that it be noted in the By – Laws and

Constitution and would be voted upon.

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9.2 Bong County – Activities, Implementation & Timeline Table – April 2018

No. Planned

Activity

Dates Participants County AIN

Intervention

Results Comment

1. Agriculture

Coordination

Committee

Meeting

April

20,

2018

6 Organizations

(AIN, ASCO,

China Aid,

LECO, MoA

CARITAS

Gbarnga,

Bong

County

The AIN

advised the

MoA that

technical

backstopping

for agriculture

agencies

needs to be

provided,

particularly on

information

on support

from the

Ministry in

terms of

technical

training,

market

linkages, etc.

The AIN also

stressed the

need for

better

collaboration

and

coordination

amongst the

various

partners

(Public &

Private)

The MoA has

accepted to

engaged in

rountine visits

to officies and

project sites to

provide

technical

support where

necessary.

The MoA has

appointed Mr.

Kollie Nahn as

the new

County

Coordinator

replacing

Roland P.

Varkpeh.

2. Support to

Aquaculture &

Inland Fishery

Federation of

Liberia

April

20,

2018

6 Melekie,

Bong

County

The AIN

linked the

Bong County

Agribusiness

Network

(BONCAN)

By - Laws and

Constitution

adopted by

organization’s

members and

Article of

BONCAN is

now preparing

for its official

launch slated

for June 2018.

Various

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to an official

of the Liberia

Business

Regsitry to

assist and

faciliate the

acquisition of

BONCAN

Article of

Incorporation

for full

registration.

Incorporation

finalized and

signed by

Incorporators

and sent to

Monrovia for

Incorporation &

registration.

committees

are being set

up to organize

program

3. Meeting with

Midterm

Evaluation

Team

Apr 18,

2018

3 (AIN, Social

Impact)

Suakoko,

Bong

County

Specific role

AIN is

offering to the

project in

Bong, Lofa,

Nimba was

outlined. AIN

urged the

Social Impact

team to visit

its website to

assess the

works being

done.

The evaluation

team

recommended

that the AIN

sets up a database on

farmers

productivity in

order to create

the means

linkage to

private buyers.

The AIN will

make statistics

on land area,

production

capacity of

farmers for

market linkages.

Evaluation

Team member

- Stanford

quoted “As

CNFA LADA

grantees is

increasing

beyond

500kg/hectare

in rice

production,

the BSC

should assit

the AIN

Administration

to identify

opportunties

to sell their

rice and not

rely on just

the market”

9.3 Nimba County

In the month of April, the AIN Team continued to work with the Grantees on improving their

skills in understanding the reporting template and strengthening their internal operations to

conduct business appropriately. The AIN facilitated a mentorship between key staff of the

grantees (Kpodo, Dokodan and Gbehlay Geh) who are essential for producing the information

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for the report template to understand the importance of the report. The AIN also work closely

with the grantees on developing marketing strategy for engaging and retainig potential buyers,

making them aware of the products they are selling. The AIN has communicated informally to

potential buyers and established an informal relationship between the grantes and these

customers. The AIN will continue to facilitate these discussions and ensure that business

transctions occurs. For business management, the AIN assisted the grantees to fully document

their processes and systems in which they operate. It was informed that systems will help them

understand where they would need technical support plus if they are generating revenue and or

not. All this information is also very important for accessing finance from ptentoal Equity

Investors, Funds, or Business Angels. The AIN will provide coaching and mentorship in adapting

best business ethics that ultimately increase their productivity.

9.4 LADA Grantees Supported – Reporting Template

Grantee Name Location Activity Contact Person &

Contact #

Comments/Remarks

Kpodo Farmers

Cooperative

Society

(Togetherness)

Zayglay,

Nimba

Rice

production,

processing,

aggregation

Mr. Peter Sarkpeder

+231 777 765 395

C. Flomo Agro

Business Center

Saclepea,

Nimba

Dealer in Agro

inputs

(chemicals,

fertilizers, tools

& vegetable

seeds

Mr. Charles Flomo

+231 777 561 828/

+231 886 518 028

DOKODAN

Farmers

Cooperative

Gbedin,

Nimba

Rice

production,

processing,

aggregation

Mr. Jefferson N.

Tokpah +231 880

145 157

Rain Forest

Agriculture

Enterprise

Ganta,

Nimba

Agro Inputs &

Chemicals

Mr. Fedrick

Gonkartee

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Gbehlay Geh

Women

Multipurpose

Karnplay,

Nimba

Rice/Cassava

production,

processin

Madam Annie Kruah

+231 777 281 129

9.5 Gallery

AIN Regional Coordinator Meeting with AIN Coordinator attending Agriculture

USAID Evaluation Team in Lofa County Coordination Meeting in Bong County

Members at the AIN Periodic Meeting, April 27, 2018

AIN Members post for a Big Picture, Periodic Meeting, Website Presentation,

April 27, 2018

9.6 Attendance

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