MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided over two-hundred-thousand US dollars to support livelihood and enterprise development activities in Marshall, Lower Margibi County.

At least six communities around the Marshal Wetlands area will benefit from the five-year grant project.

The funds will be used to train youth, women, marginalized people and farmers to grow vegetables, fruits and other hubs in the vicinity in the Marshall Wetlands.

According to a release issued over the weekend, the products are meant to supply hotels, the Chimpanzee Sanctuary in Charlesville, local resorts and other hubs in the vicinity of the Marshall Wetlands.

The five-year project is being implemented by Partnership for Development (PADEV) to develop capacities and empower residents of the Charlesville Community, through the production of fruits and cucumbers, pineapples, watermelons, eddoes, bananas, among others.

Speaking at the launch of LCCDA on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, in Charlesville, Dr. James Desmond said: “My organization spends at least six-thousand US Dollars every month, and seventy-two-thousand USD yearly to feed the Chimpanzees.”

He said:” The fruits are being bought from Nimba, Lofa and Bong Counties, among others, because they are not produced in Charlesville to feed the Chimpanzees being protected and conserved, at the LCRP Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Rescue Center in the area.”

Dr. Desmond described the project as an opportunity for residents of Charlesville, to provide employment for them and improved their livelihood.

By: William Selmah