Liberia -The Emergency Assistance to support efforts to control and avert caterpillar infestations

The present project is relative to the Emergency Assistance to support efforts to control and avert caterpillar infestations. It aims to contribute to efforts to contain the ongoing pest infestation outbreak, and to prevent and contain the expected third outbreak, while undertaking remedial actions in water supply and sanitation and community sensitization. Indeed, the outbreak of the caterpillar infestation in Liberia is a threat not only to the country but also to the Mano River Union (MRU) sub-region if the outbreak in Liberia is not contained. It has significant potential to food insecurity, population displacement, and security and stability implications. The containment exercise should focus on the four most affected counties of Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Gbarpolu, with possibility of reaching other potentially affected areas. Communities should also be sensitized and trained to deal with insect infestation/outbreaks and a system of crop protection and early warning should be established first in the four affected counties, then in the other counties. Provision of light equipment and supplies and rehabilitation of water sources should also be made in a likewise phased fashion. The project comprises five components, namely: (i) crop protection; (ii) water supply and sanitation; (iii) communication and sensitization; (iv) technical assistance; and (v) management and audit.