CARI Begins KAFACI Rice Multiplication, Agriculture Minister Announces At NAF 

By Mark B. Newa

KAKATA, Liberia - In a significant move towards boosting rice production and enhancing food security in Liberia, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, announced the testing and multiplication of new rice varieties by researchers at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County, to be distributed to farmers across the country.

This announcement was made during his keynote address at the 2024 National Agriculture and Farmers’ Fair (NAF) in Kakata, Margibi County. In October this year, the Ministry delivered over 20 varieties of foundation seeds weighing more than 300 grams to CARI. Ten varieties have already been released in other countries while the balance is on trial. However, researchers and rice breeders are keen that the trail, and multiplication processes usually take several crop seasons.

Under the Korea-Africa Food and Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI), which Liberia joined in August 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture has introduced twenty new rice varieties for multiplication at CARI. These varieties, sourced from Kenya, Asia, and other parts of the world, include notable names like Wachangu, Kafaci 1, 2, 3, and KR842. Additionally, the package included cowpeas for animal feed and Tiger nuts (Accra peanuts) for diverse uses. The breeder materials of both lowland and upland ecologies are currently being tested for diseases, adaptation, and multiplication.

Addressing farmers and partners at this year’s NAF, Minister Nuetah, highlighted that the overarching goal of the KAFACI initiative is to provide Liberians with a choice between imported and locally-produced rice, enhancing food security and reducing dependency on imports. Minister Nuetah emphasized that this effort is part of a broader strategy to empower local farmers and boost domestic rice production.

The activities at CARI, supported by various national and international partners, underscore the critical importance of agriculture in driving Liberia's development. By focusing on sustainable practices, modern technologies, and resilient seed systems, Liberia is taking significant steps toward ensuring food security and improving the livelihoods of its farmers.

The Minister said the government aims to cultivate eight brands of locally produced rice-Foya Queen, Bomi Rice, Sinoe Rice, Gbedin Rice, Montserrado Rice, Dan Rice, Tarpo Rice, and Godiala-which are expected to hit the market early next year. This initiative aligns with the government's ARREST agenda, emphasizing agriculture as a key driver of national development.

Held from December 5 to 7, 2024, under the theme “Promoting Agriculture for Food Security, Nutrition, and Sustainable Development,” the NAF brought together farmers from all counties in Liberia. The event showcased agricultural products, recognized outstanding farmers, and facilitated various activities promoting innovation and collaboration in the sector.

Minister Nuetah announced commitments from the Chinese government to establish eight mechanization centers in five counties, in addition to five existing ones funded by the World Bank. These centers will provide farmers with affordable access to equipment, maximizing productivity and efficiency.

In the cassava sector, he emphasized that significant strides are being made through the Seed4Liberia project, funded by the European Union. “Seven cassava varieties are currently multiplied at CARI to support farmers involved in the cassava value chain, and to facilitate market access, plans are underway to establish the first starch processing factory in Weala, Margibi County,” Minister Nuetah noted.

Binta Stephen Tchicaya, the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Representative, highlighted the Seed4Liberia program's support in developing resilient seed systems. This initiative aims to provide farmers with high-quality certified seeds capable of withstanding climate change, pests, and diseases. 

According to her, the Seed4Liberia, a program funded by the European Union supports the development of resilient seed systems and provides farmers with access to high-quality certified seeds that can withstand the pressure of climate change, pests, and disease.

“We are talking about a substantial amount: 6,000 tons of rice, 4,800 tons of soybeans, 62,000 bundles of cassava, 25 million Tilapia fry, and 1,000 coffee seedlings of the Liberian pride, the Liberianica coffee.” 

“By producing certified seed locally, and improving the capacity of institutions such as the Central Agricultural Research Institute, the FAO is supporting the Government of Liberia to take charge of its agriculture future,” according to Madam Tchicaya.

The FAO Country Representative revealed that the program also engages students from the University of Liberia, providing practical field-learning experiences and fostering innovation in seed production and distribution.

President Joseph N. Boakai, in his special remarks, emphasized the critical role of agriculture in Liberia's economic development. He reiterated the government’s commitment to food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable development through the National Agriculture Development Plan (NADP 2024–2030).  

“The NAF is not just an event, it is a call to action to address food security, and our development needs. We recommit to addressing existing challenges that are hindering the agriculture sector,” the Liberia leader reemphasized.

President Boakai said: “Our farmers are the backbone of our nation’s progress and today, we recommit ourselves to addressing the challenges that hinder our agricultural growth while celebrating the resilience and innovations of our esteemed farmers.” 

The Liberian leader further emphasized expanding the agricultural value chain by connecting farmers to local and international markets to increase competitiveness, and building capacity to adapt to climate change and ensure sustainable food systems.

The President called on all Liberians to embrace the mantra, “Liberians Feed Yourselves,” to harness the country’s fertile soil and abundant resources.

Nona Deprez, the European Union’s Ambassador to Liberia, highlighted the EU’s continued dedication to agricultural development. She announced two new initiatives-Seed4Liberia and Soil4Liberia-designed to boost productivity and strengthen the sector. “These programs are crucial for ensuring improved productivity and sustainable agriculture in Liberia,” Deprez stated.

Similarly, Catherine Rodriguez, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Liberia, emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment through its Feed the Future Program. This initiative has provided farmers with essential equipment, inputs, and training, significantly enhancing Liberia’s agricultural capacity. “We will continue to work with the government to improve food and nutrition security,” Rodriguez said.

Georgia Wallen, the World Bank’s Country Director for Liberia, also highlighted the institution’s focus on agriculture within its upcoming partnership framework. “Agriculture is high on our agenda. We look forward to working with the government to address key issues, including climate change,” she noted.