SUAKOKO, LIBERIA – In response to urgent SOS calls from Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, Director General at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), following a thunderstorm that damaged homes and research facilities, the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) delivered 40 bundles (800 sheets) of zinc as part of efforts to repair the damage.

Representing Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, Asatu Zoe-Konneh, Director of Recovery, Loss, and Damage, handed over the 40 bundles of zinc and 40 packs of nails. She mentioned that the NDMA team was present in Bong County to support CARI during this critical time.

Madam Zoe-Konneh emphasized that, while the government cares about the well-being of every Liberian, the agency's contribution represents the government’s effort to assist CARI with what they can afford. "We cannot do it all, but this is what we have for now," she stated.

Receiving the items on behalf of CARI, Mrs. Abibatu T. Kromah, Administrator, expressed gratitude for the timely intervention by NDMA. She stated, "CARI management is highly delighted by the gesture." She assured that the administration prioritizes the Science Building and the laboratories destroyed. "What we have received here today will go a long way. We will do our best to start working with what we have received."

The Administrator, who congratulated the NDMA on the gesture, said CARI needs more than zinc, especially when renovating homes and facilities is a pressing priority.

Mrs. Kromah noted that the gesture marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between CARI and NDMA to rebuild the research institute.

Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, Director General of CARI, voiced his concerns about the extensive damage caused by the storm, which affected more than a dozen homes and research facilities. He stressed the urgent need for support to repair and restore the crucial research infrastructure. "A significant number of our researchers are currently displaced, so we urgently need to accommodate them at other facilities and offices," he said.

The Director General appealed to the Government of Liberia, the National Disaster Management Commission, donors, and international partners for swift intervention to enable the rehabilitation of CARI, allowing researchers to return to their assigned homes and continue their work. Dr. Karnuah reiterated, "As the institution comes to terms with the storm's aftermath, our focus now shifts to rebuilding and fortifying CARI’s facilities to withstand future climate shocks."

As Liberia's premier Agricultural Research Institute, CARI is dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability through innovative, adaptive, and applied research. CARI plays a crucial role in addressing food security challenges and improving farmers' livelihoods in the country. Established by the CARI Act of 2016, the institution undertakes comprehensive agricultural research in Liberia, covering all aspects of food crops, trees, industrial crops, live stock, fisheries, and the farm environment.