CARI/SADFONS Reinforces Certified Seed Production Protocols to Boost Out-growers’ Yield Potential of Crop Varieties in Liberia
HARPER, Maryland County — In December 2025, the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), through the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) Project, embarked on an ambitious 22-day field mission across the six counties, including Grand Gedeh, River Gee, and Maryland, Grand Bassa, Bomi, and Montserrado, reaching 18 groups of out-growers. The mission was designed to strengthen certified seed production protocols and prepare out-grower groups for the upcoming planting season.
Funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the SADFONS Project is implemented by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA). Its overarching goal is to promote inclusive agricultural growth, reduce poverty, and enhance food security for more than 11,000 low-income farming households across eight counties.
CARI plays a pivotal role in this initiative by producing foundation seeds—particularly improved cassava cuttings and rice seeds—and supporting their multiplication into certified seeds through partnerships with farmer-based organizations. A Memorandum of Understanding between MoA and CARI mandates the establishment of at least one seed company per a project county, ensuring sustainability beyond the project’s lifespan.
Led by Project Coordinator Joseph S. Woah, the CARI-SADFONS Technical Team, comprising specialists in cassava, rice, vegetables, communications, and finance, worked with 180 out-growers representing 18 farmer-based organizations.
The mission began with stakeholder meetings involving county authorities, agricultural officers, civil society actors, and local media. These engagements laid the groundwork for awareness campaigns on the importance of certified seed production and the role of seed enterprises in boosting yields.
Training sessions formed the backbone of the mission. Out-growers were introduced to the Protocol for Foundation and Certified Seed Production, with detailed modules on cassava handling and storage, rice seed management, and certified vegetable production. Practical demonstrations were conducted in each county, allowing farmers to apply new techniques directly in the field.
To broaden public awareness, radio talk shows were hosted in local languages. These broadcasts highlighted CARI’s mandate under SADFONS, the yield potential of improved crop varieties, and how farmers could access elite planting materials. Alongside training, the mission delivered tangible support. Foundation seeds and planting materials, including cassava, rice, and vegetables, were distributed to out-growers. Demonstration plots were established to showcase performance and serve as farmer learning sites.
Operational and logistical support was also provided. Each county received financial assistance according to its value chain to facilitate land preparation, while Memoranda of Understanding between CARI and out-grower groups were finalized, formalizing seed business responsibilities and outlining post-project collaboration.
By the close of the mission, several milestones had been achieved: 180 out-growers trained in certified seed production protocols, 42 local stakeholders sensitized to support seed enterprise development, six demonstration plots established to showcase yield potential, and MoUs validated and signed, securing long-term collaboration between seed companies and out-growers.
The CARI/SADFONS field mission demonstrated both the promise and the challenges of transforming Liberia’s seed systems. With strong stakeholder commitment and farmer enthusiasm, the groundwork has been laid for sustainable seed enterprises that can drive agricultural growth, enhance yields, and strengthen food security nationwide.
