CARI Director General Announces Comprehensive Performance Evaluation, Unveils Strategic Initiatives to Strengthen Research and Outreach
SUAKOKO, Bong County – The Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, has announced that beginning in March 2026, the administration will conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation of all scientists and researchers across the institute.
Speaking during a coffee break organized by the administration recently at the CARI canteen, Dr. Karnuah emphasized that the evaluation process is a critical step toward strengthening accountability, enhancing productivity, and improving the overall quality of agricultural research outputs. The coffee break, designed as a platform for dialogue between management and professional staff, provided the setting for this important disclosure.
Dr. Karnuah instructed heads of the institute’s seven thematic programs to immediately commence evaluations of all research officers and assistants under their supervision, with findings to be submitted to the Board of Directors. He clarified that program heads themselves will be evaluated directly by the Director General. “You have to be very objective,” he cautioned, underscoring the importance of fairness and transparency. “If that is not done, please provide legitimate reasons.”
The Director General further noted that the evaluation exercise is not only about measuring performance but also about identifying opportunities for restructuring. He encouraged program heads to consider reshuffling staff where necessary to improve service delivery and strengthen alignment with CARI’s mission to advance agricultural research and innovation in Liberia.
A symbol of unity, the ambience of the coffee break, CARI’s first in recent times, unfolded in an atmosphere marked by reconciliation and renewed camaraderie. Moments of confession and forgiveness softened tensions, while laughter and cheerful toasts created a lively rhythm in the canteen. What began as a simple pause in the day evolved into a symbolic occasion of healing and togetherness, an environment where professional relationships were refreshed, and the spirit of collective purpose was rekindled.
The meeting fostered a renewed sense of team spirit and deeper understanding among participants, creating space for support, collaboration, and networking. Several members of the audience offered thoughtful recommendations, including the empowerment of the post-harvest and food processing department to enhance value addition, the establishment of a staff club to strengthen internal cohesion, and the initiation of community outreach programs to extend CARI’s impact beyond its immediate research mandate. These suggestions underscored the collective commitment to advancing both institutional growth and national development.
Turning to strategic expansion, Dr. Karnuah highlighted the growing importance of the national Cocoa Seed Garden (CSD) in Beeplay, Nimba County. The facility, which cultivates hybrid cocoa varieties for nationwide distribution, has already supplied more than 42,000 hybrid seedlings to Lofa County.
By the end of 2026, Beeplay is expected to become the next major hub for CARI’s research and innovation activities. Plans are underway to assign scientists and researchers to the site, where they will collect critical data, rotate assignments, and conduct specialized tasks such as pollination and varietal trials. This initiative reflects CARI’s broader strategy to strengthen Liberia’s agricultural research infrastructure, ensuring that hybrid cocoa production is scientifically monitored for quality, resilience, and productivity.
The establishment of Beeplay as a hub will enable closer collaboration between researchers and farmers, fostering knowledge transfer and accelerating the adoption of improved cocoa varieties across the country. This development signals a new chapter in Liberia’s cocoa industry, positioning Beeplay as a cornerstone of national efforts to boost agricultural exports, enhance farmer livelihoods, and contribute to food security through science-driven innovation.
Also stressing the importance of visibility, public engagement, and expansion, Dr. Karnuah unveiled a six-month CARI’s weekly radio program to be aired on two local radio stations in Bong County.
He explained that the expansion is intended to strengthen outreach, ensuring that communities, farmers, and stakeholders are regularly informed about ongoing research, innovations, and institutional priorities. Radio, he emphasized, remains one of the most effective platforms for connecting with rural populations and promoting agricultural awareness.
To guarantee the quality and consistency of the broadcasts, Dr. Karnuah challenged all program heads to submit their presentations ahead of each broadcast week. He underscored that timely preparation and clear communication are essential to maintaining credibility and delivering impactful messages to the public.
Together, these initiatives, the performance evaluation, reconciliatory staff engagement, strategic expansion in Beeplay, and enhanced visibility through the radio, signal a renewed commitment by CARI’s leadership to foster a culture of merit, accountability, innovation, and transparency. They position the institute not only as Liberia’s premier agricultural research institution but also as a trusted partner in driving national progress through science-driven solutions, strengthening livelihoods, and contributing to food security.
Several professional staff members conveyed a strong sense of optimism, commending the Director General’s astute leadership and strategic vision. They emphasized that such exemplary guidance has fostered confidence across the institution and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration. In particular, they pledged to work collectively to advance agricultural research initiatives, strengthen innovation, and ensure that the Institute continues to deliver impactful contributions to national and global food security.
