Programs
Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) – Research Programs
The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) plays a pivotal role in agricultural research and innovation in Liberia. With a broad mandate covering food, tree, and industrial crops, CARI focuses on technology development, adaptive research, and sustainable agricultural practices. Its research efforts are structured into seven thematic programs, each designed to address key agricultural challenges and opportunities.
1. Crops Research Program
The Crops Research Program aims to develop and promote integrated crop value chains, ensuring sustainable production and market competitiveness. CARI’s research covers a wide range of crops, including:
Staple food crops: Maize, rice, cowpea, soybean, cassava, sweet potato, and vegetables.
Tree and industrial crops: Cocoa, oil palm, coconut, and rubber.
CARI employs adaptive research techniques to develop demand-driven technologies in collaboration with value chain actors, research institutions, and government agencies. The program focuses on:
Technology needs assessment for stakeholders.
Trials, testing, and selection of improved crop varieties.
Dissemination of research findings through participatory engagement with farmers.
2. Livestock and Fisheries Research Program
The Livestock and Fisheries Research Program is dedicated to developing and promoting integrated livestock and fisheries value chains. The goal is to provide market-oriented knowledge and technologies that empower producers to meet market demands and international quality standards.
This program is structured into three interrelated sub-programs:
Development and promotion of sustainable animal and fisheries production.
Research on livestock and fisheries health technologies to improve disease prevention and treatment.
Investigation into feed and forage resources to enhance nutrition and productivity.
By focusing on sustainable livestock and fisheries management, CARI aims to boost productivity, improve food security, and strengthen rural economies.
3. Natural Resource Management Research Program
The Natural Resource Management Program focuses on sustainable and integrated resource management technologies to ensure efficient and rational utilization of natural resources. Key research areas include:
Integrated natural resource management for long-term sustainability.
Soil improvement technologies to enhance fertility and crop yields.
Water conservation, irrigation, and drainage management for efficient water use.
Climate change adaptation strategies to mitigate environmental risks.
Land use planning improvements to optimize agricultural productivity.
Through innovative research and technology development, this program supports environmentally responsible farming practices that safeguard Liberia’s natural resources.
4. Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Management Program
Biotechnology provides modern tools for crop improvement, livestock health, and environmental sustainability. The Biotechnology and Genetic Resource Management Program focuses on:
Development and promotion of biotechnology applications for improved crop, livestock, and fisheries production.
Conservation of genetic resources to preserve biodiversity and enhance agricultural resilience.
By leveraging biotechnological advancements, CARI aims to increase efficiency, improve returns, and enhance environmental sustainability in Liberia’s agricultural sector.
5. Socioeconomics and Applied Statistics Research Program
The Socioeconomics and Applied Statistics Program serves as the interface between research outputs and their users. It focuses on understanding the social, cultural, and economic factors that influence the adoption of agricultural technologies.
Key research areas include:
Generation of socio-economic data to guide technology development and dissemination.
Analysis of agricultural input and output markets to improve market efficiency.
Assessment of technology adoption rates among farmers and value chain actors.
By integrating economic and statistical research, this program ensures that agricultural innovations are practical, accessible, and beneficial to Liberia’s farming communities.
6. Agricultural Mechanization, Irrigation Engineering & Agro-Meteorology Program
This program focuses on modernizing agricultural practices through mechanization, irrigation engineering, and climate monitoring. Research areas include:
Development of mechanized farming techniques to improve efficiency.
Irrigation engineering solutions for water management in agriculture.
Agro-meteorology studies to assess climate impacts on farming.
By promoting technology-driven agricultural solutions, this program enhances productivity, sustainability, and resilience in Liberia’s farming sector.
7. Post-Harvest & Food Processing Research Program
The Post-Harvest & Food Processing Program aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve food quality through innovative processing techniques. Research areas include:
Food processing technologies to enhance value addition.
Nutrition-focused research to improve dietary outcomes.
Storage and preservation methods to extend shelf life and reduce waste.
By strengthening post-harvest management, this program supports food security, market competitiveness, and economic growth.
CARI’s seven research programs are strategically designed to address key agricultural challenges while promoting innovation, sustainability, and economic development. Through collaborative research, adaptive technologies, and stakeholder engagement, CARI continues to play a vital role in advancing Liberia’s agricultural sector.
