CARI administration building
CARI administration building

CARI Publishes First Client Satisfaction Survey Results in Bong County

The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) has taken a significant step toward strengthening its service delivery and client engagement by publishing the results of its first Client Satisfaction Survey in Bong County. Conducted through the Socioeconomics and Applied Statistics Program, the survey was supported by the launch of a new digital feedback tool designed to capture stakeholder perspectives and map priority services.

This pilot initiative reflects CARI’s broader commitment to transparency, accountability, and institutional performance in line with the Government of Liberia’s Service Delivery Charter (SDC) and the Performance Management Compliance System (PMCS). By introducing a modern feedback mechanism, CARI is positioning itself as a responsive and client‑centered institution that listens to the voices of farmers, cooperatives, policymakers, donors, and other partners.

The survey employed a mixed‑methods design, combining quantitative analysis with qualitative insights. Satisfaction indices and descriptive statistics provided measurable indicators of client experiences, while thematic analysis of interviews and focus group discussions captured perceptions, expectations, and recommendations. This dual approach ensured that both numbers and narratives informed the findings.

Stakeholders expressed strong interest in deeper collaboration with CARI, underscoring the institute’s role as a hub for agricultural research and innovation. Respondents highlighted the importance of improved research outputs, training opportunities, and extension services to meet Liberia’s growing agricultural needs.

The survey revealed several critical gaps in service delivery, including timeliness and accessibility, with clients reporting delays in accessing services and challenges in reaching CARI’s programs. Regarding responsiveness and feedback handling, stakeholders noted limited channels for providing feedback and insufficient responsiveness to client concerns. For documentation and monitoring, recurring issues were identified in record‑keeping, staff capacity, and monitoring mechanisms.

Despite these challenges, the findings also pointed to high expectations and confidence in CARI’s potential to deliver transformative agricultural services.

The report recommends strengthening feedback systems, improving communication channels, and enhancing responsiveness to client needs. It further calls for aligning service delivery with national standards under the SDC and PMCS frameworks.

By implementing these measures, CARI aims to reinforce stakeholder trust, improve institutional effectiveness, and ensure that its services remain transparent, accountable, and client‑focused.

The publication of the Client Satisfaction Survey results marks a milestone in CARI’s journey toward agricultural transformation in Liberia. It demonstrates the institute’s willingness to confront challenges openly and to use evidence‑based insights to guide reforms. As Liberia’s leading institution for agricultural research and technology generation, CARI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing productivity, resilience, and sustainability across farming systems.

This initiative is more than a survey; it is a roadmap for building stronger partnerships, delivering measurable results, and ensuring that agricultural innovation directly benefits the communities CARI serves.