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By: Nukanah Kollie/ IFAJ-Alltech Young Leader & Fellow/ [email protected]
BONG COUNTY—As climate change continues to threaten agricultural production in Liberia, scientists at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) are developing new climate-resilient rice varieties aimed at helping farmers adapt to changing weather conditions and improving national food security.
At CARI’s research station in Suakoko, Bong County, rice breeders are testing several rice varieties capable of withstanding irregular rainfall, rising temperatures, drought, and emerging pest outbreaks that increasingly affect farming communities across the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN), CARI rice breeder and plant research Joseph Ndebeh said climate change is already disrupting Liberia’s traditional farming calendar and reducing agricultural productivity.
According to him, rainfall patterns that farmers once depended on for land preparation and planting have become unpredictable.
“In March, February and April, we used to experience regular rainfall for farming activities,” Ndebeh explained. “But now rainfall comes irregularly, sometimes once or twice a week, making farming very difficult for many farmers.”
He warned that delayed rainfall and prolonged dry conditions are affecting crop production and increasing food insecurity risks, especially for smallholder farmers who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture.
CARI Breeding Rice for Climate Adaptation
To address these challenges, CARI is focusing on breeding early-maturing and climate-resilient rice varieties that can adapt to Liberia’s changing environment.
Ndebeh revealed that researchers are currently testing about 17 rice varieties to identify those that can withstand drought, excessive rainfall, heat stress, and changing climatic conditions.
“We are preparing for the future,” he said. “We are developing rice varieties that can survive climate change and still produce good yields.”
Traditionally, many rice varieties cultivated in Liberia require between 140 to 150 days before harvest. However, CARI scientists have successfully developed varieties that mature much faster.
“Some of the varieties now mature in about 100 days, while the earliest can be harvested in just 81 days,” Ndebeh explained.
According to him, early-maturing rice varieties are critical because they allow farmers to harvest more quickly and potentially cultivate rice two to three times per year instead of once.
“In 81 days, farmers can harvest rice. That helps improve food availability and reduce hunger,” he added.
Climate Change Increasing Pest and Disease Threats
Beyond rainfall challenges, Ndebeh said climate change is also contributing to the spread of pests and crop diseases.
He pointed to the growing presence of fall armyworms in Liberia, particularly in maize production.
“Today, when farmers plant corn, within two or three weeks the fall armyworm can destroy the entire field,” he said.
He explained that rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions are creating favorable conditions for pests and diseases to spread rapidly.
“When the environment becomes suitable for pests and diseases, they multiply faster and destroy crops,” he warned.
Research Supporting Both Upland and Swamp Farming
CARI’s climate adaptation research is targeting both upland and swamp rice farming systems.
For upland farming areas, researchers are developing drought-tolerant rice varieties capable of surviving reduced rainfall. In swamp farming systems, scientists are working on varieties that can withstand flooding and water stress caused by extreme weather conditions.
Ndebeh said climate variability is affecting both farming systems.
“When rainfall becomes too heavy, swamp farms overflow and farmers lose their crops,” he explained.
Farmer Training and Community Outreach
To help farmers adopt the new technologies, CARI is expanding community outreach and farmer training initiatives across Liberia.
According to Ndebeh, the institute regularly uses radio programs to educate farmers on improved farming practices, climate adaptation, and new rice varieties.
“We go on radio every week to discuss agriculture with farmers,” he said. “One week we discuss rice, another week vegetables or oil palm.”
CARI is also promoting Farmer Field Schools, where scientists train farmers directly in their communities and demonstrate modern farming techniques on actual farms.
“We train farmers in their own fields so they can see the results for themselves,” Ndebeh explained.
He emphasized that practical demonstrations increase farmer confidence and improve adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies.
Mechanization and Sustainable Farming
Ndebeh also highlighted the importance of agricultural mechanization and sustainable land management in addressing climate challenges.
He said tractor services and agricultural hubs are helping farmers reduce dependence on traditional slash-and-burn farming methods.
“Mechanization is the future because it helps farmers produce more while reducing pressure on the environment,” he said.
He warned that continuous land clearing and burning are degrading Liberia’s soil fertility and contributing to environmental decline.
“The soil is becoming degraded because nutrients are being lost,” he explained. “And when trees disappear, rainfall patterns also change.”
Building Resilience Through Research
As climate change continues to reshape Liberia’s agricultural sector, CARI scientists say innovation in crop breeding will remain essential for protecting national food systems.
Through the development of early-maturing and climate-resilient rice varieties, researchers at CARI are working to help farmers adapt to unpredictable weather conditions while improving food production across Liberia.
Ndebeh stressed that without stronger adaptation measures; Liberia could face increasing food insecurity in the future.
“If we do not adapt to climate change, there will be hunger,” he warned.
