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By George C. Kollie
Smallholder farmers in rural Montserrado County are beginning to see a shift toward more resilient and self-reliant farming systems following a targeted capacity-building intervention by the CARI/ SADFONS Project.
Recently, the Smallholder Agriculture Development for Food and Nutrition Security (SADFONS) Project, implemented under the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), successfully concluded a two-day intensive training on seed preservation for farmers from Careysburg and Todee Statutory Districts. The training was held in Bentol City and brought together more than 35 lead and local farmers committed to improving crop productivity and sustainability in their communities.
Led by agricultural experts specializing in vegetables, rice, and cassava, the training focused on practical, farmer-centered techniques including seed selection, proper storage methods, and best practices for maintaining seed viability under rural conditions. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions, participants gained skills that will enable them to preserve high-quality seeds for future planting seasons—reducing post-harvest losses and improving yields.
This capacity-building effort directly addresses one of Liberia’s long-standing agricultural challenges: heavy reliance on imported seeds that often arrive late or fail to germinate due to unsuitable conditions.
Speaking at the close of the training, Mr. Joseph Woah, Project Focus Person at the CARI–SADFONS Project, commended the farmers for their commitment to strengthening Liberia’s agricultural sector in line with the government’s ARREST Agenda.
Mr. Woah noted that despite significant government expenditure on imported seeds over the years, results have remained limited. “In many cases, imported seeds arrive late in the season, and a large portion fails to germinate,” he explained. “By equipping local farmers with seed preservation skills, we are investing in a more reliable and cost-effective solution.”
He emphasized that the trained farmers will now serve as local seed resource persons, capable of supplying quality seeds to other farmers across rural Montserrado County.
For participants, the training represents more than new knowledge—it offers a pathway to economic relief and improved livelihoods.
Madame Comfort Jallah, a lead farmer, described the training as transformative. “The knowledge we gained is invaluable,” she said. “It will help us overcome the financial burden of buying imported seeds and allow us to protect our crops using improved and modern farming practices.”
She expressed gratitude to the CARI/SADFONS team, noting that the skills acquired would benefit not only her farm but also farmers throughout her community.
Funded by the African Development Bank, the SADFONS Project is currently supporting farmers in six of Liberia’s 15 counties: Montserrado, Bomi, Grand Gedeh, Grand Bassa, River Gee, and Maryland, with plans to expand to Margibi and Bong Counties in 2026.
By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, strengthening local seed systems, and empowering smallholder farmers with practical skills, the CARI/ SADFONS Project helps improve food security, lower production costs, and build a more resilient agricultural sector in Liberia.
