Liberia Agricultural and Environmental Journalists Network (LAEJN) Promote informed journalism and public engagement on agricultural and environmental nalists Network (LAEJN)
Written by Wilmot Konah, Radio Gbarnga, Bong County
In a bold move aimed at revitalizing Liberia’s agricultural research and development, the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Alexander Nuetah has announced plans to rebrand the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) as a professional and technical institution, free from political interference. This pronouncement was made at the induction ceremony of Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah as the new Director General of CARI.
The Agriculture Minister emphasized that the rebranding initiative is a strategic effort to enhance CARI’s effectiveness and ensure that its research outputs are driven by science and innovation. This shift is expected to position CARI as a key player in addressing the challenges facing Liberia’s agricultural sector, including food security, climate change, and sustainable farming practices.
“Rebranding CARI as a purely professional and technical institution is crucial for the advancement of our agricultural sector. We are committed to creating an environment where our researchers can work independently, focusing on evidence-based solutions that will benefit our farmers and the nation as a whole,” said the Minister.
According to Dr. Nuetah, the plan includes restructuring the institute’s governance system and strengthening partnerships with international research bodies, and investing in capacity-building for the institute’s staff. The Minister highlighted that these steps are necessary to restore public confidence in CARI and to ensure that it can attract and retain top-tier talent.
Stakeholders in the agricultural sector have welcomed the move, seeing it as a necessary step towards building a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural system in Liberia. The rebranding is expected to be accompanied by an increase in funding for research and development, as well as new initiatives aimed at translating research findings into practical solutions for farmers across the country.
The Central Agriculture Research Institute, located in Suakoko, Bong County, has been at the forefront of agricultural research in Liberia since its establishment. However, in recent years, the institute has faced criticism for its perceived politicization and lack of effectiveness. The rebranding effort is seen as a fresh start for the institution, aligning it more closely with its original mandate to serve as a beacon of agricultural innovation and progress in Liberia.
As Liberia continues to grapple with the challenges of food insecurity and climate change, the success of this rebranding effort will be crucial in determining the future of the country’s agricultural sector. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting CARI in this new chapter, with the hope that it will lead to a more prosperous and food-secure Liberia.
Liberian President, Joseph Boakai recently named Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah as the new Director General of the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI).
Dr. Karnuah has come to the new role with more than 30 years of experience in agriculture sector development including agricultural research, livestock and poultry management and production, extension services, animal science (breeding and genetics), functional genomics, and molecular genetics (biotechnology) for agricultural and animal industry development. This is coupled with his high level of management and organizational skills, and a team player skillset.
