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By Senior Reporter, Thomas West/+231888972432
Liberian President, Joseph Boakai recently named Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah as the new Director General of the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) situated in Suakoko District, Central Liberia. Following his appointment as Director General of Liberia’s only agriculture research center as an outcome of a competitive vetting process, Dr. Karnuah is poised to lead the institution with his extensive background in agricultural research and development.
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.
The new CARI boss expressed his willingness to contribute and lead in a meaningful way in the development of viable and sustainable agricultural research and development in Liberia through the utilization of his vast experience and skills to improve the breeding value of livestock; develop appropriate breeding programs to add value to Animal Genetic Resources to increase their productivity and the development and management of the Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) for sustainable production and conservation.
Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah has a solid grasp of international working experience and knowledge of agricultural development programs and livestock production systems in both developing and developed countries. He previously studied and worked in the agricultural sectors of some countries including Holland, the Philippines, Japan, and the United States of America.
Dr. Karnuah holds a Ph.D. From Kyoto University, Japan, in Agricultural Science (Animal Breeding and Genetics). He also earned a Master of Science from Central Luzon State University, Philippines with a concentration on Animal Science. Dr. Karnuah 1990 obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of the Philippines at Los Banos, Philippines, in animal science. Dr. Karnuah got his entry-level career in general agriculture with an Associate Degree (AA) in 1980 from the Rural Development Institute, Cuttington University, and Suakoko, Liberia.
Before his recent appointment as Director General of CARI, Dr. Karnuah from 2012 to 2018 served as Head of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries at the institute. He provided oversight for animal genetic resources management and related interventions funded by the UN-FAO and the USAID-supported Food Enterprise Development Project among others at CARI. He later joined the FAO Liberia program as the National Project Coordinator for the Emergency Center for Transboundary Animal Disease (ECTAD) Program in Liberia, a position he held up to the end of 2023.
The Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI) is Liberia‘s primary agricultural research institution. Established to spearhead agricultural research and development since 1980, CARI focuses on enhancing food security, improving crop yields, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The center’s activities include crop research to develop improved varieties of staple crops such as rice, cassava, maize, and vegetables, livestock research intended to improve livestock breeds and management practices for cattle, poultry, goats, and sheep, soil and water management studies on soil fertility, conservation techniques, and effective water management practices and agricultural technology designed to introduce and adapt to modern agricultural technologies and practices to enhance productivity.
Over the years, CARI has been instrumental in introducing high-yield crop varieties and improved livestock breeds to Liberian farmers. The institute has also played a crucial role in addressing food security challenges in Liberia through research and extension services. CARI’s research outputs have reportedly contributed to increased agricultural productivity and income for smallholder farmers.
Despite gains made over the period, the institute is still confronted with a mountain of challenges ranging from limited funding and resources which have been a significant challenge for CARI, affecting its ability to conduct extensive research and outreach activities. Infrastructure and facilities need improvement to support advanced research. There is also a need for more skilled researchers and scientists to drive innovative agricultural research.
