-Urges Budget Boost to Sustain Growth
By: Matalay Kollie
The Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) has
registered notable milestones in Liberia’s agricultural sector under the
leadership of Dr. Arthur Karnuah.
This was the central message from CARI’s Communications
Director, Papa Morris, during a recent appearance on a local radio program in
Gbarnga.
Morris outlined a series of operational and strategic
reforms that have reinvigorated CARI’s mandate, citing enhanced internal
systems, increased donor confidence, and direct farmer engagement as key
indicators of progress.
Among the standout reforms is the introduction of a
biometric attendance system that has streamlined employee monitoring and
improved institutional discipline. Equally transformative is the strengthening
of internal controls, which Morris said have fortified organizational
transparency and accountability, attracting renewed support from international
partners.
A major breakthrough, Morris noted, is the launch of a hotline System enabling farmers from across the country to report concerns and
share feedback directly with the institute’s headquarters in Suakoko, Bong
County.
“This two-way communication channel is not just a technological upgrade—it is a statement of accountability and responsiveness to
the needs of our farming communities,” Morris explained.
He also praised the administration’s efforts in safeguarding
CARI from political interference, a challenge that has long impeded its
effectiveness. “We are focused, independent, and making strategic progress like
never before,” he emphasized.
In terms of agricultural output, Morris highlighted CARI’s
large-scale cassava production and the development of nutrient-rich fish feed
tailored to the needs of local aquaculture ventures.
These efforts, he said, are already showing tangible benefits for farmers, who now have access to improved cassava varieties and scientifically formulated inputs.
However, despite these commendable strides, Morris voiced
concern over CARI’s financial constraints. He described the current budget, reportedly
under one million U.S. dollars annually, as insufficient to sustain and expand
the institute’s operations.
He appealed to the national legislature to raise
the budget to at least three million dollars, stressing that such an increase
would not only scale ongoing projects but also provide technical training
opportunities for staff.
“An adequately funded CARI means a stronger agricultural
sector, empowered farmers, and a more food-secure Liberia,” Morris concluded.
As the nation looks to agriculture as a pillar for economic
revival, the call for increased funding places a spotlight on CARI’s pivotal
role in shaping a resilient and productive farming sector.
