SUAKOKO DISTRICT, Bong County – The Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, has commended the Government of Liberia for increasing the institution’s national budget from US$1.7 million to US$2.3 million, describing the increment as a significant milestone in revitalizing agricultural research and advancing food security across the country.
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
Dr. Karnuah made the statement in an interview with FrontPageAfrica on Monday, January 12, 2026, at his office in CARI, Suakoko District. He said the additional US$600,000 allocation demonstrates the government’s growing commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and farmer support services in Liberia.
According to Dr. Karnuah, the increment will substantially improve the institute’s operational capacity, enhance the quality of ongoing research programs, and expand extension services to farming communities nationwide. He noted that CARI has, for years, struggled with limited financial resources, which constrained its ability to rehabilitate infrastructure, upgrade laboratories, and recruit specialized researchers.
“The increase in our budget from US$1.7 million to US$2.3 million is more than just a financial adjustment; it is a renewed commitment to agricultural transformation in Liberia,” Dr. Karnuah said. “This support empowers us to reposition CARI as a leading center of excellence in agricultural research and innovation.”
The CARI Director General explained that part of the additional funding will be directed toward rehabilitating aging research facilities, acquiring modern laboratory equipment, and strengthening seed development programs. He emphasized that investing in research is critical to addressing climate change, pest resistance, soil degradation, and other challenges affecting farmers.
“This additional funding will allow us to modernize our laboratories, improve seed multiplication programs, and provide farmers with high-yielding and climate-resilient crop varieties,” he stated. “With stronger research capacity, we can deliver practical solutions that directly increase productivity and reduce Liberia’s dependence on imported food.”
Dr. Karnuah further stressed that the increment will enhance the institute’s outreach efforts, ensuring that scientific findings reach farmers in rural communities. He said effective extension services are key to translating research into tangible agricultural growth.
“The budget boost will strengthen our extension services and enable our scientists to work closely with farmers across the counties,” he said. “When research findings are effectively shared and implemented at the community level, the impact on food production and household income becomes measurable and sustainable.”
He added that CARI intends to prioritize climate-smart agriculture, mechanization research, soil fertility management, and youth engagement in agribusiness under the expanded budget framework. According to him, strategic investment in these areas will not only enhance national food security but also create employment opportunities for young people.
“Investing in agricultural research today is an investment in Liberia’s future,” Dr. Karnuah noted. “If we strengthen our research systems now, we will significantly reduce hunger, improve rural livelihoods, and position Liberia to compete within the regional agricultural market.”
The disclosure about the budget increase was first made public by Bong County Senator Prince Moye during a weekend simulcast on several community radio stations in Gbarnga. During the broadcast, Senator Moye highlighted key components of the national budget and described the increment for CARI as a strategic investment in the country’s agricultural development agenda.
Dr. Karnuah praised Senator Moye and members of the Legislature for supporting the increase during budget deliberations. He underscored that agriculture remains the backbone of Liberia’s economy and that sustained funding for research institutions is essential to driving national growth.
He assured the public that CARI will maintain transparency and accountability in the utilization of the additional funds. He said the institute will implement measurable performance indicators to ensure that the increased budget translates into visible improvements in crop yields, livestock production, and farmer incomes.
Dr. Karnuah concluded by reaffirming CARI’s commitment to supporting the government’s Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development through science-driven solutions. He also called on development partners and the private sector to complement the government’s efforts in advancing agricultural transformation.
“With sustained support and strategic collaboration, CARI will continue to develop innovative technologies that empower farmers, strengthen agricultural value chains, and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s economic growth,” he said.
