Soils4Liberia Convenes First Steering Committee Meeting, EU Delegation Tours University of Liberia Soil Laboratory

April 29, 2026

By: Daniel Momo Sirleaf, Stakeholder Engagement and Communication Officer, IITA Liberia

The Soils4Liberia Project convened its first Steering Committee Meeting on April 29, 2026, at the Ministry of Agriculture - Republic of Liberia, bringing together key national and international partners to strengthen coordination and strategic oversight of the project.

The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, and attended by representatives of the European Union Delegation to Liberia, including Green Team Lead, Mr. Gilles Matayron, and Programmes Officer, Mr. Antonio D. Clemente... Also present were key project partners, including the Director General of the Central Agricultural Research Institute CARI, Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah, and the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Forestry at the University of Liberia, Prof. Leroy Cegbe.



Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning - Republic of Liberia, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture - Republic of Liberia were in attendance. International partners, including ISRIC - World Soil Information, MATE University, and the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel, attended the meeting virtually. Also in attendance was AfricaRice Country Representative to Liberia.



The Soils4Liberia Project Manager, Shiferaw Abebe Dakka, and Soil Scientist, Dr Samuel A. Mesele, presented a comprehensive report on the project’s progress since its inception in August 2024, along with the work plan for 2026.



The Steering Committee Meeting reflects the project’s commitment to inclusive governance, high-level engagement, and strengthened collaboration among implementing and oversight institutions, in pursuit of efforts to advance sustainable soil management and agricultural development in Liberia.



Following the Steering Committee meeting, a visit was conducted to the Soil Testing, Plant and Water Analysis Laboratory at the University of Liberia, Fendell Campus. The IITA Team accompanied representatives from the EU Delegation to Liberia, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to the Soil Lab.



The visit provided an opportunity to tour the facility and observe at firsthand the ongoing contributions of the Soils4Liberia Project in strengthening national laboratory capacity and advancing soil data systems in Liberia. The Director of the UL Soil Laboratory, Dr. Salia Sheriff, guided the touring of the soil lab facility, while the technicians of the laboratory demonstrated their technical knowledge and skills in carrying out various analytical and quality control procedures. The Soil Testing Lab of the University of Liberia is designated to lead the analysis of soil samples collected during the nationwide soil inventory and mapping activities.

IITA Launches Soils4Liberia Field Campaign at CARI for the Nationwide Soil Inventory and Mapping Activities

Wednesday, 22 April 2026

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has officially launched the field campaign for the EU-funded Liberia Land and Soil Resources Knowledge Project (Soils4Liberia) at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko, Bong County, marking a major milestone in Liberia’s journey toward building a robust, data-driven agricultural system.

The launch ceremony, held on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, brought together key stakeholders, researchers, and field surveyors who will play a critical role in generating reliable soil data across the country... The training, organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and facilitated by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), brings together technical experts, researchers, and practitioners from key national institutions, including CARI, the Ministry of Agriculture, and University of Liberia.



The opening segment of the training set the tone for a collaborative and knowledge-driven engagement, emphasizing the importance of shared expertise in achieving the project’s goals.



The project Soil Scientist, Dr. Samuel Mesele gave an in-depth overview of the Soils4Liberia Project and its implementation plan. He further highlighted objective and expected outcomes of the field campaign training workshop, including its focus on is building the capacity of field teams to effectively understand soil formation, accurately describe soil profiles, and apply appropriate classification systems.



For his part, Director General of CARI, Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah, underscored the urgency of strengthening Liberia’s agricultural data systems while delivering opening remarks. He emphasized that the success of the country’s agricultural transformation depends heavily on accurate, field-based evidence, and encouraged participants to fully commit themselves to the training process.



It is also expected that essential materials, equipment and tools for the conduct of the field survey activities will be presented to CARI during the course of the training workshop. CARI will lead the nationwide field campaign activity with technical support from IITA.



Two of MATE visiting scientists, Dr. Csorba Ádám and Dr. Gelsleichter Yuri Andrei, are leading the workshop’s technical sessions. These sessions are aimed at providing relevant theoretical knowledge and practical insights, equipping participants with standardized methodologies aligned with international best practices. The training sessions conclude with a daily wrap-up and feedback session.



At the close of the first day session, CARI Director General reiterated the national importance of the field campaign initiative. He urged participants to “take the training close to their heart,” noting that the data collected through this effort will play a pivotal role in informing government policies, guiding agricultural investments, and improving farmers’ productivity through evidence-based decisions. The successful completion of the field campaigning training and capacity building initiatives will signify the transition from planning to active field implementation.



IITA is committed to contributing towards improving Liberia’s agriculture and food systems. By strengthening technical capacity and fostering collaboration among national and international partners, the Soils4Liberia Project is laying the foundation for a more resilient, data-driven agricultural system, one that can respond effectively to the country’s food security and development needs.

IITA and MATE Build Capacity for Nationwide Soil Mapping and Data Collection in Liberia

April 16-23, 2026

The EU-funded Soils4Liberia Project officially commenced the second phase of field campaign training workshop, which runs from 16 to 22 April 2026 at the Central Agricultural Research Institute in Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia.

Soils4Liberia Project is aimed at strengthening soil data collection systems and supporting evidence-based agricultural planning and decision-making across the country... The training, organized by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and facilitated by the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), brings together technical experts, researchers, and practitioners from key national institutions, including CARI, the Ministry of Agriculture, and University of Liberia.



The opening segment of the training set the tone for a collaborative and knowledge-driven engagement, emphasizing the importance of shared expertise in achieving the project’s goals.



The project Soil Scientist, Dr. Samuel Mesele gave an in-depth overview of the Soils4Liberia Project and its implementation plan. He further highlighted objective and expected outcomes of the field campaign training workshop, including its focus on is building the capacity of field teams to effectively understand soil formation, accurately describe soil profiles, and apply appropriate classification systems.



For his part, Director General of CARI, Dr. Arthur B. Karnuah, underscored the urgency of strengthening Liberia’s agricultural data systems while delivering opening remarks. He emphasized that the success of the country’s agricultural transformation depends heavily on accurate, field-based evidence, and encouraged participants to fully commit themselves to the training process.



It is also expected that essential materials, equipment and tools for the conduct of the field survey activities will be presented to CARI during the course of the training workshop. CARI will lead the nationwide field campaign activity with technical support from IITA.



Two of MATE visiting scientists, Dr. Csorba Ádám and Dr. Gelsleichter Yuri Andrei, are leading the workshop’s technical sessions. These sessions are aimed at providing relevant theoretical knowledge and practical insights, equipping participants with standardized methodologies aligned with international best practices. The training sessions conclude with a daily wrap-up and feedback session.



At the close of the first day session, CARI Director General reiterated the national importance of the field campaign initiative. He urged participants to “take the training close to their heart,” noting that the data collected through this effort will play a pivotal role in informing government policies, guiding agricultural investments, and improving farmers’ productivity through evidence-based decisions. The successful completion of the field campaigning training and capacity building initiatives will signify the transition from planning to active field implementation.



IITA is committed to contributing towards improving Liberia’s agriculture and food systems. By strengthening technical capacity and fostering collaboration among national and international partners, the Soils4Liberia Project is laying the foundation for a more resilient, data-driven agricultural system, one that can respond effectively to the country’s food security and development needs.

IITA, under the Soils4Liberia Project Strengthens National Capacity through Field Campaign Training Workshop at CARI, in Bong County

March 16-20, 2026

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has completed the Field Campaign Training Workshop in preparation for the nationwide soil inventory and mapping under the EU-funded Soils4Liberia Project. The workshop was held at CARI in Bong County, Liberia, from March 16-20, 2026.

The Soils4Liberia Project Manager, Dr. Shiferaw Abebe Dakka, and Soil Scientist, Dr. Samuel A. Mesele, led the facilitation of the training and guided participants through both theoretical and practical components of the field campaign... A total of 21 participants (13 males and 8 females) from the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and the University of Liberia (UL) took part in the training, reflecting strong national collaboration.



Throughout the training sessions, participants were equipped with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on skills in the use of field Protocols for Nationwide Soil Inventory, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and data collection tools essential for the nationwide soil survey. Practical sessions focused on soil sample collection, soil surface characterization, landscape assessment, and the systematic documentation of land use and land cover. Participants were also trained in the proper handling of field equipment and the effective coordination and management of field teams. These competencies are critical for ensuring the generation of accurate, reliable, and high-quality soil data to support sustainable land management, climate resilience, and agricultural productivity.

The Soils4Liberia Project is designed to strengthen soil data collection systems and support evidence-based agricultural planning and decision-making across the country. As part of the implementation framework, CARI will take the lead in executing the nationwide field campaign, while the analysis of collected soil samples will be conducted at the University of Liberia’s Soil Testing Laboratory. This collaborative approach reinforces institutional roles and promotes national ownership of the project’s outputs. Beyond the technical training, the workshop provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, teamwork, and strengthening partnerships among the participating institutions.

The completion of this training represents a significant step in building national technical capacity and advancing the objectives of the Soils4Liberia Project. It underscores a shared commitment to leveraging scientific data and innovation to improve soil health, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to food security and sustainable development in Liberia.

IITA Concludes Specialized Laboratory Training on Soil Analysis and Quality Control

February 2 – 9, 2026

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) successfully concluded a specialized technical laboratory training on soil analysis, quality control, and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) installation at the University of Liberia’s Soil Testing, Plant and Water Analysis Laboratory. The training, held from February 2-9, 2026, formed part of preparations for the EU-funded Liberia Land and Soil Resources Knowledge Project (Soils4Liberia) and was facilitated by IITA experts from the Analytical Services Laboratory based in Nigeria and Cameroon.

The training brought together 19 participants (9 males and 10 females) from the University of Liberia (UL), the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI)... Through hands-on technical sessions, participants strengthened their capacity in soil analysis, laboratory quality control systems, and the operation of advanced analytical equipment. The initiative reinforces IITA’s leadership in building national scientific capacity and supporting evidence-based agricultural transformation in Liberia.

The Soils4Liberia Project continues to play a pivotal role in strengthening Liberia’s knowledge base and institutional capacity for sustainable land and soil management. Soil samples from the nationwide soil inventory and mapping will be analyzed at the University of Liberia Soil Laboratory, positioning the institution as a key national hub for soil research and data generation. The installation of the Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS), provided under the project, will significantly enhance the precision and speed of soil nutrient analysis, supporting informed planning and decision-making for resilient agricultural systems.

The closing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for Technical Services at the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Solomon C. Hedd-Williams, alongside the Dean of the William R. Tolbert Jr. College of Agriculture and Forestry, Prof. Leroy W. Cegbe, and the Director of the Soil Laboratory, Dr. Salia Sheriff. Also present were the Soils4Liberia Project Manager, Dr. Abebe Shiferaw Dakka, Soil Scientist Dr. Samuel A. Mesele, and Mr. Joseph Uponi, Head of IITA Central Analytical Services.

In his closing remarks, Hon. Hedd-Williams emphasized the strategic importance of soil knowledge in national agricultural development, stating, “The Ministry is moving towards a soil-driven agriculture, as poor knowledge of our soils has been a major factor behind low productivity.” He further urged participants to apply their newly acquired skills in supporting nationwide soil analysis efforts, adding, “The Ministry is transitioning from traditional extension services to expert-driven advisory support, and this capacity will be critical in guiding that transformation.”

Through this intervention, IITA continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening national systems, advancing scientific excellence, and supporting Liberia’s journey toward sustainable and productive agriculture.

IITA Joined a Host of Stakeholders at the 2025 National Agriculture Fair in Ganta, Nimba County, Liberia

December 11–13, 2025

Agriculture holds a strong promise as a crucial pillar for food security, income generation, and sustainable national development in Liberia. Although the sector has not yet fully emerged as the backbone of the economy, there is growing momentum and renewed commitment to transform it through advancements in technologies and practices... It was against this backdrop that the National Agriculture Fair (NAF) 2025 was held in Ganta, Nimba County, from December 11 to 13, 2025. The fair was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture under the theme “Empowering Farmers, Enriching the Nation” and afforded the opportunity to display local agriculture production, innovation, and value addition, drawing national attention to the transformative power of the agriculture sector.

At the opening ceremony, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai called on all Liberians to take collective ownership of the agriculture sector, stressing that no nation can achieve true independence while depending on others for food. He underscored the importance of infrastructure, mechanization, value-chain development, and improved market access to ensuring higher productivity and livelihoods for farmers.

Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah echoed this message, paying tribute to farmers as the backbone of the economy and emphasizing that every value-added product showcased at the fair begins in their fields.

IITA presence at the 2025 NAF reinforced its long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural research, innovation, and capacity building in Liberia. IITA participated actively through three flagship initiatives: the Soils4Liberia Project and Seeds4Liberia Project, and the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health in West Africa and the Sahel. Together, these initiatives highlight integrated approach to improving soil health, increasing access to quality seeds, and strengthening evidence-based agricultural development. Seeds4Liberia project is a consortium-based project involving AfricaRice, IITA and WordFish.

IITA’s participation also provided an opportunity for engagement with farmers, policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors and to share insights on how science-driven solutions can increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and improve farmer incomes.

The 2025 Fair concluded on Saturday, December 13, 2025, and featured exhibitions, demonstrations, knowledge sharing, and the certification and recognition of outstanding farmers and agricultural institutions. During the closing, the Minister of Agriculture announced Lofa County as the host of the 2026 National Agriculture Fair and personally interacted with a range of participating farmers, agribusinesses, and institutions, reaffirming the government’s commitment to advancing agriculture nationwide.