Soils4Liberia strengthens national capacity at CARI

30 March 2026

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has completed the Field Campaign Training Workshop in preparation for the commencement of the nationwide soil inventory and mapping activities under the EU-funded Liberia Land and Soil Resources Project (Soils4Liberia). The field campaign training workshop was held at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Bong County, Liberia, from 16 to 20 March 2026.

The Soils4Liberia Project Manager, Dr Shiferaw Abebe Dakka, and Soil Scientist, Dr Samuel A. Mesele, facilitated the training and guided participants through the 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 the Nationwide Soil Inventory, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and data-collection tools essential to 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 generating 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 lead the nationwide field campaign, while 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.

Contributed by Daniel Momo Sirleaf