IITA and MATE build capacity for soil mapping and data collection in Liberia

17 April 2026

The EU-funded Soils4Liberia Project officially commenced the second phase of the field campaign-training workshop, which runs from 16 to 22 April 2026 at the Central Agricultural Research Institute in Suakoko, Bong County, Liberia. The 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 IITA-CGIAR 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 objectives and expected outcomes of the field campaign-training workshop, including its focus on building the capacity of field teams to effectively understand soil formation, accurately describe soil profiles, and apply appropriate classification systems.

The Director General of CARI, Dr Arthur Karnuah, speaking during his opening remarks on the first day of the training underscored the urgency of strengthening Liberia's agricultural data systems. He emphasized that the success of the country's agricultural transformation depends heavily on accurate, field-based evidence, and encouraged participants to fully commit to the training.

To complement the training and support the participants, essential materials, equipment and tools for conductingthe 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-CGIAR.

Two of MATE's 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 for each day concluded with a daily wrap-up and feedback session from participants.

At the close of the first day session, Dr Karnuah reiterated the national importance of the field campaign initiative. He urged participants to, "take the training close to 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-CGIAR is committed to contributing towards improving Liberia's agriculture transformation agenda 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.

Contributed by Daniel Momo Sirleaf