Suakoko, Bong County – February 15, 2025 – Liberia’s efforts to strengthen cassava production took center stage as Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah toured the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) to assess ongoing research and development initiatives. During the visit, he inspected the Cassava Breeder Seed Production program, a key project to boost large-scale multiplication and distribution of improved cassava varieties to local farmers.
At the heart of this initiative is a 13-hectare demonstration site where seven improved cassava varieties—introduced by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) from Nigeria—are undergoing trials. Among them, one variety stands out: “Game Changer,” known for its exceptionally high starch content. This particular variety is critical to Liberia’s long-term vision of establishing a starch processing factory, which will require a steady supply of high-starch cassava to sustain operations.
Expressing optimism about the project’s potential, Minister Nuetah praised CARI’s efforts to advance agricultural science to benefit Liberian farmers.
“I am impressed with the first steps CARI has taken to provide our people with the right planting materials,” Minister Nuetah stated. “By July or August, we will begin harvesting the first set of these cuttings. However, rather than immediate large-scale distribution, we will use these as foundation cuttings for farmers to multiply further. Over time, we expect to see these high-yield varieties in farmers’ fields for large-scale production.”
Cassava production has emerged as a key priority for the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), particularly for income generation for smallholder farmers. The government is now organizing farmers into larger production units in a shift from traditional small-scale farming. This strategy ensures cassava is grown commercially, allowing farmers to sell directly to processing facilities, increase their earnings, and contribute to Liberia’s economic growth.
Market access, long a challenge for cassava farmers in Liberia, is now receiving targeted attention. In Weala, Margibi County, preparations for a starch processing factory are in full swing, with equipment already shipped and land preparation underway. Minister Nuetah assured stakeholders that the government is committed to ensuring a sustainable supply of cassava to support this new industry.
“The company has already shipped the equipment, and preparatory work is in progress,” he noted. “By June this year, we hope the factory will be established. The challenge now will be for Liberians to ensure a steady supply of raw cassava to feed the factory. We are committed to helping farmers increase their income by linking them to this guaranteed market.”
Dr. Arthur Bob Karnuah, Director General of CARI, underscored the importance of high-quality seeds in achieving agricultural success.

“Any successful agricultural production depends on access to quality, viable seeds,” Dr. Karnuah stated. “If you have the right seeds, you will succeed.”

While some cassava varieties cater to local consumption, the primary focus of this initiative is industrial cassava production to support value-added processing, including starch production.

“These cassava varieties have already been tested in research institutions, and their yields have been established,” Dr. Karnuah explained. “They are high-yielding varieties designed for industrial processing. We want to give these farmers seeds that are of high quality and high-producing content so that they can make money.”

This initiative aims to provide high-quality seeds to Liberian farmers with efforts  aligning with Liberia’s broader goals of enhancing food security, increasing export revenue, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.