LIBERIA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PROJECT

The ARI organizational program will include three major components: interfacing with regional and international research centers and using basic and applied research results from these centers as a starting point for adaptive research in Liberia; instituting applied crop and livestock research programs, with emphasis on developing appropriate production technology packages for farmers; and forming effective linkages between existing GOL research, extension, and development programs. The entire institution-building process is expected to take 12-15 years. This project will primarily involve the initial organization and management of ARI. USAID will provide three senior advisors to assist the ARI Director to establish an effective administrative framework, three advisors to coordinate the various ARI departments and formulate research programs, and short-term consultants to assist with problems and areas of special interest. A comprehensive staff development program will be implemented, including post-graduate training for 20 persons in 12 disciplines. Additional or expanded facilities are planned for each research department, the library, and a central agro-chemical laboratory. USAID will provide laboratory equipment, library materials (journals, periodicals, and research work), and other miscellaneous equipment. Scientific and field equipment for onsite research will also be provided. After ARI has been properly organized, research programs will be instituted in the following areas: rice production, root and tuber crops, other crop varieties and cultural practices, socioeconomic problems affecting crop and livestock production, and engineering research (i.e., appropriate technology and minimum tillage for rice, roots and tubers, and other crops). Finally, ARI will develop training courses and publications for MOA extension workers based on its research results.