IITA launches EU-funded Soils4Liberia project to strengthen soil health and food systems in Liberia

6 November 2025

IITA Deputy Director General, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, delivers his address to guests during the official launch of the Soils4Liberia Project
IITA Deputy Director General, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, delivers his address to guests during the official launch of the Soils4Liberia Project

Soil is the basis of human existence. After decades of neglect, deforestation, and a lack of reliable data eroding this natural foundation, a bold new initiative launched in Monrovia is set to restore hope, rebuild knowledge, and redefine how Liberia nurtures its soils and land resources.

IITA–CGIAR, in partnership with the European Union (EU), International partners, and the Government of Liberia, has officially launched the EU-funded Liberia Land and Soil Resources Knowledge Project (Soils4Liberia). The landmark initiative was officially launched on 22 October 2025 and aims to transform Liberia’s understanding, management, and utilization of its land and soil resources through the application of science, technology, and collaboration.

Acting Project Manager, Dr Samuel Mesele Explains the Project
Acting Project Manager, Dr Samuel Mesele Explains the Project

Held at the Sinkor Palace Hotel, the launch ceremony brought together senior government officials, international development partners, research institutions, and civil society organizations. Representing the Agriculture Minister, Dr J. Alexander Nuetah, Deputy Minister for Technical Services, Hon. Solomon Hedd-Williams, described the Soils4Liberia Project as more than a development initiative – a shift in national consciousness toward valuing the very resource that sustains life. “This is not just another event on our calendar,” Hon Hedd-Williams said. “It marks the beginning of a journey toward sustainable agricultural growth, environmental resilience, and national food security.

Representing IITA’s Director General, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Scaling, underscored the central role of soil information in Africa’s agricultural transformation. “The importance of soil information in agriculture and decision-making cannot be overstated if we are to achieve sustainable agricultural transformation,” he noted.

Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the European Union, and IITA during the ribbon-cutting at the launch of the Soils4Liberia Project
Representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the European Union, and IITA during the ribbon-cutting at the launch of the Soils4Liberia Project

The European Union Delegation to Liberia, led by Ambassador Nona Deprez, reaffirmed the EU’s longstanding commitment to Liberia’s agricultural and socio-economic development. The EU’s support for Soils4Liberia reflects its global mission to advance sustainable food systems and promote resilience against climate shocks. This goal aligns with Liberia’s national priorities under the Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law and Governance, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism (ARREST) agenda.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Samuel Mesele, Soil Scientist and Interim Soils4Liberia Project Manager at IITA, presented an overview of the project and progress in implementation, emphasizing the project’s focus on a nationwide soil inventory and soil suitability assessment, with a strong emphasis on human capacity strengthening.

IITA team, Donors, partners and participants after the launch of the project in Liberia
IITA team, Donors, partners and participants after the launch of the project in Liberia

While delivering her goodwill message, the former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Dr Jewel Howard Taylor, emphasized the need for soil information as the basis of agricultural land-use planning at the farm level by farmers and at the policy level by the government and policymakers.

The launch brought together representatives from major development and research partners, including the World Bank, IFAD, FAO, ISRIC–World Soil Information, MATE – Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health for West Africa and the Sahel.

National partners include the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), and the University of Liberia (UL). Other stakeholders and beneficiary institutions involved are the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Liberia Land Authority (LLA), National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Liberia Institute of Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), National Bureau of Concessions (NBC), and Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority (LACRA). Following the official launch, two-day technical sessions were held from 23 to 24 October 2025, providing an opportunity for in-depth dialogue and knowledge exchange among soil scientists, researchers, and agricultural experts, including the development of a work plan.

Contributed by Daniel Sirleaf Momo