IITA strengthens partnerships with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture towards sustainable food systems

17 November 2025

(l-r) Hon. Solomon Hedd-Williams, Dr Abdoulaye Tahirou and Dr Alpha Kamara.
(l-r) Hon. Solomon Hedd-Williams, Dr Abdoulaye Tahirou and Dr Alpha Kamara.

In a landmark move to deepen its presence in the country, IITA–CGIAR has officially opened its Liberia Country Office in Monrovia, following the launch of the project. The new office, launched on 22 October 2025, alongside the Soils4Liberia Project, marks a major step toward enhancing agricultural research, innovation, and partnerships in the country. The establishment of the Liberia office further underscores IITA’s commitment to supporting evidence-based agricultural development, empowering local scientists, and fostering collaboration between national institutions and international partners for a more sustainable and food-secure future.

Following the office launch, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, Acting Deputy Director General for Partnership and Scaling, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr Alexander Nuetah during which he expressed appreciation for the support and collaboration from the government of Liberia, and for designating Hon. Solomon Hedd-Williams, Deputy Minister for Technical Services, to represent the Ministry at the Soils4Liberia launch event. He also extended gratitude for the Ministry’s instrumental support in facilitating IITA’s establishment in Liberia.

In response, Dr Nuetah welcomed the delegation while thanking IITA for the steadfast support of Liberia’s agriculture sector. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to deepen coordination with IITA, particularly in strengthening the country’s agricultural research and extension services.

Dr Abdoulaye Tahirou with the Liberia Minister of Agriculture, Dr Alexander Nuetah.
Dr Abdoulaye Tahirou with the Liberia Minister of Agriculture, Dr Alexander Nuetah.

“We are grateful for IITA’s leadership and commitment to supporting our farmers and our research institutions,” said Dr Nuetah. “The Soils4Liberia Project and the opening of IITA’s office here show that Liberia’s agriculture is on a new path – one that combines science, policy, and partnership for sustainable growth,” he added.

The Dr Nuetah further emphasized the importance of improving soil health and data-driven land management to address Liberia’s long-standing challenges of low productivity, land degradation, and climate vulnerability. He also expressed strong concern and the need for IITA to work closely with the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) to advance the country’s agricultural research.

The IITA Liberia team with the Ministry of Agriculture team during the courtesy visit at the Minister's office.
The IITA Liberia team with the Ministry of Agriculture team during the courtesy visit at the Minister’s office.

Accompanying Dr Abdoulaye were Dr Alfred Dixon, IITA Country Representative for Liberia; Dr Alpha Kamara, Principal Scientist; and Dr Samuel Mesele, Soil Scientist and Interim Project Manager Soils4Liberia.

The courtesy visit ended with a mutual pledge to continue working together to scale research outputs, develop local expertise, and promote sustainable soil management practices that will enhance food security and livelihoods in Liberia.

Contributed by Daniel Momo Sirleaf