15/09/2025
Public Announcement
Launch of the Integrating Climate-Smart Agriculture Across the Rice Value Chain in Liberia (I-CARL Project)
The Center for Renewable Energy and Climate Actions (CRECA) has secured a grant of Sixty Thousand United States Dollars (USD 60,000) from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM Network) to implement the Integrating Climate-Smart Agriculture Across the Rice Value Chain in Liberia (I-CARL Project). This 12-month initiative (September 2025-August 2026) will collaborate with rice cooperatives and Farmer-Based Organizations in B**g, Lofa, Margibi, and Nimba Counties to promote climate-smart rice farming, promote sustainable use of agrochemicals, strengthen community seed systems, and expand inclusive opportunities for youth, women, refugees and internally displaced persons, as well as persons with disabilities (PwDs).
Project Highlights
▪ Reaching smallholder rice farmers through climate-smart rice initiatives
▪ Establishing Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and strengthening farming cooperatives
▪ Ensuring inclusive participation of women, refugees/displaced persons and PwDs
▪ Supporting farmers with digital advisory services, market linkages, and improved seed access
▪ Creating jobs, youth-led enterprises, and a seed enterprise
▪ Enhancing resilience with extension agents, tree planting, and youth-led research spinoffs
Why This Matters
Liberia’s agriculture sector faces numerous challenges, including poor-quality seeds, limited extension and advisory services, inadequate technologies and techniques, and climate variability, among others. In the rice value chain, less than 6% of farmers currently use certified seed for production. Additionally, the ratio of extension officers to farmers stands at 1:33,000, severely limiting access to technical support. These factors have contributed to low rice productivity, thereby restricting the supply of rice in Liberian markets. As a result, despite rice being the nation’s staple food, Liberia imports approximately USD 200 million worth of rice annually. With climate change further threatening local production, the I-CARL Project provides an integrated and inclusive solution to build resilience, reduce import dependency, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Our Commitment
The I-CARL Project is fully aligned with TAGDev 2.0 priorities of RUFORUM to transform African agriculture through research, innovation, and youth-led enterprise. Through strategic partnerships with universities/TVETs, government, private sector actors, and civil society, the project will contribute to building a resilient and self-sufficient rice sector in Liberia.
Call to Action
We invite women, cooperatives, FBOs, universities/TVETS, youth groups, and community leaders in B**g, Lofa, Margibi, and Nimba Counties to actively engage with this transformative initiative. Together, we can build a climate-resilient, inclusive, and food-secured Liberia.
For more information, visit our headquarters at Block B, Kesselly Boulevard, Japan Freeway, Montserrado County, Liberia.
You can contact us via:
Phone: +231555751533 / +231775480610
Email: [email protected]
