New National Coffee Mother Garden launched in Liberia for sustainable growth

LIBERIA – The International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Central Agriculture Research Institute (CARI), has launched Liberia’s first National Coffee Mother Garden, a notable step toward revitalizing the country’s coffee sector. 

This one-acre facility, inaugurated last June under the ACP Business-Friendly Coffee Program funded by the European Union, houses 4,500 Robusta and native Liberica coffee plants. These varieties were chosen for their unique flavors and adaptability to local conditions.

Local seed production to reduce imports

The National Coffee Mother Garden aims to produce high-quality coffee seeds locally, decreasing dependence on imported seeds. 

Farmers across Liberia’s main coffee-producing regions—Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Bomi, and Montserrado counties—will gain access to reliable planting materials. This initiative is expected to enhance Liberia’s coffee production and support its journey toward self-sufficiency in the coffee value chain.

Sustainable agriculture and agroforestry

Beyond seed production, the garden integrates agroforestry practices by intercropping coffee with food crops. This approach boosts biodiversity, improves soil health, reduces erosion, and creates additional income and food sources for local communities. 

The initiative aligns with Liberia’s environmental objectives while showcasing sustainable agricultural practices.

Showcase for farmers

Managed by CARI, the garden serves as a demonstration site for agroforestry techniques that can be adopted by local farmers. By sharing these practices, the initiative emphasizes sustainable farming as a cornerstone for building resilience in the agriculture sector.

Collaborative approach to development

The partnership between ITC and CARI denotes ITC’s Alliance for Action (A4A) model, which brings together farmers, researchers, institutions, and government agencies to strengthen the coffee value chain. 

This collaborative approach supports every stage of the sector, from seed propagation to market access, ensuring inclusivity and long-term sustainability.

Positioning Liberia in the global coffee market

The long-term goal of the National Coffee Mother Garden is to establish a robust and competitive coffee industry in Liberia. 

By empowering farmers with sustainable techniques and reliable resources, the project seeks to position Liberia as a regional and global player in the coffee market, creating economic opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship.