public disclosure authorized agricultural sector review...
TRANSCRIPT
Report No. 4200-LBR
liberiaAgricultural Sector ReviewVol. 111: Supporting Papers Paper 3: Tree Crops Production
Paper 4: Tree Crops Processingand Marketing
April 20, 1984
Western Africa Region
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Document of the World Bank
This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipientsonly in the performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwisebe disclosed without World Bank authorization.
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LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS
Currency Unit = United States Dollars
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES
1 Metric ton = C).98 long ton1 long ton = 2,240 lb = 1.016 metric ton1 hectare (ha) = 2.47 acres1 acre = 0.405 hectare1 kilometer (km) 0.62 mile1 mile = 1.609 kilometer
ABBREVIATIONS
ACDB = Agricultural and Cooperative Development BankADPs Agricultural Development ProjectsBCADP = Bong County Agricultural Development ProjectBOPC = Buto Oil Palm CorporationCAO = County Agricultural OfficerCARI = Central Agricultural Research InstituteCDA = Cooperative Development AgencyCMEU = Central Monitoring and Evaluation UnitCS = Cooperative SocietyDOPC = Decoris Oil Palm CorporationDPD = Department of Planning and Development of MOAGOL = Government of LiberiaIFAD International Fund for Agricultural DevelopmentLCADP Lofa County Agricultural Development ProjectLCCC Liberia Cocoa and Coffee CorporationLPMC = Liberia Produce Marketing CorporationLPPC = Liberia Palm Products CorporationLRDU = Liberia Rubber Development UnitM&E = Monitoring and EvaluationMOA = Ministry of AgricultureMOA Document = "Liberia's Agricultural Development: Policy
and Organizational Structure" (MOA, June 1980)MRD = Ministry of Rural DevelopmentNCADP = Nimba County Agricultural Development ProjectRCL - Rubber Corporation of LiberiaRDB = Rubber Development BoardRRIL Rubber Research Institute of LiberiaSRSP = Smallholder Rice Seed ProjectTCU = Town Cooperative UnitWARDA = West Africa Rice Development Association
FISCAL YEAR
July 1 - June 30
FOR OFFICIAL USSE ONLY
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REV'IEW
Paper 3
Tree Crop Productionl
I This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance oftheir official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disdosed without World Bank authorization.
Paper 3LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Tree Crop Production
Table of ContentsPage No.
A. INTRODUCTION ................ ***@@e*s
Importance of Tree Crops in the LiberianEconomy..... ... . ... , .......... .... 1
International and Domestic Dermand and PriceForecasts for Liberia's Main Tree Cropsts.o. 4
Rubber** . .... ,.........-*........ . .... 4
Cocca.. ...Oil Palm Products................ ... ....... 5Coconut Pro .u c t s 6
B. TREE CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND LEVELS............ 7
(i) Production Systems and Orgaizationi........... 7GRberaPrducio..* .... .... me ...... oo... . ... some 7
Rubber Productiona.............. 8
The Concession Companies....o*o.............. 8Liberian-owned Commercial Farms.... s......... 9The Liberian Rubber Developnment Unit (LRDU)... 9
Oil Palm and Coconut Production .............. 10General**.*.*.... .o...so... ... ... ..*.................... 10Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC).. 10Liberia Palm Products Corporation (LPPC) ...... 11
Cocoa and Coffee Production..................... 12General .................................. 12Liberia Cocoa and Coffee Corporation (LCCC)... 12Lofa County Agricultural Development
Project (LCADP) ......... ......... ....... .... 12Bong County Agricultural Development
Project (BCADP) . ......................... . 13Nimba County Integrated Rural Development
Program (NIRDEP) .. .. . . ....... 13South Eastern Counties Rural
Development Program (SERUDEP).............. 13
(ii) Production Areas and Level ................... 13General ...................... ...... 13Rubbere an. o.*.. ............. 14Coffee and Coo ....... ,21
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Oil Palm ......................... 30Coconuts ............ .... .* ............ * .... 35Other Tree Crops ... ..... .. . ..... 36
C. ANALYSIS OF RETURNS TO TREE CROP FARMING............ 36
D. CONSTRAINTS ON TREE CROP DEVELOPMENT............. 39
Introduction..........O*... .... 39
Major Contraints on Tree Crop Developmente.... 40Data Base.*......... ................ 41Planning Process . ...................... . , 41Coordination of Aid Effort.. ............ 41Design of Programs or Projects .............. 41Locally Applicable Technology ................. 42Planting Material ........................... 44Local Research Effort .... 44Management .................................... 44Extension and Input Services........... .,. 46Producer Prices ................. O., 47Infrastructure ............................. ., 48Availability of Labor and Level of Wages...... 48
E. RECOMMENDATIONS ................... ...... f ....... ,,.. 49
Introduction .... ............... .... ...... 49
Outline Recommendations for the Tree CropSub-Sector ........ ... .. ..... .. 5. .X.. ....... .... ..... 49Crop Suitability ..... .. .. , 49Farming Systems ............... ...... 50Immediate Priorities for Increasing
Revenue and Decreasing Expendituresu....... 51
Additional Detailed Recommendations ..........v.. 53Recommended Tree Crops- o...................oo 53Soil Survey, Land Use and Land
Capability Study ........... 53Technological Improvements ....... 55Extension. ............. o.................. 56
Applied and Adaptive Tree Crop Research......... 56General *..*.... 56Research on Tree Crops Other than Rubber...... 56Research on Rubber.* ... ... o..... ............. 58
Rehabilitation of Government'sRe-acquired Plantations ..................... 58
Coordination of Rubber Activities ......... .... 59Establishment of a Rubber Planting Fund .......... 60Rationalization of LPPC and LCCC Activities ..... 60Required Studies and Surveys ................. . 61
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TEXT TABLES
Table A-1 Production and Export of RubberTable A-2 LPMC Purchases of Coffee, Cocoa and Palm KernelsTable B-1 Rubber Areas by County in 1971Table B-2 Tree Age Distribution on Liberian Rubber Farms in
1974 and 1981Table B-3 Farm Size Classes and Tapping Status of Liberian-
owned Rubber Farms in 1974Table B-4 Total and Tapped Rubber Area per Concession (1980)Table B-5 Actual Yields of Three Rubber Clones in Liberia
(compared with RRIM600 in Malaysia)Table B-6 Assumed Rubber Yield '?rofiles Under Various Levels of
Inputs and ManagementTable B-7 Rubber Planted Areas, Production and Yields (1960-80)Table B-8 Liberian Rubber Produ3tion (1970-81) by Concessions
and Liberian FarmersTable B-9 Area of and Households Growing Coffee (1976-81)Table B-10 Area of and Households Growing Cocoa (1976-81)Table B-11 Assumed Coffee Yield Profiles Under Various Levels of
Inputs and ManagementTable B-12 Assumed Cocoa Yield Profiles Under Various Levels of
Inputs and ManagementTable B-13 Planned LCCC Coffee and Cocoa Plantings (1982-86)Table B-14 Households Making Palm OilTable B-15 Assumed Oil Palm Yield Profiles Under Various Levels
of Inputs and ManagementTable B-16 Export and Import of Palm Oil and Palm Kernel OilTable B-17 Assumed Coconut Yield Profiles Under Various Levels
of Inputs and ManagementTable C-1 Financial and Economic Returns to Tree CropsTable E-1 Suitability of the Counties for Commercial Production
of Major Tree Crops
Appendix 1 Broad Guidelines for a Nationwide Survey of Soils,Land Use and Land Capability
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 1
Climate and Soils of Liberia in Relation to Suitability for TreeCrop Cultivation.
Appendix SN 1.1 Ecological Requirements of Selected Tree Crops
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 2
GOL's Reacquired Plantations.Map SN 2.1 Approximate LoceLtion of Reacquired PlantationsTable SN 2.1 Details of Plantations Managed by Bureau of
Reacquisition.Table SN 2.2 Details of Six Reacquired Farms Already Selected
for Special Attention.
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SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 3
Thailand's Rubber Replanting Aid Fund Board (ORRAF) and its Applica-bility to Liberia.
Chart SN 3.1 Organization Chart of ORRAF HeadquartersChart SN 3.2 Organization Chart of ORRAF's Provincial Offices
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE 4
Financial and Economic Tables:
Rubber - Tables 1-15Coffee - Tables 16-22Cocoa - Tables 23-28Oil Palm - Tables 29-38
Paper 3
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Tree Crop Production
A. INTRODUCTION
Importance of Tree Crops in the Liberian Economy
1. In 1980 Liberia's GDP at constant 1971 prices amounted to $372million. Of this total, 45% was contributed by the export oriented sector(within which 38% resulted from agricultural production), while the remainderwas derived from traditional agriculturs. The monetary agriculture grew atabout 5.7% per annum during 1974-79 but stagnated in 1980 (0.3% growth) anddeclined steeply in 1981 by about 22% mainly due to a dramatic fall inforestry value added.
2. Within the agricultural sector, tree crops have been the principalcash generators during recent years with rubber occupying a dominant positionin this respect. During 1980, rubber accounted for 17% of overall exportearnings while coffee, cocoa and palm products contributed 6%,, 2% and 1%respectively of total export earnings in the same year. Although oil palmscontribute only minimally to export earnings they additionally provide avitally significant component of the Liberian diet.
3. Historically and currently rubber is grown on both the concessionsand Liberian farms, while the majority of cocoa, coffee and palm productsemanate from the Liberian farms at the present time.
4. Liberian rubber production and export statistics for the years 1970to 1981 are presented in Table A-1, while data in respect of coffee, cocoa andpalm kernels (and oil) for the period 1971/72 to 1980/81 appear in Table A-2.
5. In addition to the cash crops rubber, coffee, cocoa and oil palms, anumber of tree crops are of significance on the domestic market within thefood economy. Of greatest importance are coconuts, citrus (oranges andgrapefruits), mangoes, guava, avocado, breadfruit, passion fruit and cashew.
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Table A-1: LIBERIAN PRODUCTION AND EXPORT OF RUBBER(in thousands metric tonnes drc)
Production ExportsYear Concessions Liberian Farms Total Total
1970 54.7 23.0 77.7 83.6
1971 57.9 22.4 80.3 84.8
1972 60.0 21.8 81.8 83.1
1973 59.2 26.8 86.0 85.9
1974 56.8 31.7 88.5 86.4
1975 58.1 24.2 82.3 81.0
1976 61.6 22.9 84.5 73.4
1977 55.3 22.5 77.8 69.8
1978 54.0 24.0 78.0 71.8
1979 52-7 26.2 78.9 75-1
1980 58.3 23.1 81.4 76.7
1981 59.3 23.0 82.3 76.9
Source: 1) Bureau of Technical Services - Ministry of Finance.2) Rubber Advisory Service - Ministry of Agriculture.3) Rubber Planters Association of Liberia.4) Foreign Trade Division - Ministry of Comrmerce.
Table A-2: LPMC PURCHASES OF COFFEE, COCOA AND PALM KERNELS(tons)
Coffee Cocoa Palm KernelsYear l/ (clean) (dry beans) (dry kernels) Palm Oil 2/ Expeller Cake 2/
1971/72 4,100 2,632 11 ,568 2,992 3,641
1972/73 4,635 2,290 11,785 4,987 5,923
1973/74 3,635 3,165 15,485 6,743 7,458
1974/75 3,950 2,730 13,797 5,811 6,739
1975/76 4,320 2,772 12,399 5,168 6,118
1976/77 10,566 2,757 9,181 4,508 5,253
1977/78 10,108 3,351 8,779 3,4180 3,296
1978/79 8,458 3,594 7,389 2,556 3,529
1979/80 10,240 5,142 6,593 1,9190 2,312
1980/81 - 8,060 6,863 2,152 758 960
Source: LPMC
1/ October - September2/ Production7/ October - June
International and Domestic Demand and Price Forecastsfor Liberia's Main Tree Crops
Rubber - International Demand and Prices
6. Total world exports of all grades of natural rubber reached a levelof approximately 3.3 million tonnes during 1980. Despite being ranked asfifth largest rubber producing country in the world, Liberia exported approxi-mately 2% of this total during 1980, and thereby had a minimal effect on worldrubber prices.
7. On the basis of anticipated world production and consumption of elas-tomers during the next thirteen years, the World Bank has recently estimatedthat the price of RSSI Spot New York in 1981 constant dollars is projected toincrease from $1.01 per kg in 1982 to $1.34 per kg in 1985 and to $1.61 per kgin 1995. By 1985 the price of natural rubber in constant dollar terms isexpected to return to its 1977-79 level and to gain a further 20% in thefollowing ten years.
8. World production and demand for natural rubber is expected toincrease at annual rates of 3.8% and 3.2% between 1980 and 1985 and between1985 and 1995 respectively. There is thus adequate scope for Liberia toincrease its market share provided that it can produce efficiently and toacceptable specifications.
Rubber Domestic Demand
9. There is unlikely to be any domestic demand for Liberian rubberwithin the foreseeable future.
Coffee - International Demand and Prices
10. Total world exports of coffee during 1980 were approximately 3.7million tonnes. Liberia's export of this commodity ranging from 8,000 to10,000 m.t. during the past few years is a mere 0.2% of the world total.
11. Bearing in mind the dominant position of Brazil and on the basis ofexpected world production and demand, the World Bank now estimates that coffeeprices will decline from $3.10/kg in 1982 to $2.62/kg in 1985 and $2.65/kg in1990 in 1981 constant dollars. World coffee consumption is expected to in-crease at an average annual rate of 1.3% between 1980 and 1985 with the annualrate of increase declining to between 0.5 and 0.7% between 1985 and 1995.
12. As a member of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) Liberiahas an annual quota of 8,700 metric tonnes. However, the Government ofLiberia has signed a five-year contract with Libya (which is not a member ofthe ICO) for an annual delivery of 2,000 m.t. of coffee. Over the two-yearperiod (1981 and 1982), Liberia was able to export a total of only 2,500 m.t,to Libya (since Liberia gives first priority to ICO countries). Exportingcoffee from Liberia is, therefore, not a problem at this stage. However,Liberia's export quota to ICO countries is likely to grow very slowly. Thenon-ICO market is already very competitive and Liberia, with a relatively
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lower quality coffee, would have to sell in this market at a heavy discount ifdomestic production substantially exceeds the export quota to ICO members.The scope for domestic coffee consumption increases is also small (para 14).
13. With this international and domestic market situation in view, signi-ficant coffee production increase in Liberia is difficult to justify exceptfor relatively small components in ADPs which should continue in order toraise smallholders' incomes and reduce the deleterious effects of slash andburn cultivation on the uplands.
Coffee - Domestic Demand
14. There is a limited local demand for Liberian coffee, estimated atonly 600 tons per annum.
Cocoa - International Demand and Prices
15. The present average annual Liberian exports of 5,000 tons are only0.4% of world exports of cocoa and cocoa products.
16. On the basis of anticipated world production and consumption of cocoaand cocoa derivatives, the most recent World Bank projections indicate thatworld prices in 1981 constant dollars are expected to decline from $1.75/kg in1982 to $1.46/kg in 1985 and $1.45/kg in 1990.
17. The recently initiated International Cocoa Agreement may face diffi-culties under the pressure of declining prices. As supply expands rapidly inthe face of slowly growing demand the buffer stock may be required to accu-mulate very large quantities of cocoa during the next few years in order tosupport prices. The slackening world demand for cocoa and cocoa products willmake it difficult for Liberia to profitably expand its production and exportof these commodities (once again an exception should be made for relativelysmall components in ADPs).
Cocoa - Domestic Demand
18. Domestic demand for cocoa products is estimated to be even lower thanthat for coffee (para. 14).
Oil Palm Products - International Demand and Prices
19. In view of the inter-relation between fats and oils of plant andanimal origin and the fact that several oil bearing plants are grown primarilyfor their protein component, it appears likely that long-term market prospectsremain brighter for oil seeds with a high protein content (e.g. soy beans)than for those with a high oil content e.g. oil palm and coconut.
20. Total world exports of palm oil during 1980 were 3.5 million tonneswith a minimal contribution from Liberia.
21. Recent World Bank projections suggest that in 1981 constant dollarterms, palm oil prices will increase from $443/tonne in 1982 to $575/tonne in1985 and $582/tonne in 1990. Oil palm kernels are likely to follow a similartrend increasing from $269/tonne in 1982 to $360/tonne in 1985 and $369/tonnein 1990.
22. World demand for fats and oils is projected to grow at approximately3.3% per annum during the period to 1995. There is scope for Liberia toexpand its output of oil palm products to meet international demand, providedadditional plantings are located in the most favorable ecological zones.There is also possible scope for penetration of the high-price ECOWAS market,and use of locally produced palm oil and kernels to manufacture a number ofimport substitution products.
Oil Palm Products - Domestic Demand
23. Palm Oil - Virtually all palm oil produced in Liberia is consumedlocally. Traditional on-farm processing techniques yield an oil high in acidcontent which is well suited to local tastes. Domestic consumption of palmoil is estimated at about 20,000 metric tons based on data from Sierra Leone,a country with roughly similar dietary patterns, which suggest a per capitaconsumption in the range of 15-20kg per year. The data from Sierra Leone andother West African countries imply that the demand for palm oil is relativelyincome inelastic. Thus future growth in domestic demand will mostly resultfrom population increases.
24. There is scope for import substitution as imports of more highlyprocessed cooking oil and oil products are substantial. 'Imports in 1981 ofmargarine shortening and fixed vegetable oils totalled about 4,500 metric tonsfor a value of about $4.5 million. Increasing quantities of palm oil may alsobe consumed in soap production.
25. Palm Kernel Oil - Palm kernel oil is not consumed domestically. LMPCis the sole buyer of palm kernels which are exported either in unprocessedform or as oil.
Coconut Products - International Demand and Prices
26. Total world exports of coconut products (expressed as oil equivalent)during 1980 were 1.2 million tonnes. Liberia made no contribution to thistotal. Recent World Bank estimates suggest that in 1981 constant dollarterms, coconut oil prices will increase from $461/tonne in 1982 to $701/tonnein 1985 and decline marginally to $696/tonne in 1990. World copra prices willfollow a similar trend, increasing from $312/tonne in 1982 to $489/tonne in1985 and $506/tonne in 1990. Thus world prices for coconut products are en-couraging. There is considerable scope for Liberia to penetrate the inter-national market in coconut products in due course.
Coconut Products - Domestic Demand
27. The only coconut product currently produced and consumed in Liberiais the fresh nut. Again, data from Sierra Leone provide the only indicationof what current consumption of fresh coconut might be in Liberia. The SierraLeonean data show, and field observations in Liberia confirm, that coconut isa minor component of the diet with per capita consumption probably notexceeding 3 kg per year. This figure applied to Liberian population datatranslates into a consumption figure of about 6,000 metric tons a year.Domestic demand is projected to grow mostly with population growth as for palmproducts.
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B. TREE CROP PRODUCTION SYSTEMS AND LEVELS
(i) Production Systems and Organization
General
28. Five broad production systems characterize agricultural output inLiberia. There are the traditional smallholder farms, the Liberian-ownedcommercial farms, the parastatal corporations, the large foreign-owned planta-tions and the concession plantations.
29. Traditional smallholder farms comprise some 90 percent of all agri-cultural households in Liberia. Approximately 160,000 farms are involved withan average area of 1.5 hectares, and they -typically utilize the bush fallowsystem whereby land areas are returned to at reducing (but currently 8-12year) intervals and are cropped following slashing and burning. The principalcrop grown by such farmers is upland rice often interplanted with cassava,maize, groundnuts and several varieties of vegetables. In recent years smallfarmers have increased their plantings of such cash crops as coffee, cocoa,oil palm, coconuts and sugarcane and have also increased their areas of swamprice. In certain parts of the country, traditional smallholders have been orare being brought under the umbrella of area-specific agricultural developmentprojects. However, the majority of traditional smallholders have yet to bene-fit from such projects.
30. Liberian-owned commercial farms are engaged primarily in the produc-tion of rubber, oil palms and coconut but are progressively entering into thecultivation of coffee, cocoa and vegetables as well as rearing poultry andlivestock. Farms within this system display a wide size range from singlefamily units to large plantations. The majority of rubber farms fall withinthe area served by the Liberian Rubber Development Unit (LRDU), and if smallenough can benefit from its services. A number of the larger Liberian-ownedcommercial farms were confiscated following the 1980 disturbances and arecurrently being managed by the Bureau of Re-acquired Plantations.
31. Parastatal corporations are publicly owned enterprises and withinLiberia four such entities are actively involved in tree crop production. TheLiberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC), despite its primary responsibi-lity for marketing and procurement still retains responsibility for managingseveral oil palm, coffee and cocoa plantat_ons. The Liberia Palm ProductsCorporation (LPPC), and the Liberia Coffee and Cocoa Corporation (LCCC), whichare both subsidiaries of LPMC, have responsibility for the development of oilpalm plus coconut and coffee plus cocoa respectively. The Decoris Oil PalmCompany (DOPC) is undertaking oil palm production. The Buto project of LPPCwas converted into Buto Oil Palm Corporation (BOPC) in November, 1982.
32. The largely foreign-owned concession plantations are engaged inrubber production on an extensive scale. The concession companies involvedare Firestone, Liberia Agriculture Company (Uniroyal), Guthrie PlantationsInc., Salala Rubber Corporation, Liberia Company (LIBCO) and the African FruitCompany (which was taken over by the Government of Liberia in 1981).
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Rubber Production
General
33. Rubber is the dominant cash crop in Liberia accounting for some 70%of all agricultural exports and employing one third of the national laborforce. The crop is grown on a number of smallhldings, Liberian-owned commer-cial farms and on the concession plantations.
34. Rubber planting in Liberia commenced in 1910 and the rapid expansioninitiated by the granting of a 99-year lease of one million acres to Firestonein 1926, continued until very recently. A Liberian-owned private rubber sec-tor developed parallel to Firestone initially as an out-grower adjunct to thatcompany. It expanded rapidly during the Second World War.
35. The concession plantations are generally characterzed by capitalintensive production methods, with high overhead costs as a result of largenumbers of expatriate staff and the traditional provision of comprehensiveinfrastructure which benefits surrounding areas as well as the employees ofthe concessions themselves. Whilst technical efficiency on the concessionplantations has in most instances been adequate, high overhead costs have beenan impediment to financial viability especially in times of low rubber prices.
36. Although a number of the larger Liberian-owned rubber plantationshave been and are being run efficiently, the majority have suffered from lackof capital and adequate technology. Trees are to a large extent over-aged andof poor genetic quality.
The Concession Companies
37. The concession plantations are, with the exception of LIBC0, sitedwithin a one hundred kilometer wide coastal belt. Locations are indicated onMap 16711 included in the Main Report (Vol. I).
38. Firestone was the first rubber concession to be established inLiberia and trees were initially opened for tapping in 1934. The concessionarea currently extends to 52,610 hectares in Harbel and 8,094 hectares inCavalla. Of this total area some 34,000 hectares have been planted. Thecompany is owned by Firestone Tyre and Rubber Company of USA and managed byFirestone Plantations (Liberia).
39. Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC) was established in 1959 with thegranting of a total concession area of 242,817 hectares. It was purchased byUniroyal from its original Italian owners and is controlled and manageddirectly by Uniroyal of USA. Some 9,000 hectares of the concession area havebeen planted.
40. The original B.F. Goodrich concession was signed in 1954 in respectof a total area of 242,817 hectares. The Company was purchased by Guthries in1981 and is now managed by Guthrie Plantations Liberia Inc. Approximately7,000 hectares of the concession have been planted.
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41. The Salala Rubber Corporation was establshed in 1959 with the grant-ing of a 40,469 hectare concession area. The Corporation is a joint Dutch-German enterprise and is being managed by the Dutch partner - RubberCultuurallat Schappy Amsterdam. Just over 2,500 hectares of the concessionhave been developed.
42. LIBCO signed a concession agreemenl; covering 40,469 hectares in1949. A number of American shareholders are involved. Until recently theplantation was managed by the Salala Rubber Corporation. LIBCO currentlymanages in its own right. 2,500 hectares of' the concession area have beendeveloped.
43. The African Fruit Company concession agreement covering an area of242,817 hectares was signed in 1952 and less than 2,500 hectares have so farbeen planted. Before its takeover by the Government (para 32), management wasby the Mesurado Group with technical assistance from the French consultantsSODECI.
Liberian-owned Commercial Farms
44. The larger Liberian-owned rubber farms have traditionally receivedconsiderable assistance from the concessions by way of subsidized high qualityplanting material, free extension advice, and processing facilities for theiroutput. By and large this mutually beneficial linkage remains intact.
45. The smaller rubber farms have for the most part received less assis-tance from the concessions and this shortcoming prompted the establishment ofthe Rubber Advisory Service and subsequently the Rubber Development Unit.
The Liberian Rubber Development Unit (LRDU)
46. In establishing the LRDU as a semi-autonomous unit within theMinistry of Agriculture in mid-1978, the objectives were to provide thefollowing services to a considerable number of small and medium rubberfarmers:
- a permanent extension service;
- financial assistance in cash and kind to farmers with up to 61hectares of rubber for replanting a total of 16,188 hectares ofold rubber with high yielding varieties and rehabilitating 9,510hectares of mature but presently untapped mature rubber havingscope for exploitation over at least five years;
- training in modern production techniques, emphasizing practicalrubber production skills;
- assistance in marketing through improvement of on-farm processing,and reduction in transportation costs;
- farm planning advice on a fee basis to larger farmers wishing toobtain commercial credit for replanting and rehabilitation; and
- funds for a rubber pricing study.
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47. Recent reappraisal of the LRDU has led to a reduction in the replant-ing and rehabilitation targets and the introduction of a collection, marketingand processing component.
48. The LRDU has its headquarters at Salala and covers Montserrado, BongNimba and Grand Bassa counties. The extent of its operations area is shown onMap 16711 included in the Main Report (Vol. I).
Oil Palm and Coconut Production
General
49. Oil palm and coconuts are, up to the present time, grown to meetlocal demand but this situation will change as the currently sizeable andincreasing immature areas come into production.
50. The majority of current oil palm production comes from low yieldingwild palm groves which are exploited by an estimated 40% of Liberian farmers.Some palm products also emanate from a number of Government-owned estatesbeing run by LPMC and larger Liberian-owned and foreign-owned estates, andthere will be considerable additional production from the nucleus estates andfrom smallholder plantings of the parastatals, viz. BOPC, LPPC and DOPC.
51. Coconut production is currently undertaken on only a limited scale bysmallholders and on larger Liberian-owned farms, but could increase underplans drawn up by LPPC.
52. The majority of the Government-owned and larger Liberian-ownedestates have suffered from a lack of capital and adequate technology, while inthe parastatal section there is a general contrast between the general effi-ciency exhibited by DOPC and the lack of cost-effectiveness apparent in LPPC.
Liberia Produce Marketing Corporation (LPMC)
53. In 1970/71 Government charged LPMC with nationwide development oftree crops other than rubber. This involved the establishment of a number ofoil palm plantations which were ultimately to be subdividesd into smallhold-ings, together with the production and distribution of seedlings including oilpalms and coconuts. Extension services and processing facilities were alsoestablished. The locations of LPMC managed plantations are shown on Map 16712included in the Main Report (Vol. I).
54. Subsequent to the initiation of a subsidiary Palm Products Corpora-tion, LPMC handed over all responsibility for oil palm and coconut nurseriesand extension work to LPPC in 1980 but retained control of a number ofscattered oil palm and other plantations.
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Liberia Palm Products Corporation (LPPC)
55. LPPC was established as a result of the cooperative agreement betweenLiberia and Ivory Coast signed in 1975 and following feasibility studiesundertaken by SODEPALM.
56. The primary objectives of LPPC were, with initial management assis-tance from SODEPALM, to undertake the following projects:
- the Buto Oil Palm plantation in 'Sinoe County with a targetedplanting area of 3,035 hectares;
- the Dube Oil Palm plantation in Grand Gedeh County with a targetedplanting area of 4,047 hectares;
- a smallholder oil palm component adjacent to the Buto nucleusplantation; and
- a coconut nursery and pilot plantings at Warbar as a precursor tococonut development in the Greenville area.
57. As well as fulfilling these project objectives, LPPC has retainedresponsibility for nationwide distribution of oil palm and coconut seedlingsand provision of an extension service in respect of these two crops.
58. Locations of LPPC's plantation projects before the Buto project wasconverted into a Corporation (para 31) are shown on Map 16712 in Vol. I. Thenurseries are sited as follows:
Zone Location
(1) Cape Mount MamboGohn
(2) Bomi/Lower Lofa D.C. Clark FarmGbodeeKlayGbarma
(3) Montserrado/Lower Bong/Gibi KakataTototaSchiefflin
(4) Upper Bong/Nimba GbarngaGantaTapetaKarnplayZorzor
(5) Bassa/River Cess New Cess
59. LPPC also has responsibility for a good coconut seed garden nearMonrovia, and additionally manages a coconut plantation nearby on behalf ofthe Bureau of Reacquired Plantations.
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Cocoa and Coffee Production
General
60. Coffee and cocoa are next in importance to rubber as cash crops.They are being grown by an increasing number of small traditional farmerswhose efforts are being supported by a number of area-specific agriculturaldevelopment projects (ADPs), and also by the Liberia Coffee and CocoaCorporation (LCCC).
61. The advent of the ADPs and LCCC has in theory meant that the majorityof cocoa and coffee farmers no longer lack the inputs and technology transferwhich had hitherto been absent. The extent to which these improvements willbe reflected in productivity remain to be tested.
62. Monitoring and evaluation units have undertaken some monitoring, buthardly any evaluation within the ADPs. Effectiveness of LCCC is at presentneither monitored nor evaluated.
Liberia Cocoa and Coffee Corporation
63. As was the case with LPPC, LCCC was established following the coop-erative agreement between Liberia and the Ivory coast. Establishment followedfeasibility studies undertaken by SATMACI. The primary objectives of LCCCwere with initial management assistance from SATMACI, to establish seedgardens, trial areas and demonstration areas at five sites, and at the sametime to promote the establishment of farm family holdings.
64. As well as attending to these project objectives, LCCC assumedresponsibility for nationwide distribution of coffee and cocoa seedlings andprovision of an extension service in respect of these two crops.
65. The locations of LCCC's nurseries are shown on Map 16712 in Vol. I,together with the positions of the five specific project zones. The geogra-phical areas of LCCC's activities do not overlap with those of the existingADPs, except in Nimba.
Lofa County Agricultural Development Project
66. The first phase of this project, which ran from 1976 to 1980 andcovered the northern portion of Lofa county, incorporated provision of devel-opment loans, seasonal credit and all requisite back-up services in support ofthe new smallholder planting of 2,300 hectares of coffee and 1,500 hectares ofcocoa plus the rehabilitation of 500 hectares of old coffee and 800 hectaresof old cocoa.
67. Within the second phase project which extends further south into Lofacounty, tree crop development is to be extended through planting of a further3,300 hectares of coffee and 1,940 hectares of cocoa. There is to berehabilitation of a further 290 hectares of coffee. The exl;ent of the LofaADP is shown on Map 16711 in Vol. I.
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Bong County Agricultural Development Proj_ct
68. Phase I of this project which ran from 1978 to 1983 covers thenorthern half of the county. With the back-up of requisite technology andservices, the programme included the planting of 3,000 ha and 1,500 hectaresof smallholder cocoa and coffee respectively. Farmers have been encouraged togroup their tree crop plantings into single blocks to facilitate administra-tion and cultural and quality procedures.
69. A follow-up phase for this project is to be implemented soon andwhereas initial thoughts allowed for the continued planting of smallholdercocoa and coffee and included a 600 hectare oil palm component, the oil palmand cocoa components have now been excluded from the project.
Nimba County Integrated Rural Development Program
70. Phase I of this project which coimmenced in 1979 concentrates on alimited range of high priority measures and includes the establishment bysmallholders of 405 hectares of coffee, 162 hectares of cocoa and 50 hectaresof cashews.
71. It is intended that a second phase project will be undertaken uti-lizing the experience gained in Phase I and over a larger area of the county.
The South Eastern Rural Development Project
72. A project covering Maryland County, Grand Gedeh County and SinoeCounty was prepared during 1980. Smallholder tree crops foreseen at the timeof preparation were new planting of 1,200 hectares of coffee and 2,200hectares of cocoa. The project was reprepared and included 750 ha of newcoffee and 1,000 ha of new cocoa plantings. However, no decision on theprocessing of the project has yet been taken.
(ii) Production Arsas and Levels
General
73. Except in the case of rubber there is a general paucity of data withrespect to tree crop plantings in Liberia. The most recent comprehensiveAgricultural Census for the country was carried out in 1971 and resultant datahave yet to be fully analyzed and published.
74. Data resulting from subsequent suarveys for rubber and other treecrops have frequently revealed glaring inconsistencies.
75. Information presented in ensuing paragraphs relative to the currentand historical situation in Liberia with regard to tree crop areas andproduction in non-concession areas, must therefore be regarded as little more
- 14 -
than best estimates. Concession records are considered to be adequately
reliable.
76. As yields per hectare are clearly a function of both area and magni-tude of production, estimates in this regard are likely to ;show the greatestinaccuracies.
77. Available information is presented on the status of each tree crop,and anticipated future yield profiles are presented at varying levels oftechnological input.
Rubber
Areas and Age Groups
78. On the basis of data from the 1971 Agricultural Census, consultantspreparing the RDU project were able to derive estimates of concession andLiberian farms rubber areas in the various counties. Detai'Ls are provided inTable B-1.
Table B-1: RUBBER AREAS BY COUNTY IN 1971
(hectares)
County or Territory Concessions Farmers
Montserrado County - 20,830Marshall Territory 30,700 5,786Bomi Territory 5,671 '11,356Bong County 2,077 63,631Maryland County 5,275 17,038Grand Bassa County 7,366 5,151Nimba County 2,185 7,631Sinoe County 2,176 1,476Cape Mount County - 1,655Grand Gedeh County - 390Lofa County - 14,464Upper Lofa County - 2,934
Totals 55,450 152,342
Source: 1971 Agricultural Census
79. After making minor adjustments for rubber planted cn farms between1971 and 1974, the consultants were able to draw certain conLclusions regardingthe distribution of tree age groups on the Liberian-owned farms as in 1974.
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On the assumption adopted by the Mission that such farms have replanted at thelow overall rate of 1,000 hectares per annum during each of the years 1975 to1979 and at the rate of 1 ,500 hectares per annum during 1980 and 1981 thecomparative percentages by tree age groups are as shown in Table B-2.
Table B-2: TREE AGE DISTRIBUTION ON LIBERIAN RUBBERFARMS IN 1974 and 1981
…----------- 1974 ---------- ----------- 1981 -Age Group _% Age Group _
0-7 years 14.77 0-7 years 1.178-10 years 7.87 8-12 years 8.07
11-14 years 25.78 13-14 years 6.7015-20 years 24.61 15-17 years 7.8721-24 years 15.21 18-21 years 25.7827-28 years 6.05 22-27 years 24.61>'28 years 5.71 28-31 years 15.21
7;2-35 years 6.05:35 years 4.54
Source: LRDU Feasibility Study & Mission Estimates.
80. Although the broad distributiorL pattern of small farmer rubber plant-ings throughout Liberia may well approxi.mate to that shown in Table B-1, astudy recently completed by LRDU staff and based on FDA photo-interpretationsuggests that within the LRDU project area, the extent and pattern ofplantings is considerably at variance with earlier estimates particularly withregard to Bong County. Results of this survey were as follows.
County Area of Liberian Owned Rubber
Grand Cape Mount County NilMontserrado County 21,172 hectaresBong County 15,166 hectaresGrand Bassa County 486Nimba County 5,787Lofa County 136
Total 42,747
81. LRDU staff have also recently undertaken a study of tree age distri-bution in Nimba small farmer rubber areas with the following interestingresults:
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Age Group Percentage
0- 7 years 3.58-12 years 5.7
13-14 years 4.715-17 years 6.618-21 years 22.822-27 years 41.828-31 years 13.61>32 years 1.3
Although this data may appear somewhat at variance with that presented inTable B-2, it reflects the fact that rubber development in Nimba Countycommenced later than in areas nearer to Monrovia and Firestone.
82. During the course of preparation studies for the LRDU project in 1974, theconsultants derived interesting data relative to farm size classes and tappingstatus within the Liberian-owned rubber sub-sector. Findings were as shown inTable B-3.
Table B-3: FARM SIZE CLASSES AND TAPPING STATUS OFLIBERIAN-OWNED RUBBER FARMS IN 1974
Mature% of % Previously % Never Immature
Size Class Overall Area Tapped Tapped Tapped %
0-10.1 ha 10.9 33 11 30 2610.1-20.2 ha 11.6 32 22 34 1220.2-50.6 ha 43.6 28 22 23 27_:-50.6 ha 33.9 70 17 8 5
The tapping status of mature areas will clearly have altered since 1974 inreflection of changed rubber prices but size class percentages will not havealtered significantly.
83. Estimates of planted and tapped areas on concession estates wereprovided in the IBRD Concession Sector Study No. 3905-LBR and are as shown inTable B-4.
- 17 -
Table B-4: TOTAL & TAPPED RUBBER AREAPER CONCESSION (1980)
Rubber Area ('000 ha)Concession Total Tapped
Firestone 34.3 24.7LAC ,3.9 7.8Goodrich/Guthrie 6.6 5.7Salala RC 2.6 2.1LIBCO 2.5 2.1AFC 2.3 2.0
Total 57.2 44.4
Planting Material and Yields
84. The majority of smaller rubber farms have a preponderance of poorquality planting material comprising unselected seedlings, and seedlings ofTjir 1 and Tjir 1 x Tjir 16 parentage. Small farms tended to benefit mini-mally from the better budded material distributed by Firestone in the earlyyears but are progressively able to receive high grade budded stumps orstumped buddings being distributed by the LRDU. Many larger Liberian-ownedrubber farms have a fairly high proportion of budded rubber.
85. The concessions have progressively graduated from poorly selected andlow-yielding rubber seedlings towards modern high yielding clones. A widerange of clones is represented, including the following: PR107, PB86, PB5/51,PB28/59, BD5, Har 1, Har 10, Har 43, GT 1, RRIM600, RRIM605, RRIM623, RRIM628and RRIM701.
86. The poor planting material and generally low standards of managementon the smaller Liberian-owned farms have meant that average yields per hectarehave been much lower than those from concession areas, although productivityappears to have increased gradually over the years (see Table B-7). It isprobable that understated tapped hectarages have falsely increased the appa-rent yields per hectare. Yields on the smaller farms have reportedly beenconsiderably lower than the 1979 farmer average yield of 722 kg dry rubber/-hectare. The evolution of yields from Liberian farms since 1960 is shown inTable B-7.
87. Average yields per hectare from concession plantations also shown inTable B-7 have remained relatively consistent since 1960 and have not dis-played the gradual increase which would have been anticipated to result fromthe progressive planting of higher yielding material. There is considerablevariation in yields between concessions with 1980 estimated figures revealingthe following averages:
- 18 -
Concessions 1980 Average drc Yield Per Hectare(kg)
Firestone 1,259Guthrie/Goodrich 1,175LAC 1,500LIBCO 1,143Salala Rubber Corporation 1,476AFC 1,555
Future Yield Potential
88. Liberian yield data in respect of three well-known rubber clonesprovide pointers regarding the potential for this crop. The data which relateto sizeable plantings on Firestone and LAC, are presented in Table B-5.
Table B-5: ACTUAL YIELDS OF THREE RUBBER CLONES IN LIBERIA(Compared with RRIM600 in Malaysia)
Yields in kg/ha in Successive Yearsafter Opening for Tapping
Clone 1 I/ 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
GT1 173 562 993 1,444 1,336 1,629 2,131 2,226 2,541Harl 462 989 1,159 1,157 1,398 1,463 1,705 1,748 1,938Hari 706 897 1,502 1,760 2,276 2,119 2,287 2,780 3,027RRIM600 818 1,319 1,601 2,294 2,639 2,740 2/ 2/ 2/RRIM600 720 1,211 1,602 1,862 2,313 2,322 2,352 2,472 2,703(in Malaysia)
Source: Data collected by Mission from concessions.
1/ In some cases year 1 is an incomplete year.2/ Trees have been in tapping for only 6 years.
89. Despite its good yield potential clone RRIM600 is not generallysuited for Liberia in view of its susceptibility to wind demage. It shouldalso be kept in mind that yields are not uniformly as favorable throughout thewhole of Liberia for the clones in question.
90. On the basis of work carried out in Liberia during the past year byMr. Theodore Jenne, rubber yield profiles have been established for thecountry to reflect various levels of input and management. These profiles arepresented in Table B-6.
- 19 --
91. The profiles presented relate to Liberian-owned farms. Where rubberis grown on concessions or other large we.ll managed plantations, it can beassumed that yields some 20 percent above those shown in Profile (1) could beattained from proven clones.
Table B-6: ASSUMED RUBBER YIELD PROFILES 1/ UNDER VARIOUSLEVELS OF INPUTS AND MANAGEMENT
(in kg. drc/hectare)
…------- New Planting or Re-Planting - ---- Rehabilitation Year after Profile Profile Profile Profile;(4 Year after 2/ Profile (5)
Field Planting (1) (2) (3) (a) (b) Rehabilitating (a) (b)
8 250 250 250 - - 1 400 2759 400 400 400 150 100 2 500 40010 800 625 550 225 175 3 625 45011 1,050 850 775 350 275 4 775 55012 1,175 950 800 450 350 5 850 62513 1,325 1,075 1,125 550 400 6 850 62514 1,525 1,225 1,125 675 450 7 850 62515 1,625 1,300 1,125 675 450 8 850 62516 1,675 1,350 1,125 675 450 9 850 62517 1,675 1,350 1,125 675 450 10 850 62518 1,525 1,225 1,125 675 450 11 850 62519 1,700 1,400 1,125 675 450 12 850 62520 1,650 1,350 1,125 675 450 13 775 55021 1,625 1,300 1,125 675 450 14 775 550
22-26 1,675 1,300 1,125 675 450 15 775 55027 1,675 1,300 1,125 625 425 16 725 50028 1,575 1,350 1,125 550 400 17 675 45029 1,500 1,275 1,125 500 350 18 625 42530 1,450 .1,250 1,075 - - 19 550 40031 1,400 1,175 1,000 - - -
32 1,350 1,125 950 - _33 1,300 1,075 - -
34 1,250 1,000 - - _
Source: Theodore Jenne (USAID, Monrovia).
1/ For outline details of input and management levels see overleaf.
21 The duration of tapping following rehabilitation will depend upon the ageand condition of the trees. In many cases tapping will be possible for nomore than 6-8 years after opening.
- 20 -
Key to Profiles used in Table B-6
New and Re-plantings
Profile (1) - Good management with fertilizers, cl.emicals, some mechani-zation and stimulation. Good panting material.
Profile (2) - Good management. Not using fertilizers but using somechemicals. Good planting material. Some stimulation.
Profile (3) - Fair management. No fertilizers but using somechemicals. Manual upkeep. No stimulation. Good plantingmaterial.
Profile (4) - (a) Poor management. Poor clones and clonal seedlings.Low level maintenance methods.
(b) Poor management. Unselected seedlings. Low levelmaintenance methods.
Rehabilitation
Profile (5) - (a) Poor to fair management. Poor clones or clonalseedlings.
(b) Poor to fair management. Unselected seedlings.
Anticipated Planting Programs
92. The financial constraints in 1982 meant that concessions would becurtailing their replanting and new planting programmes for the time being.Best available information in 1982 was that Firestone, AFC and Salala hadsuspended such plantings, that LIBCO aimed to develop a further total 445hectares before 1986, that LAC intended to newplant 405 hectares per annum forthe foreseeable future and that Guthries aimed to replant or newplant 200hectares per annum for the next five years.
93. Targets for replanting (or new planting) and rehabilitation of rubberunder the auspices of LRDU have been progressively reduced and in 1982 stoodas follows:
Year Replanting New Planting Rehabilitation-------------- hectares ------------------
1981/82 1,215 9101982/83 1,620 1,295 8101983/84 1,620 - 1,6201984/85 1,620 1,620
- 21 -
Past, Present and Future Production
94. Rubber production from the concessions rose from 36,700 tonnes in1960 to 58,300 tonnes in 1980 while annual production from the smallholdersector rose from 6,300 tonnes to 23,100 tonnes during the same period.
95. Details of the evolution of rubber production from the concession andLiberian farmer sectors during the period 1960 to 1980 are presented in TableB-7, while details on production from each of the concessions during theperiod 1970 to 1981 are provided in Table B-8. Small discrepancies are evi-dent between data derived from the quoted sources.
96. On the basis of information available to the IBRD Concession SectorStudy Mission in mid-1981, it was estimated that during the period 1980-85rubber production from Liberian farms would increase at an annual rate of 4.7percent while that from the concessions sector could grow at an annual rate of3.0 percent. The disinvestment resulting from recent low rubber prices nowsuggests that these estimates should be revised downwards.
Coffee and Cocoa
Areas and Age Groups
97. Data collected during the 1971 Agricultural Census provided thefollowing indications of the countrywide cultivation of coffee and cocoa:
% of holdings Area of holdings Scattered treesCrop with crop in compact blocks ('000)
Productive Non-productive
Coffee 19.9 15,642 ha 2,891 ha 145Cocoa 18.4 11,774 ha 6,399 ha 277
98. The variable significance of coffee and cocoa in the nine counties isillustrated together with evolutionary details, in Tables B-9 and B-10. Itcan be seen that Lofa and Nimba Counties possess the highest concentration ofcoffee growing while Bong, Lofa and Nimba counties appear to predominate asfar as cocoa is concerned. Data for 1981 appear in many cases to be atvariance with figures for earlier years and must be treated with some reserve.
Planting Materials and Yields
99. The majority of existing cocoa plantings were established in theearly 1950s using unselected Amelonado seed and only relatively recently havefarmers had access to Upper Amazon hybrid seedlings which have been distri-buted by LPMC/LCCC and by the area specif-ic ADPs.
ISIS J0 .
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Table B-8
Liberian Rubber Productioul (1970-1981)
By Concessions and Liberian Farmere
(million kg d.r.d
Producer 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981
Firestone. Plantatlion Co. 42.1 43.2 42.1 37.6 34.3 33.3 33.1 29.8 29.9 29.5 31.1 32.1
COutllre Liberia PlantationsInc (B.F. Coodrich) 5.5 6.3 6.7 7.6 7.1 7.3 7.3 6.4 6.7 7.4 6.7 6.3
L.iberta Agricultural Co. 2.1 3.4 5.0 7.1 7.4 8;B 10.5 11.7 11.7 11.5 11.7 12.5
1-iberia Co. 1.4 1.9 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.6 2.8 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.4 2.5
S;ilala Rubber Corporationi 1.2 1.9 2.3 2.8 2.4 3.3 3.5 3.3 3.6 3.3 3.1 4.0
African Fruit Corporation 1.5 1.4 1.6 1.9 2.4 * 2.8 2.8 2.2 2.7 1.4 3.1 1.8
Total Concessions 53.8 57.9 59.9 59.1 55.7 58.2 60.0 55.8 57.2 55.6 58.1 59.3
Liberian Farmers 24.1 23.7 21.8 26.8 29.1 24.2 25.3 22.5 24.5 25.4 23.1 23.0
Crand Total 78.1 81.6 81.7 86.0 84.8 82.4 85.3 78.3 81.6 81.0 81.2 82.3
Sources; 1. Bureau of Techntical Services - Ministry of Finance A Includes 0.8 purchased from other concessions2. Rubber Advisory Service - MOA by Firestone3. RPAZ4. Foreign Trade Division - Ministry of Commerce.
Table n-9
Area of and llouseholds Crowing Coffee (1976-1981)
(louselholda Crowing Cotfee Arei of Coffec (hlectares)
County 1976 1977 1978 1981 1916 1977 1981
No. X No. X No. X No. X No. Av./bo..aeliald No. Av. houaicItold Area ProJucing
Iton8 3.800 14 4.700 17 5.500 20 4.000 13 2.631 0.69 3.845 0.81 254
Granld 1i.iaa 1.600 10 1,600 10 1.600 10 1.000 17 1.012 0.65 1.174 0.73 229
Capd HMouilt 1.90O 30 1.900 29 1,900 29 1.000 17 809 0.45 1.012 0.53 176 1
GralJ Gedetl 7t)U 7 1.100 11 1.200 12 2.169 7 384 0.57 486 0.45 1.786
li.tj t12,000 49 12,700 51 13.700 54 12,187 40 7,892 0.65 10.8(/5 0.85 694 1
kLaryla,kd 400 4 500 5 500 5 300 2 243 0.il 283 0.57 109
Noustberraido 700 4 700 4 100 4 890 5 445 0.65 526 0.73 1:.8
tIllausba 17.000 51 17,100 51 17.600 52 15.000 42 9.693 0.57 11.089 0.65 1_13d
St.;.. 3tl0 3 400 4 400 4 500 3 202 0.65 283 0.69 76
l1;aIl 58,400 25 40,700 26 43.100 27 37.000 19 23.311 0.61 29.503 0.73 4.110
Siurca; D4ta for 1976, 1977 and 19718 from MOA Production Estimates 1976 ankd 1978.Data for 1981 are praltmlisary 1981 HOA Production Estimates.
ijibla 8-10
Area of anid Ilouseliolds Growing Cocoa (1976-1981)
Colimsty pauselicil)s Croulnit Cocoa Area of Coc,a (hiectaroe)
1976 1977 1978 1981 1976 1977 1981No. I No. x No. I No. I la. Av./lioufiug,old I rdtrola Ila. Av./housublold 1A.turF Arita I'(nJdclsI
5.300 20 6,.00l 24 7.300 26 5,57S 18 6,232 1.17 34 6,313 0.97 44 3,277
Csrate, Baua4 3.1100 19 3.100 19 3.300 20 1.76S 12 1.497 0.49 66 1.619 0.53 16 13,011
0Ael.e H:Mrt.et 6011 9 J00 11 800 12 300 S 243 0.36 33 243 0.36 31 2713
Cr.iw8 CeJoel 3.900 38 4,500 43 48,00 46 24,000 81 2,064 0.513 41 3.076 0.69 43 11.861 @
8.LIie 35 9,1v0 37 10.400 40 8,80O 29 5,018 0.57 S9 7.892 0.8F Sl 1,4S11
Hiryloeed 2.2U0 24 2,400) 26 2.600 28 '4.251 34 1.13 ' 0.53 64 1.174 0.49 S1 1.562
Mi. osit rado 1.SI0 9 1,700 10 1.800 24 1.360 7 567 0.36 39 769 0.45 42 694
Hin.al 6.i800 20 7.200 21 8,100 24 1,000 14 4,12B . 0.61 38 4,371 0.61 42 9.325
700 8 0oo 9 90g 10 950 7 324 0.41 47 40S 0.49 41 3.989
Tat. l 32.100 21 36,200 23 40,000 25 52,000 27 21,206 0.6S 45 2S.862 0.73 47 31.489
Squrceu Daa tor 1976, 1977 end 1978 fromu HOA ProJetlon EuLtJates 1976 and 1978.Date gut 1981 oro prUe.IIaImry 1981 "OA Proeluctlla Eatlmatoe.
- 26 -
100. Coffee planting likewise started in the early 1950s using unselectedseed, although farmers have recently been able to utilize seedlings producedfrom robusta clonal seed imported by LCCC and ADPs.
101. Although there is a dearth of yield data within and outside the LCCCand ADP project areas, average yields for both clean coffee and cocoa haveearlier been estimated to be in the order of 250 kg per hectare, which may notbe out of line with yields under similar conditions in neighbouring countries.Low yields are attributed to the fact that stands are often overaged, havelimited genetic potential and have been subjected to poor management.
102. There is a considerable unmonitored cross-border trade in these twocommodities which renders suspect any generalized statement on average yields.
Future Yield Potential
103. Although there has been minimal yield recording of defined coffee andcocoa plots throughout Liberia, assessments of local growth performance andearly yields relative to that in neighboring countries has permitted theestablishment of yield profiles for the country. These profiles which arebased in large measure on studies undertaken during the paLst year in Liberiaby Mr. Theodore Jenne, have been established to reflect various levels ofinput and management. These profiles are presented in Table B-11 and B-12.
104. The profiles presented relate to small Liberian-owned farms. Wherecoffee or cocoa are grown on medium to large well-managed plantations it canbe assumed that yields will be some 40% above Profile (1) for each crop.
105. The profiles for cocoa assume reasonably careful selection ofplanting areas with regard to soil characteristics.
Anticipated Planting Programmes
106. Although plantings of both coffee and cocoa are likely to continuethroughout Liberia in view of their traditional standing, it is likely thatthe greatest contribution will be from plantings made under the guidance ofLCCC and the ADPs.
107. Plantings planned within the LCCC programme are as shown in TableB-13, while plantings within the second phase of the Lofa ADP project are asfollows:
1983 1984 1985 1986 Total----------- hectares -------
Coffee new Planting 460 850 920 1,100 3,330Coffee Rehabilitation 20 20 100 150 290Cocoa new Planting 225 465 600 650 1,940
Table B-ll
Assumed Coffee Yield ProfilesUnder Various Levels of Inputs and Hanagement
(in kg per hectare)
New Planting Rehabilitation
Year after Profile (1) Proflle (2) Profile (3) Year after Profile (4)Field Planting Beans Clierries Beans Cherries Beans Clherries reliabilitating Beans
3 50 92 15 28 - 1 I50
4 275 506 225 414 - - 2 ISO
5 450 828 335 616 50 92 3 150
6 675 1,242 400 736 125 230 4 150
7 550 1,012 450 828 200 368 5 150
8 550 1,012 450 828 225 414 6 onwards 150
9-25 550 1,012 450 828 250 460
Key: Profile (1) - Using fertilizers, pesticides pruning and good planting material. Good management.
Profile (2) - Not using fertilizers, pesticides and pruning. Good planting taaterial. Fair management,
Profile (3) - Traditional. Poor management.
Profile (4) - Poor management.
Source: Thieodore Jenne and Mission estimates.
28 -
Table B1I2
Assumed Cocoa Yield ProfilesUnder Various Levels of Innuts and Management
(in kg clean beans per hectare)
New Planting Rehabilitation
Year after Year afterField Planting Profile (1) Profile (2) Profile (3) rehabilitating Profile (4)
4 135 100 - 1 150
5 275 175 60 2 150
6 400 275 110 3 150
7 500 350 175 4 150
8 550 450 200 5 150
9-25 550 450 225 6 onwards 150
Kev: Profile (1) - Using fertilizers, pesticides fungicides and good plantingmaterial.Good management.
Profile C22 - Not using fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides. Good plantingmaterial.Fair management.
Profile C3) - Traditional. Poor management.
Profile C4) - Poor management.
Source: Theodore Jenne and .Yission estimates.
Table B--13
PLANNED LCCC COFFIE: AND COCOA PLANTINGS1982 to 1986 (hectares)
Location Zwedru Plahn Conilpound I1 tl'Boloina IBopulu lotal
Year Coffee Cocoa Coffee Cocoa Coffee Cocoa Coffee Cocoa Coffee Cocoa Coffee Cocoa
1982 129.7 167.6 53.1 79.3 57.5 81.9 57.5 81.1 37.0 87.4 334.h 497.3
1983 130.5 13T.8 49.4 78.9 46.5 81.3 50.2. 76.9 36.4 87.4 313.0 463.3
1984 115.3 137.6 47.4 78.9 44.5 81.3 30.4 60.7 35.6 87.4 273.2 446.0 '
1985 115.3 117.4 29.1 76.9 24.3 80.1 10.1 40.5 34.4 87.0 213.2 40L.8
1986 109.3 113.3 27.1 63.5 23.5 39.7 9.7. 20.2 14.2 56.7 183.7 293.8
TOITAL 600.1 674.7 206.1 377.5 196.3 364.3 157.9 279.4 157.6 406.3 1,318.0 2.102.2
- 30 -
108. The total coffee plantings under the second phase of the Bong ADP(which would be a 4-year project) are expected to be 4,000 ha with about 1,000ha per annum. The target of coffee and cocoa plantings under the second phaseof Nimba ADP has yet to be determined.
Past, Present and Future Production
109. Illicit cross-border traffic in both coffee and cocoa and the lack ofaccurate statistics for these crops make it difficult to assess true nationalproduction levels, but based on the assumption that approximately 20,000hectares of each crop are being harvested, annual production of each commoditywould be about 5,000 metric tons.
110. A measure of "apparent" recent production levels is provided by LPMCpurchase data which have been as follows during the period 1971/72 to 1980/81:
Year 1/ Clean Coffee Dry Cocoa Beans
1971/72 4,100 2,6321972/73 4,635 2,2901973/74 3,635 3,1651974/75 3,950 2,7301975/76 4,320 2,7721976/77 10,566 2,7571977/78 10,108 3,3511978/79 8,458 3,5941979/80 10,240 5,1421980/81 8,060 6,863
1/ October-September in all cases except1980/81 which is October to June.
111. Although it is difficult to predict future production trends, it islikely that depressed coffee and cocoa prices will mitigate against any sub-stantial increase in production which might otherwise be expected to resultfrom the better plantings recently undertaken under the various projects.
Oil Palm
Areas
112. The majority of oil palms growing in Liberia occur in natural and ex-tensive wild groves. Such palms show a wide age range and grow at low densi-ties with greatest concentration near streams. No counts or area estimatesare available in respect of these wild groves.
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113. The majority of palm oil consumed in Liberia comes from such naturalgroves and a broad estimate of their extent is provided by data on householdsmaking palm oil. Data is provided in Table B-14.
Table B-14: HOUSEHOLDS MAKING PALM OIL
…____---- 1975 1976 No. of House- % Total No. of House- % Total
County holds making Households holds making Households
Bong 15,900 60 14,600 54Grand Bassa 5,900 37 8,200 50Cape Mount 1,600 25 1,800 28Grand Gedeh 4,100 41 3,300 32Lofa 12,100 51 10,800 44Maryland 2,600 29 2,700 30Montserrado 8,500 51 8,200 49Nimba 13,000 40 13,100 39Sinoe 3,800 43 3,600 40
Total 67,500 45 66,300 44
Source: Production Estimates of Major Crops 1976, Ministry of Agriculture.
114. Formal plantings of oil palms have also been undertaken by a number ofprivate and joint venture companies and by LPMC, LPPC, BOPC and DOPC. Areasplanted to-date by the parastatal corporations are as follows:
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1969 1972 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 Totals---------------------------- hectares --------------------------
LPMC
Foya - - 282.9 151.4 154.2 283.3 571.4 445.2 407.5 2,295.9Zlehtown - - 91.1 66.8 80.9 172.0 105.2 192.2 121.4 829.6Kpatawee - - - 121.4 133.6 - 182.1 80.9 42.5 560.5Voinjama 11.3 11.3 - - - - - - - 22.6Gbarnga - - - - - - - 30.8 36.8 67.6
LPPC
Buto (Nucleus) (now a Separate) 497.8 912.6 1,001.6 420.9 80.9 2,913.8Buto (Smallholders) Corporation) - - 61.1 62.9 - 124.0Dube (Nucleus) - 596.9 616.8 - - 1,213.7
DOPC1980/81
Decoris (Nucleus) 890.2 890.2Decoris (Smallholders) 210.4 210.4
Grand Total: 8,027.7
115. Other major formal oil palm plantings are as followfs:
LIBINC (Private Co): 2,630.1 hectares planted between 1963 and 1975.WAAC (joint venture): 1,821.1 hectares planted between 1969 and 1974.Clarence Parker Plantation (re-acquired plantation): 607.1 hectares.MADCO (GOL Plantation): 445.0 hectares and being managed by LPMC.
This gives an additional total area of 5,503.3 hectares.
Planting Material and Yields:
116. All palms in the natural palm groves are of the unselected duravariety. Although there are no accurate production figures for theseplantings, yields per hectare are likely to be in the region of 0.5 to 1.5tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hectare.
117. The majority of palms in the formal plantings are of the thin shelledtenera variety derived from high quality seed produced in Nigeria and theIvory Coast. On the basis of early trends, LMPC estimate that at full devel-opment average yields of fresh fruit at Foya, Zleh Town and MADCO will be 11,15 and 10 tonnes per hectare respectively. Reliable yield data will shortlybe forthcoming from the early LPPC plantings.
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Future Yield Potential
118. Despite the absence of yield performance data for Liberia an attempthas been made to devise yield profiles representative of good and fair manage-ment and input levels in favorably, moderately and poorly suited ecologicalzones of the country. These profiles are presented in Table B-15.
Table B-15: ASSUMED OIL PALM YIELD PROFILES UNDER VARIOUSLEVELS OF INPUTS AN;D MANAGEMENT AND
IN THREE ECOLOGICAL SITUATIONS(Yields in tonnes of fresh fruit bunches/ha)
Year afterField Planting Profile (1) Profile (2) Profile (3)
4 5.0 4.0 3.05 8.0 6.0 4.06 10.0 7.5 5.0
7 to 25 12.0 9.0 6.0
Key: Profile (1) - Good management with fertilizer in favorableecological zone. Good planting material.
Profile (2) - Good management with fertilizers in moderatelysuitable ecological zone. Good planting material.
Profile (3) - Good management with fertilizers in poorly suitedecological zone. Good planting material.
Source: Mission estimates.
Where fertilizers are not used (fair management), then the yields shown aboveshould be reduced by 25% for profile (1), 10% for profile (2) and 5% forprofile (3).
119. The profiles presented relate to small Liberian-owned farms. Whereoil palms are grown on well-managed estates and under favorable ecologicalconditions, yields should be some 25% higher than shown in Profile (1).
Anticipated Planting Programmes
120. It is anticipated that the majority of future oil palm plantings inLiberia will be undertaken by LPPC, BOPC and DOPC. Financial stringency islikely to mean that LPPC plantings would be suspended for the time being.
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121. Scheduled DOPC plantings up to 1984 are expected to approximate tothe following programme:
1981/82 1982/83 1983/84… ---- hectares --------
Estate 1,750 1,750 1,750
Smallholders 800 800 800
Past, Present and Future Production
122. The facts that a large proportion of palm oil produced in Liberia islocally consumed, and additionally that many kernels from the natural palmgroves do not reach LPMC for export, make it difficult to estimate past andpresent production of palm products.
123. Historical export and import figures for palm oi0 and palm kernel oil,provided by LPPC are as shown in Table B-16.
Table B-16: EXPORT AND IMPORT OF PALM OILAND PALM KERNEL OIL
(tonnes)
…-------- Exports -------- Imports -Year Palm Oil Palm Kernel Oil Palm Oil PaLlm Kernel Oil
1976 989 4,080 6 51977 1,877 3,069 5 11978 367 2,907 111979 2,611 2,472 261980 5,245 1,926 5
124. It is anticipated that there will be a steady increase in productionand exports as plantings on LPPC, BOPC and DOPC come into bearing. From theDecoris Project alone, annual production of palm oil and kernels are projectedto reach 15,000 tonnes and 6,000 tonnes respectively by year 2,008.
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Coconuts
Areas
125. Coconuts are grown on only a limited scale at present in Liberia.Apart from relatively recent plantings of tall dwarf hybrids on some privateplantations and under LPPC, earlier plantings have generally been limited toback-yard plantings of the tall varieties.
126. There are no reliable statistics relating to areas already planted.LPPC was to have undertaken 8,000 hectares of outgrower coconut plantings inthe Greenville area but to date only some 280 hectares have been established.
Yield Potential
127. On the basis of yields achieved in the Ivory Coast it has beenpossible to devise yield profiles representative of traditional and improvedcoconut cultivation. These profiles are presented in Table B-17.
128. The profiles presented relate to small Liberian-owned farms. Wherecoconuts are grown on well-managed estates under favorable ecological condi-tions yields should be some 50% higher than shown in Profile (3).
Table B-17: ASSUMED COCONUT YIELD PROFILES UNDER VARIOUSLEVELS OF INPUT AND MANAGEMENT
(copra in tonnes/ha)
Profile (1) Profile (2) Profile (3) Profile (4)Year after Nuts/ Copra/ NutsT Copra/ Nuts/ Copra/ Nuts7 Copra/
Field Planting ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
5 - 1,000 0.200 700 0.1406 - - - - 2,500 0.500 1,750 0.3507 750 0.150 525 0.105 5,000 1.000 3,500 0.7008 1,500 0.300 1,050 0.210 7,500 1.500 5,250 1.0509 3,000 0.600 2,100 0.420 10,000 2.000 7,000 1.40010 5,000 1.000 3,500 C.700 12,500 2.500 8,750 1.75011-25 7,500 1.500 5,250 1.050 15,000 3.000 10,500 2.100
Key: Profile (1) - Traditional Cultivation, "Talls" with fertilizer.
Profile (2) - Traditional Cultivation, "Talls" without fertilizer.
Profile (3) - Improved Cultivation, "Hybrids" with fertilizer.
Profile (4) - Improved Cultivation, "Hybrids" without fertilizer.
Source: Mission estimates.
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Other Tree Crops
129. Other tree crops grown in Liberia include citrus (oranges, grapefruits andtangerines, etc.), mangoes, guavas, avocados, breadfruit, passion fruit,cashew and cola. Of these tree crops, citrus is of greatest importance.
130. The countrywide 1971 Agricultural Census revealed the followingstatistics:
Area of holdings in Scattered% of holdings compact blocks trees
Crop growing Productive Non-produc-tive ('000)…--- hectares ----
Oranges and tangerines 25.1 687 2,031 332
Lemons, limes andgrapefruits 6.8 125 24 48
Mangoes, avocadoes,guavas 23.7 543 267 233
Cola 20.2 939 21 254
Other permanent crops 4.0 6,307 881 7
MOA statistics for citrus growing in 1978 and 1981 on a country basis appearto be unreliable.
C. ANALYSIS OF RETURNS TO TREE CROP FARMING
Financial and Economic Returns to Tree Crops
131. The results of the financial and economic analysis of tree cropcultivation are summarized in Table C-1. 1/ All the crops considered showpositive private and social returns at 1982 prices.
132. Coffee and Cocoa. Private returns for traditional cultivation tech-niques are from two to over three times the returns to traditional upland ricecultivation. The higher returns are the result of much smaller labor require-ments once the coffee and cocoa crops are fully established. The annual labor
1/ Detailed financial and economic tables are in Supplementary Note 4.
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EAAtL .
Et&- CL^t S !act i,_ ,,. ro
CC" !"AAL4.&~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ TcuXrr it Ftnft-oe lry
t. 1.C t 4!,, <, - / Jd-t 56
- .S' t,,,g,,*., .50 s * *|}~~~~5
as IM_O. tsafic-"S
oYero ~ ~ ~~ !C st,|- 0 _
b}:W.,,4 MLAtoeee,
^ "' 's4 * '°: g S *7 o~~~~~~~~~~~34 .r.
a"ewrd sec..d
:toiC " 5a0w 4 >12 i4.l it 0.>7
1. 01! cac T1.14* c t wt:ot;. O fetUar
i. <sisr i O
*1.th A fetL:o .34S *X t 2.50 L t .
"'Pla_st 3.0 * .07 '1.
Profile (21
t 7Vtsg &.*0 2t : 3.2 0.goIdwcd !:*q,trCr
h..lil. Mz
CAv,ux 1.0:3 1e 161 4.01 0.6$f ofiI. (4)
SoattAt fr40-.- ?S Xt 1 .
WPL,% too Is u3 1.> S.
ci7ato1 Igre OI7t-43 ;22 L. 11
.c r-. s q, - ...
;er :- " .*- ,, Lc
PretW 0 t). 1- z-stat v reLVLs o os r-4 %4.CLa 'es1ar J.4 *_ Cr.r=tAC I_"o4 IJW4 ),tat"S:t
Frof.L. ws~ : u t:de'rvlst
7 ^ -- tfar7
_E z rx;-:
- 38 -
requirements for traditional coffee cultivation are 57 mandays compared to 236for upland rice. The labor required for cocoa is even less at 27 mandays oronly slightly more than 10% of upland rice labor usage. The low labor inputsand high returns are the principle reasons behind the recent expansion incoffee and cocoa as cash crops.
133. Improved planting materials and cultivation techniques withoutfertilizer increases private returns for coffee by 33% and for cocoa by 21%.However, social profitability decreases by about 7% for coffee and 12% forcocoa because of the costs of fully subsidized extension services. When fer-tilizer and pesticides are added to the improved package both private andsocial returns are adversely affected. Fertilizer and pesticide use imposeheavy additional labor and input costs that are not covered by the smallincrease in yields. Rehabilitation of abandoned or extremely low yieldingstands of coffee and cocoa provide quick financial returns to the farmer. Butlike the improved techniques rehabilitation is a poor alternative to newplantings under traditional techniques when social costs are considered.
134. The results of the economic and financial analysis are not verysensitive to price changes. FOB monrovia prices for cocoa would have to fallby about 40% in real terms before traditional cocoa cultivation would nolonger be socially profitable. Coffee prices would have to fall in excess of55% before traditional cultivation techniques would become unprofitable. Ofcourse, the less efficient "improved" techniques are more sensitive to pricechanges.
135- Liberia has a clear comparative advantage in coffee and cocoa culti-vation when traditional techniques are employed. But a large expansion inproduction using traditional techniques is neither possible nor desirable.Coffee is under quota restrictions and exports can not be increased signifi--cantly. In fact, exports in the past few years have exceeded quota. Cocoa,though profitable in well suited areas, is extremely sensitive to growingconditions. The total area suitable for cocoa cultivation is small, limitingthe opportunity for expansion. Furthermore, both crops compete with uplandrice for scarce labor. As long as the rural marketing system is unable toensure timely supplies of affordable rice, farmers will continue to grow atleast part of their food requirements. The labor demands of rice cultivationlimit the amount of effort that can go into coffee and cocoa.
136. Oil Palm. Oil palm under moderate yield assumptions withoutfertilizer shows the best private returns of all tree crops t $11.50 permanday. The high returns are the result of high domestic prices for locallyprocessed palm oil. In contrast, the economic analysis, which looks atLiberia as a possible exporter of palm products, shows much more modestreturns. Domestic resource coefficients for oil palm are the least favorableof all tree crops. As for coffee and cocoa, the use of fertilizer for oilpalm is neither economically nor financially viable. In fact net socialprofitability of oil palm turns negative when fertilizer is applied on standswith poor yield potential.
137. The results of the economic analysis are moderately sensitive tochanges in the world price. A 25% decline in the price of palm oil, assuming
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palm kernel prices remained constant, would render oil palm uneconomic evenunder the assumption of moderate yields and no fertilizer use.
138. Rubber profile (2) (good management, with no fertilizer but somechemicals and improved planting material) yields the best financial andeconomic returns. As with the other tree cIrops, the most management and inputintensive technique (Profile (1)) does not yield the highest returns. Theadditional cost for fertilizer and chemicals is not sufficiently offset byhigher output. Poorly managed rubber (Profile (4)) and rehabilitated rubber(Profile (5)) yield low financial returns and are uneconomical. Low pricesand yields combined with heavy labor requirements for tapping make theseprofiles uneconomical.
139. The currently depressed world price for rubber results in poorshowing of rubber relative to coffee and cocoa. Despite this, rubber stillrepresents one of the best investment opportunities in Liberian agriculture.Projections show growing demand for rubber and strengthening prices. But moreimportant, rubber is not limited by unsuitable growing conditions as is cocoaor marketing quotas as is coffee. Consequently, though it yields lowerreturns, rubber offers good opportunities to expand production.
140. Part of the problem with rubber, is the reltively high labor input.Rubber requires from 2 to 3 times more labor than coffee and cocoa. Mostlabor is employed in tapping, which in Liberia is done with standard system ofalternate day tapping (S/2d/2) without stimulation. Less intensive systems oftapping with stimulation offer opportunities for substantial labor savingswhile not significantly affecting yield. Tapping systems that involve tappingevery 3 days (S/2d/3) and ethrel stimulation. result in about a 1/3 reductionin overall labor requirements. Financial returns would increase on average by45% with the introduction of reduced frequency tapping. The increase in eco-nomic returns would be less dramatic due to the extension costs associatedwith introducing a new tapping system. But the results would still be strong-ly positive. For example the DRC would improve from 0.69 for Profile (2) withnormal frequency tapping to 0.62 for reduced frequency tapping.
D. CONSTRAINTS TO TREE CROP DEVELOPMENT
Introduction
141. Liberia currently faces a severe financial crisis. Against thisbackground, the Government's 5-Year Development Plan, covering the period1981/82 to 1984/85, quite properly places considerable emphasis on agricul-tural development. As anticipated, there is a major emphasis on riceproduction but tree crop production also will be fostered through the Agri-cultural Development Projects and the parastatal and related undertakings.
142. Government's major objective has been and continues to be, to helpLiberia's poor to improve their income and welfare, thereby favoring socialand political stability. These are very valid objectives, the achievement of
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which will be dependent upon the approaches and methods adopted, and also uponthe efficiency of the organizations being utilized.
143. Liberia has adequate land resources for extensive tree crop cultiva-tion. It is essential in the present economic climate, that the availableresources are used rationally to provide requisite impact; on the incomes ofthe largest possible number of workers and to promote rapid returns on invest-ment. It is likely that the most rational and profitable use of Liberia'sagricultural resources will result only from a combination of careful planningand subsequent implementation of programmes or projects which are essentiallysimple, straightforward and self-sustaining.
144. The tree crops sub-sector in Liberia presents considerable scope forprofitable development. Such development has been and is subject to a numberof constraints, many of which can be easily removed provided Government andaid agencies are prepared to maintain the flexibility of attitude necessary toplan, finance and implement programmes and projects of immediate and lastingsignificance.
Major Constraints to Tree Crop Production
General
145. Fully effective tree crop production in Liberia is currentlyconstrained by a large number of factors many of which are interrelated. Themost important constraints are as follows;
(a) Inadequacy of data base.
(b) Inadequate planning process.
(c) Inadequate economic policies.
(d) Inadequate coordination of aid effort.
(e) Faulty or inflexible design of programmes or projects.
(f) Inadequate locally applicable technology.
(g) Overaged or poor quality planting material.
(h) Inadequate local research.
(i) Management inefficiencies and other shortcomings.
(j) Inadequate or inappropriate extension and input services.
(k) Insufficiently attractive producer commodity prices.
(1) Inadequate infrastructure.
(m) Shortage of labor and excessive wage demands.
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146. The ordering of constraints in the above list does not necessarilyreflect their relative importance. All are important and must be removed.
Inadequacy of the Data Base
147. There is currently a dearth of coordinated information on land use,soils, climate and land capability in Liberia. Without such information on anation-wide basis it is difficult to undertake rational planning of forestryand agricultural activities to ensure that crops and species are sited inareas where ecological conditions favor their financial and economic viabi-lity.
148. Population, area and crop production statistics are currently inade-quate and often appear to be inaccurate and/or contradictory. Rectificationof these deficiencies will facilitate programme and project planning. Ongoingprojects such as the ADPs and LRDU have paid inadequate attention to collec-tion of data within their areas of operation, especially insofar as compara-tive tree crop performance among project and non-project farms is concerned.
Inadequate Planning Process149. Lack of a sound data base, compounded by inadequate numbers oftrained planning staff, has inevitably meant that programme and project plan-ning has not been ideal with regard to tree crops.
Inadequate Coordination of Aid Effort
150. The ad hoc approach to tree crop production programmes and projectsin Liberia has unfortunately been aggravated to some extent by an inadequatelycoordinated aid effort.
151. There will quite rightly be continuing debate on the relative meritsof area-specific projects and the programme approach to helping small treecrop growers, and consideration of the possibilities of perhaps shifting theemphasis from small farmers towards larger plantation units. It neverthelessremains an inescapable truth that there should have been greater emphasis on,and assistance to, tree crops best suited to Liberia's ecological zones.Where doubts existed with regard to the financial and economic viability ofcertain crops (for instance cocoa), expenditure on related general managementand extension should have been minimized, with procedures being tested on asmall scale initially.
Faulty or Inflexible Design of Programs or Projects
152. With the wisdom of hindsight it can be seen that over-optimisticassumptions with regard to crop growth and yields and farmer uptake have beena common feature of tree crop projects in Liberia. This is certainly true ofcocoa and coffee in the ADPs and LCCC, of rubber under LRDU and of oil palmsunder LPPC. That incorrect assumptions were made at the outset can possiblybe excused on the grounds of the inadequacy of the data base and locallyapplicable research data.
- 42 -
153. More significantly, the acceptance of over-optimistic assumptionsallowed the establishment of heavy management and extension services withoutapparently rendering the project non-viable.
154. Experience suggests that where particular tree crops are only margin-ally suited to a particular area (e.g. cocoa) or where a technical packagebeing offered to farmers is either unprofitable or varies little from thetraditional practice, there could be virtue in scaling down the extensioneffort. In other cases (for instance rubber smallholder replanting) thereshould have been a massive increase in extension effort. An increased effortfrom LRDU has been and is required.
155. It is considered that a certain inertia is imposed when a project isdesigned and documented, and that a greater degree of flexibility and revisionof objectives could remove what is presently sometimes a constraint to cost-effective and rational tree crop development.
Inadequate Locally Applicable Technology
(a) General
156. All of the tree crops which are currently grown in Liberia, includingthose considered as having the greatest potential for expansion, are alsogrown and exploited with varying degrees of success in neighboring WestAfrican countries.
157. With the exception of rubber (where there is a considerable wealth oflocal knowledge as a result of Firestone's research efforts), little is yetknown with regard to the country-specific agronomic requirements of thevarious tree crops.
158. In these circumstances and until local tree crop research effortscome to fruition, it has been necessary to extrapolate and adapt from theexperience of neighboring countries or from those with ecological conditionssimilar to those in Liberia.
159. Failure to adequately explore and adapt such available technology hassometimes been a constraint to tree crop development and production inLiberia.
(b) Rubber
160. Availability of modern clones presents little constraint to rubberproduction in Liberia. However, the failure to accelerate replacement of oldlow-yielding trees with such material at an adequate rate :is a constraint.
161. In the area of field establishment and subsequent maintenance, aminor constraint has been posed by the use of non-advanced forms of plantingmaterial, consequently lengthening the period of field immaturity.
162. It is considered that a major constraint has been the failure toutilize less labor intensive tapping systems, with associated use of latex
- 43 -
flow stimulation. Appropriate low intensity systems are in commercial use andresearch testing in the Ivory coast, and could have been introduced in Liberiaearlier and to a larger extent than has been the case, without waiting forlocal experimentation.
(c) Coffee
163. Apart from the failure to restrict coffee to the most appropriateecological zones, the major technological constraint has been the failure toalways utilize the best available genetic material. Until necessary seedgardens have been established in Liberia, seed should always have beenobtained from the Ivory Coast rather than relying in part on material fromSierra Leone.
164. Shade manipulation has often been a constraint to successful fieldestablishment, slowing growth in what could otherwise have been goodplantings.
165. Inadequately extensive use has been made of well-known techniques forrehabilitating stands of old coffee. It is not clear whether this constraintderives from a lack of knowledge or on inadequate extension effort.
(d) Cocoa
166. Cocoa is an extremely sensitive crop and a major constraint onsuccessful production has undoubtedly resulted from a failure to concentrateefforts in the most suitable ecological zones. As with coffee there has beena failure to always utilize the best available genetic material. Local seedgardens are being established but until they are productive, planting materialshould have been obtained from the Ivory Coast or from the one recently pro-ductive and properly laid out seed garden in Sierra Leone, which is situatedat Pendembu.
167. Shade control has been a major constraint to successful cocoa estab-lishment and suppression of the numerous pests and diseases which afflict thiscrop, has been problematical. Production has also been constrained to someextent by the failure to rehabilitate old cocoa plantings, but the cost ofrequisite treatments can often be prohibitive at attainable yield levels.
(e) Oil Palm
168. High quality planting material is available from the Ivory Coast, andhas been used in general. Major constraints to production have been thefailure in the past to restrict all formal plantings to the most favorableecological zones. Establishment, maintenanice and exploitation techniques inthe field have often been adequate, but depth of planting, protection againstrodent damage and harvesting techniques have sometimes been sub-standard.
(f) Coconut
169. Planting material presents no constraint as abundant supplies of highquality tall x dwarf hybrids are and have 'been available from LPPC's Scheiflin
- 44 -
nursery. Provided appropriate planting areas are selected there are few ifany agronomic constraints to coconut production in Liberia.
Overaged or Poor Quality Planting Material
170. The age and poor genetic quality of trees on many of the smallerLiberian-owned farms is a clear constraint to production. In the case ofrubber, coffee and cocoa, older areas can often be profitably rehabilitatedand exploited through application of appropriate procedures provided commodityprices are adequately attractive.
171. Reserves of tappable bark are often a constraint in older rubberareas, whereas in old cocoa and coffee plantings a more usual constraint istree overcrowding and supression.
Inadequate Local Research Effort
172. Lack of planned and continuous adaptive applied tree crop research inLiberia with the exception of rubber, has presented a constraint to develop-ment of such crops. Agricultural research activities in the country were,since its establishment in 1951, carried out at the Central AgriculturalExperiment Station (CAES) at Suakoko. This Station has recently been reor-ganized into the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI).
173. Although CAES initially had adequate funds at its disposal littlework of lasting value was carried out and financial constraints during the1960s and early 1970s aggravated the continuity of effort.
174. Despite recent planning and funding under a number of UNDP/FAO andUSAID projects, shortage of adequate logistic support and trained staff havebeen perpetual constraints. Despite the fact that a modest tree crop researchprogramme has now been initiated at CARI, it is limited to oil palm, cocoa,coffee and fruit trees with experimentation restricted to a geographical zonearound the Station.
175. CARI has no experimental programme on rubber or coconuts nor does ithave adequate funds to undertake coordinated experimentation on tree crops invarious ecological areas throughout the country.
176. Firestone has been carrying on rubber research for a number of yearsto the general benefit of the Liberian rubber industry but experimentation isgeared to the plantation section rather than small farmers and restricted totwo geographical areas of the country.
Management Inefficiencies and Other Shortcomings
(a) General
177. A range of inherent and imposed management weaknesises and constraintsexist throughout the various tree crop production systems in Liberia.
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(b) Traditional Smallholders
178. Lack of secure tenure of their farms and relatively low income poten-tial often means that small tree crop farmers are neither able to apply usefultechnology and management techniques, nor willing to make substantial capitalinvestments. These are constraints which must be removed before their produc-tion can be significantly increased.
(c) Liberian-owned Commercial Farms
179. Such farms display a wide range of management expertise, particularlyin the case of those properties not re-acquired following the 1980 disturb-ances. Some of the larger rubber farms are very well run and productive oftenbenefitting from the employment of staff who were previously with a concessionestate, whereas on some smaller farms the quality of management is a realconstraint.
180. In the case of the re-acquired plantations being managed by the FarmEstate Division of the Bureau of Re-acquisition, the quality of management andshortage of working capital are major constraints to productivity.
(d) The Parastatal Corporations
181. In all parastatals except those run under management contract,management shortcomings present a major constraint. On DOPC, management isprovided under contract by an off-shore company. It is expensive but willprove cost effective, with direct oil palm field development costs on theNucleus Estate broadly in line with those in Malaysia. An effective rapidbuild-up of peripheral smallholder block plantings is also being achieved.
182. LPPC management has suffered a number of set-backs. Early guidanceand training by SODEPALM staff left much to be desired and current top levelmanagement concentrated as it is in Monrovia, cannot give adequate directattention to the centre of activity at Dube. Buto Oil Palm Corporation,established in November 1982 from the Buto project is now being run by SODECDunder a management contract, with external funding by EEC. LLPC is stillresponsible for the Dube project. LPPC's failure to meet planting targets, orto adequately establish and maintain field areas within budget, mean thatmanagement has failed in its task and rendered the plantations non-viable.LPPC has achieved only minimal success in developing oil palm and coconut small-holdings, but has successfully established a good coconut seed garden.
183. LCCC from the outset combined a development function (extension) withproduction. Management constraints which were severely aggravated by theprecipitate departure of SATMACI staff at the time of the 1980 disturbances,have contributed to a considerable shortfall with regard to planting targets,and from limited observations in the field, a seriously low standard of fieldestablishment and maintenance of cocoa and coffee areas is in evidence.
184. LMPC's management of a number of scattered plantations (principallyof oil palm but also some coffee and cocoa) has been undertaken as a secondaryactivity to that organization's primary marketing role. In the sense that
- 46 -
inadequate attention has been paid to the rational exploitation of the plan-tations and the provision of adequate processing facilities, LPMC's managementshortcomings have been a constraint to production.
(e) The Liberian Rubber Development Unit
185. Management and administrational shortcomings have combined to presenta considerable constraint to the achievement of rubber replanting and rehabil-itation targets to date.
(f) The Agricultural Development Projects
186. Management per se has generally not constrained planned development.An exception to this has been the lack of management continuity in the BongCounty Project.
(g) The Concession Plantations
187. Although direct field development and maintenance costs on themajority of concession estates have been broadly comparable with those inMalaysia, such plantations have suffered from excessive overheads and highprocessing costs. High overheads result in part from a traditional provisionof services and infrastructure which would normally be the responsibility ofGovernment and in part from the employment of excessive numbers of expatriatestaff.
188. In the sense that concession plantations have failed to take appro-priate action to reduce and/or spread overheads and to reduce direct coststhrough application of relevant technologies (such as reduced frequencytapping of rubber), their lack of objective management has in part been aconstraint to production, to the extent that many currently face severefinancial problems.
(h) Large Foreign-owned and Joint Venture Plantations
189. The standard of management in the case of these companies (LIBINC andWAAC) has not in itself been a constraint to production. Other factors havebeen of greater significance.
Inadequate or Inappropriate Extension and Input Services
190. As pointed out in the World Bank's Report entitled "AcceleratedDevelopment in Sub-Saharan Africa", there are three pre-requisites foreffective agricultural extension effort:
(a) There must be a tested and profitable package to extend.
(b) The incentive structure must be congenial which means that the pricesof inputs in question and also the marketing facilities must beattractive.
(c) The extension organization should have the capacity and administra-tive ability to deliver the advice and inputs on a continuing basis.
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191. It has long been realized that in many instances extension and inputservices in Liberia have failed to supply these pre-requisites and have thusbeen the weakest link in the agricultural development process, therebypresenting a severe constraint to production.
192. A number of separate extension services exist within the country andthe only ones which can be regarded as working with any degree of efficiencyare those incorporated within the Agricultural Development Projects, DOPC andLRDU. The other services are administered by the Ministry of Agriculture,LPPC and LCCC.
193. The Ministry of Agriculture Extension Service has over 800 employeesof various categories, who by and large lack the requisite training, logisticsupport and inputs to function effectively. The situation is almost as bad inthe case of the LPPC and LCCC Extension staffs. LPPC has 175 extensionemployees who are directly involved with the production and distribution ofseedlings and provision of oil palm and coconut advice, while LCCC has 300employees performing the same activities in respect of coffee and cocoa. LPPCand LCCC also have additional staff assisting smallholders associated withtheir area-specific projects.
194. DOPC and LRDU each have relatively small extension teams which areadequately supplied with logistic suppoIrt and inputs.
195. The extent to which the majority of tree crop farmers in Liberiarequire sophisticated inputs and extension advice is open to debate, but it istrue to say that with the exception of the area-specific projects mentionedabove, farmers have rarely had access to fertilizers, pesticides, herbicidesand improved tools. This lack of inputs may have provided a constraint toproduction in isolated cases.
Insufficiently Attractive Producer Prices
196. Farmgate prices for export products originating from tree crops areobviously, in the long-term, controlled by world commodity prices. The pricesactually paid to Liberian farmers for their rubber, coffee, cocoa, and palmkernels have usually been markedly below f.o.b. values.
197. Since 1976, the officially posted farmer market prices for rubberhave shown the following approximate ranges relative to f.o.b. prices.
Grade ]?ercentage of f.o.b. Price
Latex 69 - 74Specification quality coagulum 53 - 72Non-specification coagulum 49 - 64
These prices have been based on a Firestone formula which takes into accountprocessing costs and a profit margin.
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198. As only the larger farms have been able to take advantage of latexsales, the majority of Liberian rubber producers have received a somewhatlower proportion of the world price for their produce than their Malaysiancounterparts. It appears likely that relatively low farmgate rubber prices(especially for non-specification coagulum) have acted as a constraint toproduction in the case of small farmers.
199. In the case of coffee, cocoa and palm kernels, farmgate prices arefixed at often infrequent intervals by LPMC, who have the sole marketing rightfor these products. Farmgate prices for these products appear since 1969 tohave fluctuated much less than the world commodity prices, to the extent thatfarmers have sometimes received prices equal to world levels whereas at othertimes farmer prices have been as low as one third of world levels.
200. Had LPMC operated a true stabilization fund to bolster farmer priceswhen commodity demand was depressed, then the historical divergence betweenfarmgate and world prices would have been justified. Regrettably the stabili-zation fund was used for other purposes.
201. While the producer prices for coffee and cocoa have provided attrac-tive relative returns to farmers (Table C. 1), the high marketing costs ofLPMC are an issue. With projections of continued real declines in coffee andcocoa world prices, improvement in LPMC efficiency is required to preventsubstantial declines in coffee and cocoa producer prices.
Inadequate Infrastructure
202. Bearing in mind that large undeveloped areas of Liberia are ecologi-cally suited to the cultivation of various tree crops, it can be concludedthat the relatively restricted nature of the road network and associatedinfrastructure and settlement, have been constraints to tree crop productionin the country.
Shortage of Labor and Excessive Wage Demands
203. Agricultural labor is scarce and expensive. Rural to urban migrationhas slowed the growth in rural population and has robbed the rural areas oftheir most productive workers. Migrants are typically young males who leavebehind rural areas increasingly populated by females, the very young and theelderly. A chance, however, slight, for high paying Government or privatesector jobs, improved living conditions, and extended families who willprovide for the recent immigrant are powerful attractions to those contem-plating leaving the rural areas.
204. Those who remain behind must continue to farm with available familylabor, occasionally supplemented by hired labor. As the traditional subsis-tence crop, upland rice has primary call on the farm family's availableresources. The Liberian farmer is not yet prepared to give up entirely hissubsistence farming, even though cash cropping is on the rise. Until thefarmer feels more secure in relying on the market for food supplies, tree cropfarming will be supplementary to rice cultivation. The traditional methods ofcultivating established tree crops mesh reasonably well with the timing ofupland rice farming operations. But the area cultivated by the smallholderis typically small (less than 2.0 hectares) because of the heavy labor
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requirements associated with establishing new plots. One possible way toavoid this problem is to rationalize land, and labor use by planting rice onpart of the holding, followed by a tree crop or, wherever possible inter-cropping the tree crop with rice.
205. The market for wage labor in Liberia functions reasonably well andwages accurately reflect the labor scarcity in rural areas. Despite highagricultural wages, currently between $2 and $3, most tree crops still havecomparative advantage precisely because they use relatively little labor.But the comparative advantage can be lost; if excessive wage demands areallowed to increase real wage rates. The Government has an important role toplay as an honest broker in wage negotiations between the concessions andtheir employees. It must ensure that legitimate wage demands are met, whileat the same time protecting the competitiveness of the sector.
E. RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
206. The recommendations here present;ed, take full cognisance of theexisting and potential importance of tree crops to the Liberian economy. Therecommendations arise from a close consicLeration of the existing productionsystems and organizations, and also from the relative suitabilities of thecrops involved.
207. Although it may take some time t;o remove or reduce all the noted con-straints to tree crop production, a number of short-term and long-term objec-tives can and must be set immediately as a means of bolstering the revenuefrom this source.
208. Whilst long-term strategy will involve rational tree crop diversi-fication with an emphasis on rubber, together with all necessary support sys-tems, shorter-term activities should centre around improved effectiveness ofongoing projects where appropriate (LRDU and Decoris), the maximization ofreturns from investments already sunk in a number of projects and parastatalsand rationally rehabilitating plantations re-acquired by the Government in1980.
209. In the paragraphs which follow, outline recommendations for the treecrop sub-sector are followed by more detailed sections where necessary.
Outline Recommendations for theTree Crop Sub-Sector
Crop Suitability
210. There is a real need to plan from a sound data base and this isparticularly important in relation to the selection of appropriate tree crops
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for the various ecological zones of Liberia. It is therefore recommended thata comprehensive country-wide study be undertaken to indicate relative landcapability categories for forestry, tree crop and annual crop production.
211. Whilst awaiting the outcome of such a study it is possible to makebroadly based recommendations for a number of tree crops on the basis ofpresently available information.
212. In view of the need to compete on world markets (except where minorlocal consumption is involved), tree crop production must be targetted onthose areas of the country where ecological conditions are most favorable.Greatest scope exists for the extension and intensification of rubber activi-ties.
213. Ecological conditions throughout large areas of Liiberia are suitablefor coffee, but it is recommended that expansion of this crop must ofnecessity be limited in view of uncertain market prospects and likely quotarestrictions in the future.
214. As only scattered and relatively small areas of ].iberia can beregarded as ecologically suited to cocoa cultivation, it is recommended thatthis crop should be grown very selectively.
215. It is recommended that any future expansion of large-scale oil palmplantings should be restricted to the most ecologically suitable areas in thesoutheast. This is essential if Liberian palm oil exports are to be sold onthe world market in the face of competition from producers in the Far East,where yields per hectare can be double those in West Africa.
216. There is broad scope for the profitable cultivation of hybridcoconuts in the sandy coastal zone and it is recommended that planned plantingshould start as soon as adequate soil surveys have been undertaken.
Farming Systems
217. The rational introduction of cash generating tree crops provides thepossibility for initiating the breakdown of the bush-fallow system of uplandfarming. Although precluded by the necessity for provision of shade in thecase of coffee and cocoa, rice intercropping is a real possibility in theother tree crops.
218. Tree crop development in tranches with rice intercropping during thefirst one or two years of tree life could have the dual benefit of rational-izing and minimizing demands on farm labor, increasing the production of rice(or other crops), increasing the degree of attention paid to the tree crop andalso decreasing reliance on the bush-fallow system.
219. It is recommended that this possibility of intercropping shouldreceive immediate attention in ongoing projects, with due regard to erosioncontrol.
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Immediate Priorities
220. Whilst not losing sight of long term objectives, a number of imme-diate priorities have been identified. In selecting these priorities the aimhas been either to increase revenue from existing plantings with minimalincremental input, or alternatively to decrease expenditure associated withexisting tree crop enterprises.
221. Rapid increases in revenue are obtainable from a number of sources asfollows:
(a) Re-acquired Plantations. Following requisite assessment of area andpotential, it should prove possible to generate considerable revenuefrom these areas through application of appropriate commercialmanagement.
(b) Smallholder Rubber Rehabilitation. Vigorous LRDU efforts in thetesting and extension of reduced frequency tapping systems, coupledwith the recent increase in farmer price for coagulum, could lead tothe rehabilitation of appreciable areas of old rubber with resultantrevenue increases. Every encouragement should be afforded to therubber concessions whose close aeBsistance will be both anticipatedand required.
(c) Rehabilitation of Old Coffee. A relatively rapid return isachievable from the pruning and multi-stem training of old libericaand robusta coffee.
It is recommended that these possibilities for increased revenue should beexploited without delay.
222. Early and significant decreases in expenditure can be achieved in anumber of crops, as follows:
(a) General. There is considerable scope for reducing expenditure in theconcession, parastatal and private sub-sectors. On the concessionsthe major problem is high overheads, while in the case of some para-statals both overheads and direct costs are far from matched byachievement. Overheads are frequently high through traditionalcauses and where this is the case, they would be more easily "spread"than reduced. To this end there is considerable scope for rational-izing the management of geographically adjacent enterprises byforming joint venture companies. Possible examples which spring tomind are Cavalla joining with Decoris (and also possibly Libsuco) andGuthries joining with WAAC.
(b) Parastatals. The relative inefficiency of LPPC and LCCC combinedwith their present financial constraints makes it desirable thatfurther investment in these corporations should be no greater thanrequired to ensure returns from plantings already made. In the caseof LPMC, transfer of its plantations to another body might well bothdecrease expenditure upon and increase revenue from the large oilpalm areas involved.
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It is recommended that these possibilities for decreasing expenditure shouldbe pursued with vigour.
Medium and Long-Term Objectives
223. Outline recommendations relative to the medium and long term are asfollows:
(a) General. In the planning and execution of future tree cropdevelopment in Liberia it is recommended that greater emphasis beplaced on cost effectiveness and financial viability. Fullcognisance should be taken of past experience when predicting futurecosts and benefits.
(b) The Nucleus Estate Concept. Wherever possible, it is recommendedthat tree crop development should in future be based on financiallyviable nucleus plantation or demonstration block cultivation of eco-logically suited crops, with associated smallholder development. Thedemonstration effect of the nuclei will enhance smallholder develop-ment and reduce the costs of extension. Smallholder developmentshould initially be in close proximity to the nucleus areas with theradius of activity extending with time. The nucleus estate approachutilized at Decoris appears to be working well and provides a suit-able model for expanding the productive area of any financially vi-able tree crop in Liberia. Nucleus estate or demonstration plantingscould perhaps be beneficially developed in association with existingprojects such as the ADPs and LRDU. The existing concession plant-ings should be regarded as nuclei for smallholder development and itis recommended that adequate privileges and encouragement should beoffered to concessionaires in return for the help which they can andshould give to peripheral smallholder development. It should benoted that the concessions could, as well as providing a viabledemonstration of crop cultivation, give assistance to farmers withrespect to land clearing, high quality planting material, transpor-tation, processing and marketing.
(c) Coordination of Rubber Development and Replantin-. The acknowledgedimportance of rubber in the future of Liberia necessitates muchgreater attention being paid to the general coordination and activa-tion of the rubber industry. It is, therefore, recommended thatearly consideration be given to the creation of a Rubber DevelopmentBoard and a Rubber Planting Fund.
(d) Research. There is an urgent need for a carefully coordinated anduninterrupted programme of applied and adaptive tree crop research.It is recommended that appropriate measures should be taken to firmlyestablish such a programme together with associated advisory andquality control services.
(e) Extension. As mentioned earlier, the most effective form of exten-sion is the demonstration of viable proven practices. If this can beachieved with the assistance of nucleus plantations/demonstration
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plots, then extension costs can be minimized. Where such entities donot exist then project or MOA extension effort must be intensifiedaccordingly. It is strongly recommended that great care is taken infuture to ensure that extension packages being offered to farmers areproven and viable. Such a situation is not likely to be reacheduntil results are available from local experiments and project andGovernment monitoring and evaluation staff can analyze the impact ofpackages offered.
(f) Inputs and Credit. It is recommended that in the traditional farmsector especially with regard to coffee and cocoa where land avail-ability is not a constraint to production, inputs should be at thelow levels appropriate to traditional management. Such an approachwill be in the best interest of the farmer and will minimize theproblem of credit recovery. The most vital input in respect of treecrops is high quality planting material. This is true whether plant-ing is being undertaken on a concession, in the private sector, with-in a parastatal or by a smallholder. With the exception of coffeeand cocoa planting material on the Lofa and Bong Projects, inputsupply is generally adequate on the ADPs, parastatals, and LRDU aswell as on the concessions and in the large-scale private sector.However, at the present time an anomaly exists with regard to thesupply of oil palm and coconut seedlings by LPPC and of coffee andcocoa seedlings by LCCC. Both organizations charge farmers for seed-lings in their area-specific projects but provide them free else-where. It is recommended that this anomaly be rectified as soon aspossible. In the case of the small farmer who is not associated witha project of any kind, there is a need to strenghten the input supplyposition. It is recommended that greater reliance should be placedon local traders in association with LMPC.
Additional Detailed Recommendations
Recommended Tree Crops
224. As mentioned in para. 225, requisite nationwide soils data is inade-quate to permit detailed tree crop planning. However, on the basis of clima-tic and soils data which are currently available and which are summarised inSupplementary Note 1 to this report, it is possible to make outline recom-mendations. Generalised tree crop commercial suitability zones are shown onMap 16713 in Vol. I while suitability by counties is outlined in Table E.1.
Soil Survey, Land Use and Land Capability Study
225. Available land use and land capability data are inadequate to permita reliable assessment of country-wide potential for cultivation and suita-bility for different crops. A land use and land capability study is of thehighest priority and broad guidelines for such a study are at Appendix 1. Itis recommended that the coverage already achieved during the reconnaissanceagricultural land evaluation of the Mano River Union project area should be
TABLE E.l Suitability of the Co,anties for Conmmercial Production of taiaor Tree Cropa
(assuming favorable altitude and soil conditions)
Crop
Coulnty 1) 1) 1) 1)Rubber Oil Palo Coffee Cocoa Coconuts Cashlews Citrua
Bong Yea IJo Yea Yeo No Drier northern Yeaarea only
Grand Basaa Yea No Northern Northern Coastal strip No YesareaB only areas only I
Cape Hlount. Yea except No Yea Yea Coaatal strip Drier parts Yea 4drier areas only I
G;ralnd Cedeih Yea but avoid Southern Nortihern Northlern No llo Nortikernwetter areas areas only areas only areas only areas only
l.ofa Yes except No Yea Yea No Drier eastern Yesdrier area
r parta only
Itarylanid Yea but avold Yea No tlo Coascal strip No Nowetter areas
tlontserrado Yea No Yea Yea Coastal Strip No Yes
HNiTba Yea No Yes Yea No No Yes
Since Yes blat avoid Southern Northi North Coastal Strip No Northieasternwetter areau areas only eastern eastern areas only
areas only areas only
Nlote: 1) Prodtiction for domestic and local consumption will occur outside thesuiialbility raLnges Indiicated.
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extended to cover the whole country. It is understood that recent aerialphotography at a suitable scale is already evailable for much of the countryand that this would prove suitable for reconnaissance mapping of land systemsand identification of land development units. Such identification of landdevelopment units permits the identification of general projects and can befollowed by studies at larger scales for priority areas. It is recommendedthat an extension of the Mano River Study utilising the FAO/UNDP nomenclatureand methodology would prove to be the most sensible means of coveringLiberia's soil and land mapping requirements. Photo-interpretation facilitiesavailable at F.D.A. could contribute to the success of the undertaking.
Technological Improvements
226. In the absence of results from adequate local and adaptive researchon many of the tree crops being grown in Liberia it would in most respects bepretentious to make specific recommendations for technological improvements.The research already underway or proposed will provide a sound basis for suchrecommendations.
227. However, on the basis of practices proven elsewhere in the world andespecially in neighboring countries, it is even now possible to make a certainnumber of significant recommendations, as follow:
General
The fact that levels of technological input which are appropriate inone situation may need modification under another set of circum-stances, has been borne out by the analyses in this report. Broadlyspeaking, the better adapted a tree crop is to a particular ecologi-cal environment or the more favorable the related commodity pricestructure, then the more likely is it that the crop will benefit innet income terms from the application of improved technology.
Rubber. (i) The use of advanced planting material such as 2 to 4-whorlpolybagged budded plants should be introduced as a means of reducing theperiod of immaturity. (ii) The use of reduced frequency tapping systems withEthrel stimulation should be introduced as a means of maintaining yields atlower labor inputs in both the smallholder and plantation sectors. Thesetechniques are particularly appropriate for old low yielding seedling rubber.
Coffee and Cocoa. (i) Use only seed from well designed seed gardens forraising planting material. Until suitable seed gardens are in production inLiberia, seed should preferably be purchased from the Ivory Coast. (ii) Paymuch greater attention to shade regulation during the immature period.(iii) Place much greater emphasis than at present on rehabilitating oldstands of coffee and cocoa.
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Extension
228. Because of the inadequacy of local adaptive research, many of thepackages being offered to tree crop farmers in Liberia are either inappro-priate or non-effective. It will clearly be some considerable time beforerelevant technologies have been refined through research and there can be aneffective linkage between research, extension and development.
229. In the meantime, it is recommended that "extension" packages for treecrop farmers should be kept as simple and inexpensive as possible until contra-indicated by results.
230. There is insufficient monitoring and evaluation data from ADPs, LRDU,LPPC, and LCCC at present to assess whether the tree crop technical packagesbeing extended and the quality and magnitude of tree crop extension effort,have yielded significant results.
231. It is recommended that the monitoring and evaluELtion units in theseprojects should apply themselves diligently to such analyses, comparingproject farmers with non-project farmers both inside and outside the projectareas.
232. At the present time, both LPPC and LCCC devote considerable effort toextension work outside their area specific projects. It is recommended thatthese parastatals should as soon as possible, hand over responsibility forseedling distribution and extension advice throughout all parts of the countrynot covered by their area specific projects.
Applied and Adaptive Tree Crop Research
General
233. It is essential that existing tree crop research at CARI should besupplemented as quickly as possible. It is recommended that experimentationshould be extended to include coconuts and rubber. All relevant aspects ofapplied agronomy should be covered as should seed production, the maintenanceof clonal collections and the establishment of quality control laboratoryfacilities. It is essential that the research effort should be sustained andnot fragmented as in the past. It is stressed that cognisance must be takenof research findings in neighboring countries, and that expenditure onresearch in Liberia should be minimized by concentrating on testing the localapplicability of materials and methods already proven successful elsewhere.There should be close liaison with research stations in neighboring countriesand those further afield.
Research on Tree Crops Other than Rubber
234. It is recommended that national research on oil palms, coffee andcocoa should continue to be centered at CARI's Suakoko Station. The stationshould also initiate a programme of coconut research.
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235. There is a clear need for aid agencies to carefully coordinate theiractivities with regard to CARI. At the present time the following projectsare in operation:
FAO/UNDP - Applied research on tree crops.- Applied research on vegetable and pulse crops.- Applied research on plant protection
USAID - Agricultural research and extension.
The USAID project has three components:
(a) Development of major technical components of CARI includinglaboratories.
(b) Strengthening management and administration at CARI.
(c) Improvement of research/extension linkages.
FAO/UNDP are currently preparing a further project aimed at strengtheningapplied research at CARI.
236. Taking into account the tree crop trials already initiated under theFAO/UNDP project and bearing in mind the research projects already underway orplanned, it is considered that an adequate research base is being laid withrespect to oil palms, coffee and cocoa.
237. It is recommended that particular attention be paid to the followingaspects of tree crop research:
(a) Inclusion of coconuts in the research programme.
(b) Varietal evaluation and testing of oil palm, coconut, coffee andcocoa in the various ecological zones of the country. It isrecommended that wherever possible such trials should be executed incollaboration with projects already sited in the zones, as a means oflimiting expenditure.
(c) Establishment of seed gardens for coffee and cocoa. Some gardenshave already been established at or near CARI, but further improvedgardens will be required. Wherever possible, the gardens set up byLCCC should be taken over by CARI as a means of ensuring requisitecare and attention.
(d) Conduct of on-farm trials/demonstrations of improved management andcultural practices. Such trials can be undertaken in collaborationwith the ADPs and MOA.
(e) Development of suitable intercropping practices for new or re-plantings of tree crops.
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Research on Rubber
238. The Government of France has recently offered to finance a rubberresearch centre in Liberia to be run with the technical assistance of I.R.C.A.(Institute de Resherche sur le Caoutchouc en Afrique). It has been proposedthat the centre which is to be known as the RRIL (Rubber Research Institute ofLiberia), should be sited on Wiloria Estate which is located between thevillages of Bellefani and Gbalatuai.
239. It is recommended that the Government of Liberia should favorablyconsider the IRCA proposals. However it is recommended that care should betaken to ensure that RRIL is responsible to the Agricultural Research Councilwhile liaising closely with CARI, and that close contact .s established andmaintained with rubber research bodies in the Far East.
240. When considering rubber research in Liberia, cognisance must be takenof the fact that all research to date has been carried out by Firestone, whohave a number of on-going experiments and good back-up facilities.
241. It is recommended that Firestone's contribution to rubber research inLiberia should be taken into account when establishing and siting the RRIL.The possibility of siting RRIL at Harbel should not be ruled out and certainlyeven if the Institute is sited at Wiloria, Firestone Harbe'l could become amajor sub-station.
242. The agronomic research programme proposed by IRCA is realistic and itis recommended that it should be followed. Particular attention should bepaid to the rapid development of tapping systems adapted to over-aged and lowyielding smallholder rubber. Low-intensity tapping systems already used wide-ly in the Ivory Coast, should also be tested for applicability to the Liberianplantation and smallholder sub-sectors. Other aspects to be considered willbe manurial requirements and economic studies of rubber collection systems.
243. It is recommended that national control and standardization of rubberprocessing technology should also be undertaken by the RRIL.
244. Consideration should be given to funding rubber research by means ofan export cess. Of an overall cess levied at the point of export, part couldgo to a replanting fund while the remainder could contribute to the researchfund.
Rehabilitation of Government's Re-acqulred Plantations.
245. It is recommended that an early decision by the Government be takenin respect of re-acquired plantations, which have not yet been returned totheir original owners, planted principally to rubber (see para 3.77 of theMain Report, Vol. 1, for a discussion of Government options).
246. A note on the re-acquired plantations is provided in SupplementaryNote 2 to this report.
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Coordination of Rubber Activities
247. In recognition of the great scope which exists for both the extensionand intensification of rubber activities in Liberia it is recommended that acoordinating body should be established to serve the industry.
248. This body, which should have its Secretariat in the Ministry ofAgriculture, would be known as "The Rubber Development Board".
249. It is recommended that the functions of the Rubber Development Boardwould include the following:
(a) formulate rubber development policies and programs;
(b) examine and improve the linkages between concessions and small-holders;
(c) assess research requirements and priorities, and review progressmade;
(d) coordinate rubber standards requirements;
(e) overall supervision of the LRDU, which may later metamorphose intothe Rubber Planting Fund Board (see subsequent recommendation);
(f) organize and oversee all requisite surveys in the rubber sub-sector;and
(g) consider and act in matters pertaining to rubber processing andmarketing.
250. It is recommended that the Rubber Development Board should comprisethe following:
- Minister of Agriculture - Chairmaa.- Representative of Ministry of Plamning.- Representative of Ministry of Finance.- Project Manager of LRDU.- Manager of RCL.- Director of RRIL.- Representatives of the Concessions.- Representative of RPAL (Rubber Producers' Association of Liberia).- Representative of small rubber farmers.- Representative of the Rubber Planting Fund Board (if different from
LRDU).
251. In due course it may become both useful and necessary to establish aRubber Development Authority. In that event the Rubber Development Boardwould be absorbed and appropriately enlarged. (Further discussion in the MainReport, Vol. 1, paras 3.68(d) and 3.70 and in supporting Paper 5: TheInstitutional Framework, Vol. IV, pages 56-57).
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Establishment of a Rubber Planting Fund
252. There is an urgent need to accelerate replanting of the back-log ofover-aged low yielding rubber on Liberian-owned farms and also to encourageconcessions to continue their rates of replanting at appropriate levels.
253. Successful replanting funds are operated in Malaysia and Thailand. Abrief account of the Thailand Rubber Replanting Aid Fund Board (ORRAF) isprovided as Supplementary Note 3 to this report.
254. It is recommended that consideration be given to establishing aRubber Replanting Fund in Liberia, based on an amalgam of the Thai andMalaysian systems. It seems likely that in Liberia's case where in the smallfarmer sector land availability is not a constraint, a proportion of newplanting could be substituted for re-planting at agreed rates. Concession-naires and small farmers alike would contribute money to the proposed Fund bymeans of an export cess. Equally, both farmers and concessionnaires wouldbenefit from Fund disbursements and thereby be encouraged to replant.
255. Suitable modification to LRDU would allow that organization to meta-morphose into the Planting Fund Board which would be responsible for adminis-tering the Fund and providing requisite inputs and extension advice. Conces-sionnaires would be sub-contracted to assist in this connection.
256. If such a Fund were initiated, LRDU and ACDB would be relieved ofcredit recovery relative to replanting and new planting. A suitable formulacould also be devised for considering rehabilitation as a component phase ofreplanting.
257. In view of the complexities of designing and implementing such a Fundit is recommended that a further in-depth study should be undertaken.
Rationalization of LPPC and LCCC Activities
258. As there are clear indications of inefficiency within LPPC and LCCCthe following actions are recommended:
LPPC
- The coconut seed garden at Schieflin should be transferred to thecare of CARI and be run under contract by LPPC.
- Extension activities including oil palm and coconut seedling prepara-tion and distribution, other than around Dube, should be transferredto the MOA or ADPs initially and, later, town or village nurseries,run by farmers themselves, should be promoted on a phased basis, withseedlings being distributed only in areas which are ecologicallysuitable.
- An agronomic and financial evaluation of LPPC should be undertaken tohelp determine its financial viability and specify further measuresneeded for divestment/restructuring/modernization/expansion.
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LCCC
- Extension activities including coffee and cocoa seedling preparationand distribution other than within the five project zones, should betransferred to MOA or ADPs, as appropriate, and, later, town orvillage nurseries promoted (see recommendation for LPPC above).Overheads would be reduced accordingly.
- Coffee and cocoa seed gardens and experiments should be transferredto the care of CARI and be run under contract by LCCC.
- An in-depth study of the present status and future prospects of LCCCis recommended to determine its financial viability and to specifymeasures needed for its restructuring/redesigning/expansion/dissolution/absorption into the MOA.
Summary of Required Studies and Surveys
259. The following studies and surveys are required and should beinitiated immediately:
- Nationwide soil survey and assessment of land capability.
- Feasibility study of coconut development, processing, and marketing.
- Evaluation of the technical and financial viability of LPPC and LCCC.
- In-depth study on the design and implementation of the RubberPlanting Fund Board.
- Confirmatory survey of Liberian rubber areas.
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2age 1 of 2
LIBERIAAGRICULTURAL SETOR REVIEW
Broad Guidelires for a Nationwide Survey of Soils,Land Use and Land Canability
Background
1. Rational forestry and agricultural land use planning within a countryis dependent upon the availability of adequate infOrmation on current land useand land capability, which are in turn functions of soil fertility, topographyand climate. In Liberia, there is currently comprehensive geological coveragebut only fragmentary detail in respect of land use, soils and climate. Muchof the available information is of considerable potential development value andthis is being supplemented from a number of ongoing and planned projects.Nevertheless, there is an urgent need to correlate and supplement availableinformation and thereby provide valuable data on soils, land use and landcapability.
2. The consultants undertaking the nationwide survey of soils, land useand land capability should liaise closely with the .Ministry of Agriculture andthe Forestry Development Authority to ensure, on the one hand, avoidance ofduplication of work being carried out under other projects, and on the otherhand, to ensure the utilization of all available data to speed and simplifyyhe task in hand.
First Phase Studies
3. The consultants should initially extend the reconnaisance appraisalalready undertaken in Western Liberia by the Land Resources Survey Project ofthe Mano River Union, to cover the remainder of Liberia on the same basis.Such an extension of reconnaissance appraisal would provide Mapping of vege-tation and land use, land systems and land suitability at scales of 1:250,000and 1:500,000. The area to be surveyed would be subdivided into land systemsas a basis for field sampling and land suitability mapping. The constituentfacets (or land management units) of the land systems will be described andevaluated. This evaluation will provide useful albeit provisional informationfor project planners and extension officers. nhen combined or subdivided byecological zones, the land systems form land development units which should beevaluated for crop suitability.
4. Inter aiia, the consultants should provide maps and information onthe following:
(a) Vegetation, land use and bush fallow meriods. Vegetation and landuse would be mapped in the following categories:- closed high forest (relatively Low exploitation);- secondary forest (exploited);- upland grassland;- rock outcrops;
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- upland crops (rice, cassava, coffee, oil palm, cocoa, etc.);- swamp cultivation; and- plantations.
(b) Land Systems and Facets. These features would be mapped anddescribed in the same manner as already undertaken in WesternLiberia.
(c) Improved production. Information should be provided and suggestionsmade on the suitability of crops relative to toposequences. Detailsof suggested cultivation and extension techniques should be providedin respect of the crops recommenaded.
(d) Natural product extraction. Areas most suited to maintenance underpermanent national forests should be identified. Relevant adviceshould be presented for reafforestation and conservation measures.
5. The consultants should make use of the 1979 aerial photographs (at ascale of 1:70,000), which are available for approximately three quarters ofthe country, and aerial photographs recenitly done by a U.K. firm reportedlyfor the whole of the country, supplementing them as necessary with the avail-able Landsat imagery and ground control observations.
6. During the course of the First Phase Studies, the consultants shouldassess the location and extent of priority development areas which wouldrequire more detailed study during a Second Phase.
Second Phase Studies
7. The consultants would undertake semi-detailed soil surveys at a scaleof 1:20,000 to 1:50,000 in geographical areas and land systems shown from theFirst Phase Studies to favor agriculturaL development.
- 64 -
Supplementary Note No. 1
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Climate and Soils of Liberia in Relation toSuitability for Tree Crop Cultivation
General
1. The selection of crops and cropping patterns within a country shouldrationally start from an adequate knowledge of land capability, which is inturn a function of soil fertility, topography and climate. This is particu-larly true in the case of tree crops.
2. In the case of Liberia, there is comprehensive geological informa-tion, but the data base with regard to soils and climate is sometimes inade-quate or incomplete.
Climatic Information
3. The Liberian Hydrological Service has recently produced two usefulbooklets which bring together all available rainfall and temperature data forthe country.
4. Summarized rainfall and maximum and minimum temperature data arepresented in Table SN 1.1 and SN 1.2 while additional climatic information isprovided on maps as follows:
Map SN 1.1 Rainfall Stations in Liberia.Map SN 1.2 Distribution of Annual Rainfal:L 1954-1973.Map SN 1.3 Water Deficit Map.Map SN 1.4 Temperature Stations in Liberia.Map SN 1.5 Average Yearly Maximum Temperature 1953-1962.MGap SN 1.6 Average Yearly Minimum Temperatures 1953-1962.Map SN 1.7 Maximum Monthly Temperatures 1953-1962.Map SN 1.8 Minimum Monthly Temperatures 1953-1962.
5. A reorganization of Ministries in 1972 meant that from that year upto 1980, Government paid inadequate attention to the collection and processingof meteorlogical data. Although a number of Government meteorologicalstations have been recently established, the majority of reliable long-termdata comes from private organizations. In general, details of sunshine andsolar radiation are unavailable.
TARI I SN1.
MONTHLY 6 ANNUAL AVERAGE RAINFALL DATA FOR SELECTED STATIONS IN LItERIA(mllilletere)
Duration of .J--oory February March April Hay June July Augo6t Septenber October Nove.ber DLcc.aber TotalR-cord
no ver dSi!!
NRtiol-al Iron Ore Co,epany 1959-81 14.2 40.4 66.9 177,1 269.6 356.5 436.4 528.2 548.5 379.1 195.1 48.7 3,061.4
Voiej..noa 1952-80 12.7 38.4 108.4 163.2 212.0 296.4 332.6 426.6 353.9 261.6 168.1 52.1 2,426.0
kolobon 1952-70 12.7 17.8 57.4 137.2 393.7 434.6 156.5 293.9 283.0 172.7 154.7 r.l. r.i.
Lolt RIver BRoIn
(.oo.drichl (Coibrivo) 1956-80 22.6 41.0 76.6 138.8 225.0 385.3 561.3 660.2 634.5 367.4 137.2 38.2 3,288.1
8-t1 olills 1952-77 18.4 55.9 16.9 172.0 272.9 390.4 434.8 551.4 581.5 337.4 161.1 61.8 3,160.5
St. PFI Rlo.
B-og MI-es 1961-80 14.6 53.0 91.5 185.5 259.9 307.4 305.3 415.4 439.9 287.6 149.1 34.3 2,543.1
M>nrovIa Area
MonrovIa 1944-73 34.5 51.9 89.4 158.3 395.4 897.6 821.2 540.5 698.9 621.8 229.6 102.4 4,589.9
F.ra. ,L-/D. River BamI
Firesto.e Harbel 1936-80 34.0 55.1 121.4 156.5 266.2 392.6 431.6 501.7 573.9 360.5 171.1 68.6 3,133.2
Robertsfleld 1949-80 30.9 53.8 93.8 137.0 291.9 570.0 654.6 586.9 679.1 409.0 172.5 60.9 3,740.4
Salla Robber 1961-80 15.8 52.7 112.3 189.8 243.1 306.6 272.0 392.4 418.1 293.3 137.9 40.9 2,474.9
S . JAut kliver BRoiN
C.,"p, 19SI0-79 20.4 49.2 116.7 164.9 182.4 273.9 220.1 268.3 384.6 244.4 87.2 35.3 2,047.4
S-nnlq-e1lin 1952-80 14.9 56.9 118.2 137.3 204.4 266.9 306.1 367.9 433.7 299.0 117.5 32.7 2,355.5LAMCO Rogehoo-n 1959-80 26.9 60.8 96.3 174.4 333.2 596.3 592.5 478.0 771.0 535.4 197.8 82.4 3,945.0
LAiiCO Yekepa 1965-80 19.8 41.4 138.6 166.3 216.3 297.7 291.4 446.8 553.8 299.6 115.8 26.3 2,613.8
S-okoko 1952-12 17.6 64.1 126.9 141.3 174.8 185.0 159.3 182.2 296.0 182.0 133.9 24.2 1,687.3
.Cnto 1927-73 19.3 56.0 127.8 149.2 213.6 278.4 248.2 301.4 393.5 250.3 130.8 32.7 2,201.2
TleIu River R.-lo
Liber-al A, 1rlcolt.ro Co.p-ny (LAC) 1961-80 29.2 51.7 119.0 197.8 274.2 359.4 281.8 376.7 489.3 374.0 182.5 54.1 2,789.7
I:estes River B.osIn
Tapoto 1952-73 19.3 58.4 112.6 160.7 231.9 278.9 207.1 172.2 330.4 237.2 99.3 22.9 1,930.9
Sehkurle. RiveYr Roy5 "
PIl." r .V 1952-7J 59.5 118.2 216.9 239.9 284.6 342.2 192.1 194.2 405.8 359.1 183.7 99.9 2.696.1
Sitoe River Hasi.
Gree-ville 1952-73 93.9 115.1 153.1 212.5 433.8 758.1 365.3 273.9 626.8 622.1 343.8 231.0 4.229.3
Covollo River 8.ovin
FirrmtLo,o Cav.,llo 1928-80 78.2 112.9 162.9 162.8 342.3 404.9 137.1 119.0 296.8 312.3 231.7 131.5 2,492.4
Z-edr-, 1952-73 21.2 62.6 118.2 188.b 203.4 271.1 186.2 160.1 349.0 281.9 125.5 60.5 1,932.9
Rubrtpo,Prt 1952-73 22.5 33.7 71.9 143.8 357.6 830.8 990.8 687.2 761.j 458.3 175.9 80.5 4,614.3
NRLe: ri. - rcod. Is o Iv tplelv.
TA0BLE SYI.2 h14D7rLY N48XIM4 & M411M TBMPEARVHESrOP SKLEC3ED STATION IN LIBERIA
(exprese d Ia degree. F-reehelt)
Janoery FcbrIary hare- April h4y J-one July Augost S.ptlb-r octob0. W0vteb-er D-eeberst1tio0 [ur0.1-00 01
Record 4-. mi.n.4.. Mi .. hI.. .- i.. 44-. in.. 40 1. N. mi.. 4-. mIl. H-e. min. M... lIn. N4.,. mI.. 4-. Min.
44eno hlver ha,),,
VoI'JcO 19W2-70 92 61 91 62 92 61 92 61 91 61 89 62 87 61 86 62 88 61 89 62 90 60 90 59
0UO1r1Ch (0oUrII'eCD) 1956-81 Y2 67 92 68 93 69 93 69 91 69 88 67 8* 69 83 68 8f. 68 91 71 94 72 93 68B-1 Hill 1952-77 97 66 9J 68 1OO 69 100 70 98 70 94 70 89 69 87 69 91 69 96 69 97 69 96 67BopolI 1952-65 90 64 90 63 90 63 90 63 91 66 88 65 86 65 85 65 87 66 90 66 90 65 91 64
St. Pnu) H1ver 9e-,I
BO mi...c 1961-80 90 72 92 73 93 73 92 74 91 76 88 73 85 72 84 72 87 72 88 72 89 73 89 72
lon,roela Area
(looroola 19%?-71 85 71 65 74 86 74 87 74 86 t4 83 73 81 73 81 73 82 72 84 73 B5 74 85 74
th.F^legto0./11 410cr Inoir.
Piri-to-fltr brsl 1936-81 89 t.9 90 71 90 71 90 71 88 72 84 71 81 70 81 71 82 71 85 *t2 87 71 87 70RobertLVield 1956-81 92 68 9i! 70 92 70 92 71 91 72 89 70 85 70 85 70 87 70 89 70 90 70 90 68
a1a1l4Rubb-er 1963-81 89 68 92 69 92 70 91 71 89 71 87 70 84 70 83 70 85 70 88 71 88 71 88 69
St . Ho)io 81ver Der,
10.ooliqoe1)11 1952-69 91 61 9S 64) 93 63 93 63 92 67 87 65 88 65 87 63 89 65 89 65 90 65 90 61
Soekoko 19)2-61 88 68 8t 67 89 61 89 70 88 71 87 71 85 72 82 68 84 71 85 70 84 70 86 69
4 T tTpe.. 1V.7- o 9L 70 90 71 92 90 92 71 91 72 88 70 86 69 85 68 16 t 89 70 90 70 90 68
cl)kvecu) River hao
PIe Tom. 1952-70 92 67 94 69 94 63 94 67 94 o8 92 68 89 67 89 68 91 68 90 66 91 68 91 65
890oe River .Be)l,
Gereulbvlle h132-,8 86 6- 8, 63 86 63 86 6 6 83 68 89 68 84 69 85 70 84 68 86 68 86 66
C SI1l lHer laele
Z-edro 1952-70 93 h39 4J 68 95 70 95 71 94 69 i1 69 88 68 88 67 91 68) 92 69 69 93 68
OLber.
ho6er-t.,r- Iv)2- t4 90 67 9') 68 90 17 91 68 90 67 87 66 84 65 84 65 85 6) 87 66 90 67 89 67Boe), I 71992-0 85 64 84 67 83 6f 84 63 86 66 84 67 87 65 84 65 84 62 o4 64 85 66 83 ff
- 67 -
~~~' ~ /- opgUhGbn coio^ w
FARMINGTON/DU~~~GUNE
MA4N L RIVFGER N F e UIE2 / _ 1// 2 /t /ST. PAUJL RIVER RIASIS
,SiERRA ILEog</oW;
Mono Rlver R Basin /ouno ic
K ilthtfu ,+ unurCl 8 >/° Q a q g CVt IE Al
* Disconlin'aed Station ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ont
U Statiorn in Me n in _
8,~~~~ScIn RARMINGdO AvofabJ Afe 98o>0\t)!Cn w
|SRlV'CR RAINFALL STATIONS MAP SNchcrg 1.1 R RA j
LOCllb \ ,_IT g-, APP o
ibCi _____ I A
I .. .~n c. . Mo.j A.3 £E NA ee Wruhtcn< ( 2OO _
t~~~~ik 6- Rler3ain60ndris t
| St St~~onronvia O perotion
FARMINGT>YON/D;:S9P11E
! MAP Ll BERI:~amc. ., __ .~~~~Buha
LOC,NTiO^?S CCt;NTY } APPX T Chl £~~~~0 otow! rta __ _ | _ LJTJ_IR_oSt~~~~~~~Pieton
i CIRC ,v t1YDOL>tlST R49TSAN SALE J .N -sl ana >r t J Nlovers ...... A . N .Wreh t: 2,700,000 i~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.
. . . . .. . ... . _ _ .VER-_ BA M
- OO00 25 40} -
/ l ~ 68
\11 97 '° :a GUINEA
/ 11 g [ 1OO2540
120 3050Mi 1 ) a0M 030-n / 1965-1980)1 ' ' ! X C+Slot125400
\~4060 * 121 *C9s9-1980) iS/ niqu Olcnn80(2030
|i60(4060) A X i g ^ <93 ~~~~~~~Gonta *82
.\22 65. OGbonqa 0
178 Robertsport * 128
75
.123 >OTapeta Monrwa \
N~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
< -' - " 1>
-80(457 'Nwdu 76)
B0O(203Buchiona
-~~~ ~157
LEGEND0C5< Greenrille 107 LEGEND -V(1953_-1970
0 Town
I6t~ 164060) 1 \ _ 102.'*022 Locotion Mth herage Annual RainfaH In lhdess
! 40(3560) 1Ha AQ 100(2 540)
|120(3050) - \sohyetal Lines With Average Annual R0infad In Inches( ond mm)
Different Record Perlod 120(30501
LIBERIAN HYDROLOGiCAL DISTRIBUTION OF ANNUALSERVICE MAP SN 1.2
MINISTRY OF LANOSaNF-S RAINFALL
MAP FOR THE PERIOD 1954-1973: OCATION COUNTY APPX DATE
Liberia June 1981DIRECTOR HYDROLOGIST DRAFTSMAN SCALE
J. Nylander G. J. Meyers A. N. Wreh 1:2,700,000
-69 -
REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA
WATER DEFICIT
I/ koIah~196 jaa2 C 204 N i 100 MM
I~~~~~ I I '/ I
0~~~~~~~~~~~~
I I
M0, La- ZC*
- / j O -- -~ -_-
N~ ~v / / B a,,.~6 ! ! W 227Iu 238 )
mm / IOROV%A imoi
rOOrnX ~ ~ ~ ~ - - *o... o OOrrl
0~~~~~~~0~~~~~~~~
m A 0 0-. Onr
4~~ t/ 0 15018
200mm 9 N 13
SOURC IFCC HQrbfOmo245
___ Eqal WOtr deFiit oocrv in m9113
Dr'y s5dsor0's equal uration ecurvesin monhmo
M\AP S N 1.3
SOURCE: IFCC
_ 70 -
TEMPERATURE STATON
V, ~ _ aoin ama G I I N E A
>, Kolg Lofa River BzN111
C~~~~o Zf rz ;N tS orIRMgno Rixr MDasiv >/XX f Zprzor Mount Nimba
/ / /_/ Wanrniquellis
>/ c omi / n / oSuckoko -4 St John Rivar Bo-ik
no I2/Hr ae i Toa peta CQ RivIt eri B;~n
Monrovia ltr$ifMD H t d
ins~~~~~~~~~aiFqrmington/Du~~~~~~~~~~~ Ric 9 / ,4 q/ Z wedru t
Greonvil Flole Town /0 9 i aT
U)
Lh Nyanke
-_ _ Country Boundary \
River Basin Boundory
Har per
0 Stotion With Ternperturr Recording
MAP SN 1.4
DMER, Ll8ERIAN HYDROLOGICAL SERVICE
Scale L I ' 2,700,000 MINISTRY OF LANDS, MINES,AND ENERGY
- 71 -
SIERRA LEONE of arm GUINEA
y ~ ~~~~~~Gog (333))
/ 5 ~~~~~~~~91OF/ ' ~90-9 I
-v* {313) ~-. < 927oGbongo ( 33 7)e88 0 oobertsport\
88 own 84.0
88°F _ (t) tl~~~~~~(963 -1980) \~<
86 ° Fe 2 - oe iVORY COASTM o nro v' 8 8 0 ,t2', 4) - x5 vt(l 6 -1980) (31 )
'>, \ ) ; °~~~~~~~ZwedruqLijchnTnrnre 9 1
0 i8C
<+ X X \ \ 912 ' (332)< D Recor32d9) --i
\ \ \ (~~~~~~~ 33°C
LEG END . , reenvill =~ O Town 84 9 \) 32°C
*90o9 Loootion With Ternperature In OF (OC )1 OC 4 \
Different Record Period \ - 2
300C Harperisotherm with temperature in F ctnd °C
87 1* (1954 -1960)(30*6)
LIBERIAN HYDROLOGiCAL AVERAGE YEARLY MAXIMUtSERVICE'
MINISTRY OF LANC a M ,S EMPERATU.RESMAP 19I ( 953 - 19 62
MAP SN 1.5 LOCATION COUINTY aSCALE A| DATE
DIRECTt;R HYDROLOGIST DRAFTSMANJ. Nyfonder G - J Meyers A N Wr8h
- 72 -
SIERRA LEONE l-- 4ORabelspc>t 67- ( 3) GUI NEA
70-9 (21-0) (1963-1987C
640 F- 65 8 M,
/66 .64.9 _OGanto\
< (19 ._(.3) ~ 68.5~ 65 i
700 69S8 190C
Monrovia (21-6); TPt
(320 (2313 ('980) (20.3) Q IVORY COAST
\^Buchanan \ Zwedru(20-2)
C, \210C
0
f reeGnvi70.0 \*
LEG END C21-)
0 Town
. 65-8(l88) Locition With Temperature In oF(oC, _r r
Differe.t Recocd Pertcd
_ . Isotherm With Ternperature In °F And OC
LI RCIAN HYRLOGCAL AVERAG3E YEARLY MiN'.liSERVICE
MINISTRY OF LANDS aMNES T EM PPERATURESMAP SN 1.6 MAP( 9 53 - A9 6
L0CArION COUNTY SCALE: APPX. DATE
DIRE!O -Y_R_L_G_T_DRAFTSMAN J yj9D:RECTOR ~HY0RC LOGiST DRAFTSMANi
. o 4 v _ s I . . f i~~~~~~~~~A t
- 73 -
93C)F
926 \1 ~~~~~(33-8)
g I ~~~~~GUINEASIERRA LEONE
/ * 924)(33-6)
950F
g sit \< \ ~~~~~~~~~OGonta 911 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ . 95.9
> _.2_.<8) 0 Gbon-gc (3551)9P0 F-909 Robertsport IVORY COAST
*(33 3(1963- 1980)
Monrovia
(30-7) (31 *( 97980) -4)
XT7.>8o \uchanon V /1 \ OZwedru
94\6 (352) ~ _35 0C(34.7)
340 CL E G E tl [)D\ '> ~ >_ -t3°
o Town \ 320C
92-4 Greenville '31°C 87*5 -310 C3s-6) Location With Temperature in OF(OC) 87-0 0(303)
(30-e)
Different Rocord Period
Isotherm with tempercture In OF cnd OC
l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Harpor90.3t(1954-i960)
(32-4)
Li BE RIAN HYDROLOGCAL MAXIMUM MONTHLY iMAP SN 1.7 ~~~~~~~ ~~S ERVICEfT
MAP S21 1. 7 MINISTRY OF LANDS a INES TEMPERATLJRE
MAP 1( 1953 1962LOCANON COUNTY SCALE: AFPX CATE
Litoria -:2,700pC0 | July 1981DIRECTOR HYDROLOGIST DRAFTSMANJ. Y71onder G . J . NMoyers - N. Wreh
6lo,~ ~ ~ I'" I - 74 -19 O 0 Voinjama59.4
Js63F f15*2) \GUINEA- 63°F )
SIERRA LEONE . 0
63-4 )
/ *~~(17-4) "N t >/ \- 0 oGcnto
63-8 -~ --- - 6 8(177) - 6 oGbana (16-6) -- 170C
Robertsporl (l69o2) / - - 8-°C IVORY C OAS165-6 *-- - (19-0) a
680 F (69.) To Tptot
Monrovia ---- 2 1 97 0J 68 0*72-1 ~ 6 1 '(20-0)
72-2 2 -wedru(22-3) 0 Buchanon 68.1
<. pv \ \ X ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~20)-1 2 °20(0C
0 Town 0
,634) Location 1,-' Tprnpercture In °F(tC)
H a rper
Different Record Period
Isotherm With Temperoture In OF And °C
LJ BCRIAN HYDROLOGICAL N'DNIMUM MONTHLYMAP SN 1. 8 S ERVICEI
MINISTRY OF LANDS a MINES TEMPERATURE
MAP ( 1953 1962 )LOCATiON COUNTY SCALE: APPX. DATE
LIiow JL2,700pOO vIju 2)!.DIRECTOR HYDRFXQLOST DRAFTSMANJ. Nylonder G J M^you A .r . Wroh
- 75 -
Information on General Physiography and Geclogy
6. Liberia for the most part is a rolling country. The coastal area isa narrow strip of level land cut up by lagoons, tidal creeks, and marshes.Included in this area are several promontories. Extending from the coastalarea inland about 50 miles, the country is rolling, interspersed with a fewhills from 400 to 600 feet high. Beginning at 50 to 80 miles inland andextending for about 20 miles farther is a steeply rolling and hilly escarpmentarea, in which the elevation rises from abcut 200 feet to 600 to 1,000 feet.From this point and on, into Guinea at the northern boundary, the topographyis gently rolling to rolling.
7. Low mountains ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet occur intermittentlythroughout Liberia. Somewhat higher is Mt. Nimba in Nimba County with analtitude of 4,500 feet.
8. Liberia is well-drained by six large rivers and several smaller ones,all of which run nearly perpendicular to the coast and empty into the AtlanticOcean. There are no well-developed valleys and flood plains in Liberia.
9. The native bedrock of Liberia is entirely of Pre-Cambrian age. Rocksof the same age occur also in Sierra Leone, the Ivory Coast, the southern partof Guinea, and the southwestern pari of Ghana. It consists of an older seriesof granitic gneisses, gneissic sandstones, and schists, and a younger seriesof intrusive rocks consisting of massive granites, pegmatites, and diorites.The diorites are less extensive and occur largely in the coastal belt.
10. A recently prepared geological map of Liberia is provided in the MainReport.
Information on Soils
11. A reconnaissance soil survey of Liberia was undertaken in the early1960s by William Reed and the results of his survey were published asInformation Bulletin No. 66 of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Reedbroadly grouped the soils of Liberia into Latosols, Lithosols and Regosols.Alluvial soils, grey hydromorphic soils, half bog soils and mangrove swampsoils were also identified but not separately mapped by Reed. Reed's recon-naissance soils map of Liberia is reproduced in the Main Rreport.
12. The Latosols include the following soil associations: KakataAssociation, Salala Association, Suakoko Association, Gbarnga Association,Ganta Association, Zorzor Association and Voinjama Association.
13. The Lithosols of Liberia generally occur on hilly and rugged land andcover some 17 percent of the total area. They are generally shallow.
14. Soils of the regosol group occur for the most part in a narrowcoastal belt and comprise almost pure sand.
15. A selection of physical and chemical analytical data in respect oftypical latosols, lithosols, coastal sands and alluvial soils is provided inTables SN 1.3 to SN1 1.8.
Table SN--1.3.-
'-Latosols in Liieria on steeply rolling and hillytopography: Analytical data for profiles under secondary bush-
Perceitt fine froxtiorx Exchangp roperties1~~ercexit. fine fraction .~~~~ (in miltiequivalents per 100 grauws of soil).
Depth in inclhes -Orguitic Pho5. IaGravel niatter Nitrogen plhorus Acidity' Ex- ExclitngeaLle cations
- chuinge
Buand Silt MlY. pa-ituy Cad- Maggne- I'otjw- M&Uga-:ciun Nauru slum acaco
Parts *
per - .
Percenit PereArng Percent JPerceva PleeenL Psi-cnt msilion pH(82 95 32 20 0.01 0.22~4 16.5 5.46 15.5 2.36 ..1.03 4.05 0.015
0-3 . .... 1.5 71.0 .14.7." 9.0 3.68 .118 0.5 -447 8.1 .07~ .54 *.7t M00.0 63 3 1 2.48 .031 4.4 4.22 5.1 ;.30 .25 .22 .001
Fo 78 30 30 3.10 .118 12.4 4.10 11.8 1.40 .63 ..42 .0043-41..... 6 59.1 21.3 19.6 2.53 .088 8.4 3.05 7. 1 .48 .32 .18 .002
13 40 - 12 10 2.00o .071 4.5 3.80 4.7 .09 '.20, .03 .001
39 71 - 28 35...... .... 11.5 4.10 7.4 -.60 .61 -~.23 ..0076-9 ..... 06 0. 1 21.3 14.1........... 6.2 3.8BS 5.4 .0 .21 !.1410 .(01
2 44 1 1 .7........... 3.2 3.27n 3.1 - .08 .12 .00 .000
(78 59 -42 37'.J336 .424 10.0 .48 .46 .1 .09-18 ..... o.5 62.4 25.9 23.3........5.1 3.87 5.5 .24 .27 ~.05 .001
114 '40 8 18........1.0 3.55 3.9 .08 -JO .00 .0
(70 74 36 32 ... ......... 6.3 4.38 6.9 .42 *M5 16 .00218-30 i45.1 55.6 23.7 2). 2 .... ....... 5.0 .3.90 4.9 .25 .21 .05 .001
(22 40 I2 0.:: 3. 3.65 ""2.8 .05 .10 .00 - 000(
41.9 -i (i. 7 , .~ -
..... .. I.. ....30-'35 4.......7 27.4 2.1.8 ......... 4.4 . 4.01 5.1 .129 .28 .(6 .001
25 1 7 18.3.. .2 3.19 . 1 0 '.10 .0 .0
Source: Information Bulletin No. 66 U.S.D.A.I / I.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Table SN-1..4
.--Latosols in Liberia on grentle upper slopes: Analytical data for profiles under secondary bush
_ Perce* flue fradtion _ Exchange properties(in niillieqwivLdeut* per 100 grams of soil).
Depth iIaiNcheaes . . Organic Phos-(with nuwmlber Cravdl . mxtter. Nitrogen phorus Acidity Ex- Exchtangeable cationsof ftruiahis) . h.ange
Sand Silt Clay .capa .ity Cal- Mlagne- Potas-, Mange-.__ __ .* cium sitiU Mu Use
. ~~~~ ~~ParX . .
perPercet.n PerccaL Perrcen 1erceni P.rern Percent vaillonu pl . ..
IB 88 29 28 6.85 0.222 25.8 5.19 15.0 3.43 1.31 1.62 0.032 -40-3 70.3 17.0 11.7 4.02 .172 0.3 4.45 0.6 1.40 .69 .8a .008
0 O 58 7 4 2.46 .080 5.4 3.95 4.4 .43 .33 03 002
(12 84 24 28 3.24 .114 17.0 4.85 12.0 1.52 .97 I .40 .0133-8 ........ 4.4 65.7 16.8 17.5 2.33 .084 11.3 4.17 0.0 .79 .53 .19 .004
10 53 7 5 1.)i0 .(Go 5.0 3.88 4.1 .31 .34 .06 .001
.17 77 45 36 . . ........ ......... 13.4 4.21 18.0 1.52 .64 .43 .0126-0 ......... 5.6 60.3 19.8 20.0 ........ ......... 6.3 3.93 6.0 .51 .34 .13 ..002
O 331 6 8 -.. .. ... . ........ 3.0 3.40 4.0 .10 .11 .00 .000
2856 74 47 30 ......... ........ 8.0 4.26 10.2 .48 .42 . .15 .0029-18 57.5 22.3 20.2 .................. 4.7 3.82 5.6 .26 :2G .06 .001
I 40 6 5 ......... ......... 2.6 3.64 2.5 .11 .12 .00 .000
14!) 74 38 38. ......... 8.5 4.18 12.5 .9B .45 .26 ;00S18-30 ...... 55.1 23.2 21.2 ......... ......... 5.3 3.92 ft. 4 .38 .27 .06 .001
1 2 40 4 5 . .......... ......... -5 3.50 2.8 .11 .14 .00 .00
1-1339 71 48 629 ......... ......... 6.4 4.12 9.6 .70 .45 .16 .00430-36..... 5... 18 5.3 26.3 18.3 . . . 4.0 3. 0E, 6.0 .34 .30 .08 .001
t 1 440 16 10 . . . 2.5 3.52 3.0 .10 .11 .00 .000
Source: Information Bulletin No. 66 U.S.D.A.
Table SN-1. 5
-Latosols in IAberia on lower foot slopes: A 7talytical data for profiles under secondary bush,:
_-- Perce4t fiu.p !raction (_n <Exchange propertiesPercent fine !ractio .n (iu ~~~~~milliequiivilentoi per 100 grams of ai)
Depthbinlinches Organic Phoa- .
Gravel matter Nitrogen phorus Acidity Ex- Exchangeable cations .chankge . -_ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sand Silt Cily captic.ity Cal- Miagne- Potas- Mauga-
ciuul smilm aium nese
s .- . .. ,,. .. ~~~~~~Parti,. ., ... per
Percent Pcrcent Prcernt Prc"nt^ Percent Percen million pH,12 85 37 20 5.53 0. 222 13.5 5.46 14.8 4.02 1.63 1.93 0. 027
03 ......... 3.6 68.7 20.5 10.7 4.59 .148 7.8 4171 8.8 1.58 .63 .78 .009
O 48 10 5 2.88 .081 *3. 4 4.42 6.9 .32 .28 .-8 .002
9 60 31 33 2.42 0o0 14.0 4.32 12.6 .78 .62 .24 .00
3.1 , ....... 3.9 ,52.0 24.6 .23.5 2.12 .077 . 7.9 4.06 8.8. .52 .. 31 .14 .00445 14 15 1.71 .062 5.1 3.44 6.4 .35 ..12 .05 .001
11 64 46 .8.2 4-34 8.7 .55 .52 .26 .0(04
6-9 .......... 5.9 S2.2 28.7 19.2 ......... ..... ... .9 3.98 5.9 .36 ..24 ,.08 .002O 31 17 ...... . ......... 3.5 3.52 4.1 .25 .10 .00 .000
1 8 7C7 44 23 .......... .......... -. 4 4.22 9.1 .48 .39 .12 .003
18-30' ........ h 0 48.5 3.8 20.8 .................. 5.4 3.1)9 5.7 .30 .23 .04 .01
I . 31 1l f 8 ...... .......... 3.0 3.Wir 2. 8 .10 .05 .00 .O00
I J28 .3 49 28 ......... .......... .7 4 30( 8 9 5 .37 .10 .00330-3 18 .7 | 46.3 :r2.7 21 ( I 5.0 41)3t1 2 .3i .23 .I .002
10 3 20 12 . ....... 2.5 3. [A 2.2 .22 .24 0 AX
Source: Information Bulletin No. 66 U.S.D.A.
Table SN-1. 6
-Lithosolt of Liberia: Analytical dala for profiles
Percent fine fraction Exchange properties(in mXilliequivaltints per 100 gra~nin of moil)
Depth in inches Orgknic Pblos-Gravel .matter Nitrogeu phortm Acidity Ex- Excilaligt.ble cations
chantige - - _ _ _ _
Smi, Silt Clay . . - capac-ity Cal- M a6gae- POtia- Mlernga-
c__im_ .ini _iumo oe.__
. . ~~~~~~ ~~Paris .per~Percent Percent Percent Percent Percent Peci-nt miillion P1l .
A10 87 32 .32 4 28 0."32 30.0 5.95 20.0 3.19 1.81 2.41 0.0340-3 ....... . 37 65.5 21.1 13.4 5.02 .158 13.5 4.40 11.7 1.32 .83 .93 .014
lO 40 11 2 3.38 .105 7.0 3.75 6.8 * .40 .34 .15 .002
10 68 29 20 3.82 .128 25.0 4.12 12.5 1.26 .98 .60 .0173-6 ........ 4.6 58.9 24.0 24.0 2.27 .07h 13.1 3.90 8.0 .C6 .49 .21 .006
O 52 20 20 1.38 .0413 5.0 3.50 5.1 .30 .21 .00 .001
11 76 35 38 . . ...... . ..... 18.0 4.21 15.1 1.62 1.54 .63 .013C_9 ........ 5.0 O59.1 I23.2 17.7 ......... ........ 7.1 3.90 O 8 .50 .35 .1 6 01
. O 37 15 5 ................. 3.4 3.42 3.4 .12 .12 .00 .000
1I9 C 6 35 24 ......... .... .. 19.( 4.5. 5.4 .54 .45 .25 .O09_18 8.6 57.1 24.8 15.1 ......... ......... 0 4.G t1 4.5 .34 .27 .11 .013
t 5 40 16 8 .... ... 5.0 3.5'I 3.2 .11 .10 .00 .O(
[14 75 32 :14 ...... 1. 0 1.0 4.22 12.2 1.00 .73 .24. .00318 -30 ...... rI 58.3 23.4 18.3. ......... 5.7 3.85 6.1 .39 .30 .10 .003
. 39 J5 7 .2.'.... . 0 3.50 2.1 .10 *.05 , .00 .000
Source; Information Bulletin No. 66.U.S.D.A.
Table SN-1.7
-- Coastal sands of Liberia: Aualytical data for profiles8
. .Percent finc Iraction . Exchange properties-Percent finetraction (iu nmilliequivalents per 100 granm.of soil)
Depth in iicebes Ogtuino-Gravel ina tter Nitrogell phorun Acidity '1x- - E;;chlaugeable Ciation,
cliange
Satnd Silt Clay calne- n. iPy Cnal- lagine- PotIa- Af aga-
ciuma ciuln ciumn nexe
perP er tcecd 1rtcen Prrc.nt Perceni Percenl Percnit million pX -h
(...... 08 6 3 1.06 0.024 2.0 5.50 1.2 0.24 0 IS 0.38 0.0003 0
0>-3 .... ....... 95.7 .2.0 1 I.7 .73 .0'2 I1.2 5.09 1.0 .21 .11 .21 .(M0.... 94 1 1 .bri .014 .8 4.50 .8 - .15 .10 .14 .0w00
f...... 07 4 4 ......... ......... .5 4.80 .7 .17 .05 .05 .00008-9 .. ...... 91.4 2.6 3.0 .................. .3 4.45 .53 .10 .02 .02 .0(0
...... 92 1 2 ......... ......... 2 4.10 .4 .04 .00 .00 .0000
..9i i 3 4 ......... ......... 5 40 .5 .16 .02 .03 .0(0018-36 ..... 1.. 2.0 2.9 ......... ...... 3 4.27 .4 .07 .0( .00 . )0
Source:..... 2i B i No. ........ .... 3, 80 2 0 0 .00D
Source: Information Bulletin No. 66, U.S.D.A. -
Table SN-i.8
;-Alluvial soils in Liberia: A nalyt-ical data for.proffles untder a mixed stand of trees, shrubs, coarse grasse-s (floor Ofvalleqe)-
ExcbaLnge propertiesk'ercent fine fradion ~~~~~~~~(in malibiequivaletata per 100 grams of soil)
Depth in inches Organic hoGravel niatter Nitrogen phoruB Acidity Ex- Exchatngeble cations
chtaigeSanud silt CLa-Ly calac- ~ .Pta.M~a
ity Cl iaie o -Mnacilurn ssu ium niese
- ~~~~~~~~~Parlaper
IPercena Perc-evd Perr.ent Percent P'ercemAi Perccnj minlion PI]5 89 30 32 14.77 0.412 37.4 5.22 28.0 5.30 2.31 3.43 0.054
0-3 .... 0.4 707 10.5 9.8 9.095 .331 15.8 4.063 17.5 8. 25 1.40 1.5 .0266
o 9 2 5.22 .155 5.0 4.10 10.2 .55 .35 .2 .uii
8 77 ~ 37 30 7.13 .225 40 5.59 16.8 3.71 1.82 1.70 .0-12
3-6 .... 1, 1.9 25.0 12.3 4.19 .145 17.1 4.31 10.3 1. 66 .03 A38 .0110 40 ~ 15 9 2,66 .I 09 4.3 3.80 5.5 .25 .30 .08 .002
5 70 53 59 4.83 .170 35 4.72 12.0 1.88i 1.0'2 .48 .. 023
6-9 ~~~~ ~~0.5 48.3 30.9 -20.8- 3.48 .134 9.0 4.09 8.4 .78 .48 .19 .0030 1 1 1 6 7 ~~2.13 .112 3.5 3.55 4.1 .15 .20 .06 .001
(0 08 5,5 23-. .......... 15.0 4.90 10.8 :*38 '.46 .41 .008
9-18 ...... 0.0 60. 0 34 15.6........... 7.2 4.28 6.0 44 .35.- .16 .005
~0 22 22 8........... 4.2 3j*j8 5.4 -.12 ..21 .00 .001
7 05 56 9...........12.5 5. 19 15.8 1.12 .78 ..24 - CM0
19-3 ...... 03 46 a. 5 23l.3......... 7.0 4.20 7.9 .62 '.30 .12 .004
0 1 1 15 8.......24....3.80 3.2 .2 66 0 X01
6 71 74 63 .......... 15.0 4.61 14.0 1.12 .72 .40 .00S
30-36 ...... 03 36.3 43.3 20. 8 *............. 8.4 4.26 8.1 .A7 .33 .13 .0MIS
0 8 18 ... .......... 3.5 3.W - 3.5 .05 . 22 (J0 .001
Source: Information Bulletin No. 661, U.S.D.A.
- 82 -
16. A number of additional soils surveys have been undertaken in Liberiaat various levels of detail. Among areas surveyed are the following:
- Land in Western Liberia - A Mano River Union Study.- Bong, Lofa and Nimba ADP areas.- Suakoko Research Station lands.- LPPC Nucleus Estate and Smallholder Areas.- LCCC Nucleus and Smallholder Areas.- DOPC Nucleus Estate and Smallholder Areas.- Firestone Plantations.- Kpatawee Project Area.- Some LRDU Farms.- Special Rice Project Areas.
17. On the basis of the various soil surveys already carried out theMinistry of Agriculture has established a number of Soil Series. Outlinedetail of these series are provided in Table SN 1.9.
18. The survey of Land in Western Liberia involved a reconnaissance agri-cultural land evaluation of that part of the Mano River Union Project Areafalling within Liberia. It is a comprehensive and useful document and couldprovide a model for the type of coverage required for the whole of thecountryv.
Ecological Requirements of Various Tree Crops
19. The outline ecological requirements of a number of tree crops whichare or could be of significance in Liberia, are provided in Appendix SN 1.1.It should always be borne in mind that in a number of ecological situationsthere is often a very close relationship between soil/land characteristics andclimate. For instance crops requiring a long growing season and minimalwater-stress can often be successfully grown in areas with pronounced seasonsprovided that the soil has a good water-holding capacity and/or there is anaccessible permanent water-table.
Mree Crops Suitable for Cultivation in Liberia
20. Ecological conditions in Liberia are considered suLtable for cultiva-tion of the following crops:
Rubber - Over extensive areas.
Coffee - Over extensive areas where rainfall is notexcessive and where there is a marked dry season.
Coconut - Over extensive areas but preferably on coastalsands which are in fact not su-Ltable for othercrops.
Oil Palms - Over extensive areas where grown for local con-sumption. Where grown for export, cultivationmust be restricted to areas with well distributed
- 83 -
rainfall and/or soils with high water retainingcapacity.
Cocoa - Over restricted areas where soil fertility ishigh, where acidity is not marked where nighttemperatures are not too low and where rainfallis not excessive.
Citrus - Over extensive areas especially where there is awell-marked dry season.
Cashew - In lower rainfall areas only, where there is awell-defined dry season.
TA")E SN-1.9
LIBERIA - OIITLINE DETAILS O'E DESCRIBED BOIL SERIES(fro, handbook p-pared by Boils Divisio Mintitry of
A -ricoit-re sth USAED aslitanr- iln Jly 1977.)
CLASSICFrCATION INBRAINS KNAE BRIEF DNaCBIPTION PAoAmpBPSOIL TYPE PARBECi DITIBURhTION & COMNPARABLE USiA SIPIObMAIUN
CLASS LOCATION MATERIAL FITIEON &AO UNDP GROUP BUlJLETIN NO. 66
RAIBISA BESIE beep ocnhat poorly lystrie Ilitr ... l Bong booty Le-Ol Cloy Alio-in Apparentl-y Th-oghoot --drained Bol;s ftIre Terrace Sbtreo Terrace- Central & Es-tern LibeI1
BALLAI GERIYd Deep poorly drained Olsylc Anr,iol Bcnd Coo-ty Clay Allovi-s Snaspa Thrugnisut Ni.... K-eJn --ainely peemeabhi sois CARI Seampy Botto-lde Feat-entral &S Northern Liberi- F tily
CUTTINCTON GROIES Deep poorly dralned acil. Dystric Glaysol boog C-laty Bandy All-viom N-.ise.n KEwja iry Hydro-orphlc SolNICABl Snoopy BAttuisncle tilAb-i Fe lyt
OBANGAI SERIES Deep ome-1est poorly Orthic Acr-iol BR Cnty Clay Al11-le Central & Easternd-nieed anIle CABI Btream Terraces Liberie a Lotn...in
QCAOKKLd SERIES Deep .e.l drained PIlitbhi Anri.ol BRng Coonty Sedlso.ta derie- d Central & Rente ibyn Family Lt .o..lmoderately pee- -bls solse KpEta-os frma Granitit G..tsa Liberia
OBEDIN SRRIES Shi1lne .Iell tE ence..ively Oethin Acriaol Nlnb- CGonty setmente ftra No-thern Llberia Shetie Fmliy LithonoIadrained moderastly Gbedbi Rica ProJect Drn-itic Onsiaspermeoble soils Rdroci
YNIIJA SERIES Deep me-eshat poorly Dystrir Nitn..l Mo.to-rrado Ceouty Clay AIIvius 1Kt .. ive Loter Western &drained, a1ly pesseble Ulniver.ity Y-nr Stream Terrace- Soothbrn Libariasoils
OSMS BERIM Deep, .. ll to .a.o...slvsy Plintibi Acrianl Nlinb Couty Blopo SodDmente Billy & Lass Montaino- We11ois Fsaiiy It t.. lsdratned, noderatety Gbedin Rice Projec t We-tberad fram Regions I. Northern &pernbie so.ils iraitic Gemise Eastern Liberia
GHEH RSINIS Very bahllee -1eef at R-nkers Nieba Coesty Gemati & S,Cnsie Worthern Liberia -- Lithos..eecoilydrained anle Ob.dim Bins Projest edrook
GOGAI SREIKR Mcd-rately .ell drained, Dystri Niltossl .. oteerrtde Co-sty inury Sedigents Btre Terraes. Is Rest __ Latoaolaodsrtely peraal.e soils Ueiersity Far Stream Terraces Central & Northero Liberia
GRCAZOKiDH RrEB Deep poorly dralnadsod ... trip p-enreni soIls GIyIn Acrissi ibsat-sred. Centy Loamy Allios- amModerately Retsn... 1 Alongos--
Untiersty do- 0uy vpy Bothi Lands Streams in Lose.r Wsstsr nd
& Sosthern Liberia 4tAVilM SERIS ee- v-lly drind, nry Orthic Airltl MHoAta-eado Cnty SI."o tedi-t One So ot e Ente-io aott yoya Family los
gravely anile Univerity 'a.- Weathere.d fram in foothere & WesternJranitic Gnales Liberli
KflI'TSA SERIES Deep -ooseihat poorly Pli.thi A-rsol Nib Coedty Lomey AlluvEi Central & EAst-rn Liberia __ Loto oIdra.is-d, moderately Gb.dim Di.. ProJectpeseenble neils
KOLAhUN SERIlS Deep .s.ell drald, Dyatric Nit.sol YLoys C.e ty Clayy Upland nvi Nortenrn . Weliedu Faily Latnanleod-erately nicely Foye Ronra BedissestC Central Liberia
KOLLICAW SERIES Deep .eil drainsd Pli.thic AN--ol Bong Conoty Loemy Sediwcate Cntr.1 & Reter Welled Yotily Latnools Suahokomodertely Pee-Able Bea CAIi tram tiraitin Roams. Liberia Ban-ifttio
EpAlN SERIlS DDeep porly dra.ind, GiylI ACreysl nilky Allo-ing B-moPs in Centr-o, Eastern hiGa- WKonj Gray ifydr-morphic-oderately n1icly Gtresa Tarra-an & Norther LibSria Feotly Boils
SEPATAW SERIES Deep .. II dratd, Dyltric Nitosol .. Boog C-ty Lo-y Aloinv Central & Lantern Welld. Family 1tos-i Sbukokmoderately prn-eblo Epotanes Project Ctr amT Teraces Liberia Anoc-Inti.o
PIIER SERIES Deep poorly drained, Dyatric Gieysol Bong Coonty Sady Loam Central & Est-ern D.lia Family rey flyd-o orphmoder.tely rapid Cottiogton CoIsAog Allee In Farmpy liberia Gnei.p-.ncbl. anIle Fier Rettoolnde
BAIBJETA BEHUS Deep neII drsiaed, Dystric Cembieni Bong C-oty Loamy Allnyin C..etrsi & Eastern Mk.- Family --d-rate1y rabidly CABI Stro Terraces. Liberia Aiamg Streamspse-nbte .Otta
SINYR REBIN D.cp nell drain-d, Pliothic Acrisol Song Coanty Slope Sediasata Most Retno...Ic Roil keys PanIly lolnoelo omiohvery gr-.vlly .. iI. CURI Weathered fr-s In Central Liberia A-n otion
SUAKORO SENSES D-ep cell draind Fli.thlo A-r-n Song CnooLy L-smy Upland PIot..i. in 1 Central Wo11eds Asoily ftci Oikand-rtely penmeabis CABS Sediments & Eantere Lileria A-noI.tiosoils
WEGAfi SEnSI Deep neil-drained Ortibi Acri-1 Moeterrdo bC-ny Slope W.f.et Aeter & ithere Poym pamily latnni kin kobbeep self, sith Ueiv-rity of Weatbered tram Liber-An1stgr-nily Sner.o.. il Liberia Por Granitic Gneiss
- 85 -
Appendix SN-1.1Page 1
Ecological Requirements of Selected Tree Crops
Rubber(Hevea brasiliensis)
Soil/Land
Texture Sandy loams tc claysDepth greater than 100 cmPermeability moderateDrainage well to imperfectly drainedFlooding/waterlogging short periods are toleratedFertility requirement moderateReaction pH 4.0 to 8.0, optimum 5.0 to 6.0Salinity tolerance nil
Climate
Temperature 15 to 400C, optimum 20 to 300CWater requirement 200 mm or more per monthDrought resistance reacts adversely to periods longer than 30 daysHumidity moderate to highWind some varieties susceptible
Situation
Topography nearly level to moderately steep, can be grown onsteep slopes if erosion control is practiced.
Elevation less than 600 m
Coffee(Coffea liberica, robusta)
Soil/Land
Texture loams to claysDepth greater than 60 cmPermeability moderate to rapidDrainage well to poorly drainedFlooding/waterlogging short periods are toleratedFertility requirement moderate to highReaction acid to strongly acid, pH 4.5-6.5Salinity tolerance nil
Climate
Temperature 20 to 350C, optimum 24 to 260Water requirement 180 to 300 mm or more per monthDrought resistance requires dry period before floweringHumidity moderate to high, needs shadeWind unimportant
- 86 -
Appendix SN-1.1Page 2
Situation
Topography nearly level to moderately steep. Needspractices to prevent erosion. on steeper slopes
Elevation 50 to 1,500 m, optimum 50-500m
Cocoa(Theobroma cacao)
Soil/Land
Texture loams to clay loamsDepth greater than 100 cmPermeability moderateDrainage well to moderately well drainedFlooding/waterlogging short periods are toleratedFertility requirement moderate to highReaction pH 4.5 to 7.5, optimum 5.5 to 7.0Salinity tolerance nil
Climate
Temperature 20 to 400C, optimum 250CWater requirement 200 mm or more per month. Excess leads to
disease problemsDrought resistance will tolerate drought period up to 3 monthsHumidity moderate to high, needs shadeWind nil
Situation
Topography nearly level to gently sloping, steeper areasneed practices to prevent erosion
Elevation 50 to 1,000 m, optimum 50-500 m
Oil Palm(Elaeis guineensis)
Soil/Land
Texture loams to claysDepth greater than 100 cmPermeability moderateDrainage well to moderately well drainedFlooding/waterlogging short periods are toleratedFertility requirement moderate to highReaction pH 4.5 to 7.5, optimum 5.5 to 6.5Salinity tolerance low
- 87 -
Appendix SN-1.1Page 3
Climate
Temperature 22 to 400C with low fluctuation, optimum 25 to350C
Water requirement more than 200 mm per monthDrought resistance yields react adversely to water stressHumidity moderate to highWind unimportantSunshine high sunshine requirement for optimum production
Situation
Topography nearly level to moderately steep. Steeper areasneed practices to prevent erosion
Elevation less than 500 m.
Coconut(C`cos- nucifera)
Soil/Land
Texture sandy loan to sandy clay loanDepth greater than 80 cmPermeability moderate to rapidDrainage well to moderately well drained, can tolerate
poor drainage i.f water table can fluctuate toallow air entry into soil as long as water tablenot higher than 50 cm from surface
Flooding/waterlogging short periods are tolerated but not continuousfor more than 3 days
Fertility requirement low to moderateReaction pH 4.0 to 8.0Salinity tolerance moderate
Climate
Temperature 24 to 400C, optimum 270CWater requirement more than 100 mm per monthDrought resistance will tolerate dry periods of one to three months
depending on AWC and water tableHumidity moderate to high, optimum 85%Wind can be felled 1Dy strong gusts
Situation
Topography nearly level to slopingElevation less than 900 m, optimum less than 300 m
- 88 -
Appendix SN-1.1Page 4
Citrus(Citrus spp)
Soil/Land
Texture does not grow well on sandsDepth greater than 100 cmPermeability rapidDrainage well drainedFlooding/waterlogging nil.Fertility requirement moderate to highReaction pH 5.5-7.0Salinity tolerance low
Climate
Temperature 20 to 35°CWater requirement 200 mm per monthDrought resistance suffers from long drought ( 3 months) but
requires some dry period for flowering andmaturing
Humidity moderateWind unimportant
Situation
Topography gentle to moderate slopesElevation in the tropics up to 2000 m. Change in color
above this, otherwise fruits remain green
Cashew(Anacardium occidentale)
Soil/Land
Texture sands to loansDepth unimportantPermeability must be rapidDrainage must be well drainedFlooding/waterlogging short periodsFertility requirement grows well on infertile sands, high soil
fertility results in vegetative growth and lowyields
Reaction resists very acid soils, pH 4.0 to 7.0Salinity tolerance nil
- 89 -
Appendix SN-1.1Page 5
Climate
Temperature grows poorly at low temperaturesWater requirement as low as 900 mm per yearDrought resistance needs dry period at flowering and maturing
harvesting stagesHumidity lowWind unimportant
Situation
Topography grows well on slopesElevation less than 750 m. Grows poorly at higher
altitudes
- 90 -
Supplementary Note 2
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
GOL's Re-acquired Plantations
Background
1. Following the coup in 1980 a large number of Liberian-owned planta-tions were confiscated from their owners. Since being re-acquired, themajority of these plantations have been managed by the Fanr Estate Division ofthe Bureau of Re-acquisition, while several have been run directly from theExecutive Mansion or through the agency of LPPC.
2. Members of the Agricultural Sector Review Misison visited several ofthe properties in order to assess their general potential.
The Nature and Extent of the Re-acquired Plantations
3. For the most part, the re-acquired plantations are situated withinthe main Liberian rubber belt. Approximate known locationes of the plantationsare shown on Map SN2.1, while details of original owners, locations, estimatedareas and crops are provided in Table SN2.1 together with the names of mana-gers and number of workers.
4. The Farm Estates Division of the Bureau of Re-acquisition has alreadyselected six of the rubber plantations which it regards as likely to yield thehighest revenues following exploitation of previously abandoned areas.Details of these selected farms are provided in Table SN2.2.
History of Sales from Re-acquired Plantations
5. In the case of the oil palm plantations, fresh fruit bunches are cur-rently either sold to LIBINC or are processed on estate in inefficient mills.There are no accurate records of production. On the coconut plantation nutsare sold fresh and no processing is undertaken.
6. Sales from the rubber plantations have been chiefly to Firestone butalso to Alan Grant, often in the form of latex. Records or rubber sales wereviewed and are readily available.
Factors Constraining the Efficient Operation of the Farm Estates Division ofthe Bureau of Re-acquisition
7. Staff of the Farm Estates Division have already beesn adequately self-critical to identify a number of constraints within their organization. Theyhave identified the following:
-91-M4AP SN 2.1 APPROXIMATE KCOWN LOCATION OF
REACQUIF-ZD PLAITTATIONS
E.g. tc,SDW!¢
CYRIL BRIONTGWZGZ $AD~.Z. PEAL
g ,. E 1. )NVIS
rI-- / i F.-.-- . ''') '
- 1 - ; / ;o Xr' ....... ral .. \ E A' F R A r .' OP W- ;!3;J>T, . \ JECIiT PHASE
W~~~~ CF.., ,ff
, ,-tss A/y / *--~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-'..----.'.
FLC'N ~~~~~~0U, E .
CRADLES KIM4
(I rOCGZ J.T. PRILIPSt .4'' -+1 ~ / ov ~N . CZUNT *_-- t_->
j~~ ~ ~ I -_ -_/l^(7yo *Gf+ -- -_ t -r *fIvCS- >----g; ' , cSulN~~~~~~~r Y )/-,~o ~
* CPg.UKfl Nw.. ,- COU T '
Y TAYLOf MAJOR / / k A N i -C / ! J / / \ '> \ -\ S .. G k A -! D .. ~ .' ' F - A'; D
J.7. CIMSN - .U t I ;,'-_g I -*
; ~- - -^ -| rlr
=-g -tZ$ tv/'' \ ' + ' F t XCE /. .a- ,N.>3*-t711711. / -i CF -, ' ; o . T Y 2
OLIVER BRIGNH T ...
S.D. ?LAL
f! :2 - *-i, .. u s.R. CRICSWy -
I I I I 0
I I/ I II.0 '
/ /!iJ M'O/ , ~~~C.L. SUMPSCO
tARYt .MAJOlt
C.C. DENIS
FRANK ST!WiAT
A .3. TOLBET
TABLE SN 2.1 DETAILS OF PLANTATIONS MANAGED BY BUREAU OF RE-ACQUISITION
Original Owners Location Area Crop or Name of Number of Remarks 1)(hectares) Land use Manager Workers
1. W. R. Tolbert Bentol 202 Not known E. Mansion Not known Not known
2. W. R. Tolbert St. Paul River Bong Not known Not known E. Mansion Not known Not knownCounty
3. Frank Stewart Todee 162 Farm Land & Rubber Peter Simpson 14 Poor
4. Taylor E. Major Todee 607 Rubber Peter Simpson 44 Good
5. F. Clarence Parker Todee 324 Farm land & Oil Palm Parker Industries 45 Good
6. A. B. Tolbert Todee 324 Farm land & Oil Palm None nil Not in production
7. Joseph Chesson Clay 81 Farm land & Rubber None nil Old trees
3. Joseph Chesson Bomi Hills High Way 101 Farm land & Rubber None nil Old farm
9. Richard Hlenries Bomi Hills High Way 202 Farm Land & Rubber None nil old farm
10. Richard Henries Bolon-Mu 324 Farm Land & Rubber Nya Gbusseh 14 FairBong County
11. Richard Henries 26 Gate 81 Farm Land & Rubber None nil Old farm
12. S. E. Peal Marshall 258 Farm Land & Rubber Rufus Barnes 80 Good
13. Harrison Grigsby Butaw, Sinoe County 121 Rubber & Oil Palm Daniel Massaquoi 18 Fair
14. C. L. Simpson Konola 405 Farm Land & Rubber Harrison Kernwea 54 Fair
15. James T. Phillips Careysburg 202 Farm Land Leased 0
16. E. Reginald Townsend Schieflin 61 Farm Land & Rubber Rufus Barnes 11 Fair
17. C. Cecil Dennis Kakata 20 Farm Land 6 Rubber None nil Old trees
18. Joshua Harmon Borlorla 142 Farm Land & Rubber M. Gonkarnus 20 Fair
19. Charles King Ganta 202 Cocoa, Coffee & Kesselie King 25 GoodFarm Land
20. James T. Phillips Kpain 378 Citrus, Rubber & Arthur Saye 25 FairFarm Land
21. Cyril Bright Salala 162 Farm Land 6 Rubber Edwin Wangalo 4 Good
22. S. E. Peal Salala 405 Farm Land & Rubber E. Wangalo 68 Good
23. George Padmore Bomi H1ills High Way 298 Farm Land & Rubber Varr Mulbah 27 Fair
24. Oliver Bright Rivercess 202 Farm Land & Rubber Samuel Zulu 20 Good
25. W. R. Tolbert Sohieflin 193 Coconut L.P.P.C. 587.40 Very small
26. Richard A. Henries Wraputa 202 Farm Land & Rubber None nil Very smallBong County
1) Opinion of Bureau of Re-acquisition.
TABLE SN;.2Details of Six Reacauired Farms AlreadySelected for Special Attention.
Farms roductive Unproductive Total _ Labour Avr.Monthly Expected Average
Acreage Acreage Acres Present Additional Tota Prod. Sales Monthly Prod. Sales
\___________________ ________ _______ _ Required ( L d iegit. labor avai-
1. Taylor Major 194 97 291 44 60 104 $ 2,500 $ 6,000
2. C. L. Simpson 101 152 253 54 50 104 4,500 7,000
3. S. E. Peal 324 81 405 68 40 108 3,500 6,000
(Salala)
4. S. E. Peal 243 15 258 80 30 110 1,000 9,000
(Marshall)
5. James T. Philips 14 364 378 25 80 105 1,000 9,000
6. Manary (LIF) 10 288 298 27 75 102 1,500 6,000 X
(George Padmore)
Total 886 997 1,883 298 435 633 20,000 51,000
- 94 -
- farm mismanagement;- inadequate farm operational budgets;- no working capital at the outset;- inadequate labour force; and- inadequate transport facilities.
8. Other constraints which can be identified are as follows:
- lack of records and accountability: it was impossible to obtaindetails of expenditure or accounts;
- lack of technical advice on a regular basis; and- lack of detailed information on the plantations with regard to areas,
types and ages of planting material, etc.
Conclusion
9. On the basis of information provided and from visits to the ParkerOil Palm Plantations, the Tolbert Coconut Plantation and the rubber planta-tions of F. Stewart, S. E. Peal and Taylor Major, the preliminary conclusionhas been drawn that with appropriate and coordinated management, the re-acquired plantations could yield considerably higher revenue to the Governmentthan is the case at present.
10. In order to adequately assess the viability of these plantations andthereafter recommend an appropriate form of management control (bearing inmind the scattered nature of the properties), further study will benecessary. It is recommended that oil palm estates currently managed by LPMCshould also be studied, to assess the feasibility of their being managed inconjunction with the re-acquired plantations.
11. Pending further study, it is recommended that with a view topromoting early improv3ments in the performance of the re-acquired rubberplantations, the staff of LRDU should be requested to provide technical adviceinter alia on appropriate reduced frequency tapping systems, any requisite on-farm processing and transportation and marketing.
- 95 -
Supplementary Note No. 3
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Thailand's Rubber Replanting Aid Fund Bcard (ORRAF)and its applicability to Liberia
Background
1. Rubber is by far the single most; important tree crop in Thailand,covering some 1,620,000 hectares in mainly the southern and southeastern sec-tion of the country. It is predominatly a smallholder crop and contributesapproximately 12 percent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings.
2. Over the past two decades rubber production from Thailand has beenincreasing at a rate of approximately 6 percent per annum partly as a resultof the successful rubber investment fund administered through ORRAF, a rubberreplanting fund which was established in 1960.
ORRAF's Objectives, Mechanisms and Achievements
3. Organigrams of ORRAF are provided in Figures SN 3.1 and 3.2. About76 percent of ORRAF's staff work in the provincial offices. ORRAF's mainactivity has been in providing and administering rubber replanting grants andtechnical assistance for rubber replanters. This has been financed from theRubber Replanting Aid Fund.
4. ORRAF administers this Fund, wh:ich receives its monies through a cesslevied on all rubber exports and supplemented as necessary, by Governmentsubventions.
5. Although ORRAF is authorized to become involved in replantings ofother perennial crops in addition to rubber, its actions to date have concen-trated on replacing overaged trees of the latter crop throughout Thailand.
6. During the period 1960 to 1980 aproximately 340,000 hectares (or 21percent of the total rubber area) of old seedling rubber in Thailand wasreplanted with high yielding clonal material under the auspices of ORRAF.
7. ORRAF uses 90 percent of the proceeds of the cess levied on rubberexports to finance the cost of rubber re-olanting in the form of grants toindividual replanters. Of the remaining 10 percent half goes to the RubberResearch Center and half is utilized to meet ORRAF's administrative expenses.By law, ORRAF must attempt to allocate annually about 70 percent of itsavailable funds to smallholders which are defined as having holdings of up to8 hectares each.
-96 -
Chart SN3.1
Organization Chart of ORRAF Headquartars
Board of Director |
ear
Technica Dirlto
Committee
Deputy Director Deputy Oirector
ter tor iin nce end
Oo rtione Adminirt,traqjon
Plamning and iafAasatt
Moniioring ~~~~~~~~~~~~~tor ProvincialOfieAdtUtOtaOeratiana _
Repolnt a Development Provincitl Finence Admin strarionDiv eon Dinielon Office Diviiion Divosion
Replanting Administration EAern,s,rarve Eiecrionic
Cans.e rr on Traning Accouning D Services Data Pro |
Setdon 'tion Section nSe ton cessing Unit
Verification | Replarningi d Assess- NurserY Account
u | ment Sectiron | 4 | Sectiorn | 12 i Section
prant n eo77
aterone Ccmmurvc |Ciag Fe rnnt
eei a a; tions Section Section
R eplant I; 3 eta i ve gssetX~~~~~~~~.~ . Men- .men 1
Seciran j Section Account esiqSrto
Financial I
L Planning end |B udgetine
I Section |
Source: WorldSrank-. 22200
Chart SN 3.2
Organization Chart of ORRAF's Provincial Offices
I Piovincial 1
Head H
Assist ant Assistant
Head Head ~~rovncalHead Head HendiHaadHHaa
FPerdoevincalo ead leplanting Heplariting Administration Admior Finance andSor Operations S C derk Cr klkCr
Field Devrdoprnent - - ..Admimsrrative Out'.' ~~~~~~~Ai d mines trtoniblt
. ~~~~~~a I 1 elI_HZI_.a Project
Sureyor Insptction Sevc PricSelni paiig AmnistraIstion Sumniservisorin os
Survey u it -0 Unit Unit Unir WorLd llklk -H22LI
,~~~ ~r I it Uni Uni
lead | ub,olice-
I2
Suevio Suevio u ;~ ervisor g Suprio Clr lr Clerk JI Clerk Clr
r -' - ' ' ' 4 | Ieveop_ent_Administrative DUcv and Res,oonsibility| Field l l g g D~~~ervieomn Project ' Senior Inspection Supervisort urveyor | tsetr|| Officer | Offir.er
Source: Wortd Bank -22201
- 98 -
8. The rubber replanting grant has two purposes. It provides sufficientmaterials (mainly high-yielding plant material and fertilizer) to gain thefull benefit of improved rubber technolog, and also contributes towards thesubsistence of farmers during tree immaturity by partial financing of laborcosts.
9. Thus, the grant consists of cash payments as well as material compo-nents which are delivered to the farmer in kind. Both are released by ORRAF 'sprovincial offices to replanters in seven installments over a period of aboutsix years with each installment conditional upon satisfactory completion ofspecific tasks certified by an ORRAF inspector.
10. The amount of the grant is determined by the ORRAF? Board and in aneffort to keep pace with rising costs is reviewed upwards at regular inter-vals. The authorized amounts do not necessarily represent the actual cost ofthe grant since material components of the grant are fixed in terms ofquantities of inputs rather than money.
11. ORRAF's system of providing grants to smallholders is well organizedand efficient, and has adequate safeguards against abuse.
12. The training programmes offered by ORRAF for its own staff and forreplanting farmers, are of a high standard.
Applicability of the ORRAF Concept to Liberia
13. It is considered that a replanting fund administered along the linesdescribed for ORRAF, would be very appropriate to Liberia. Early attentioncould be paid to replanting the existing large areas of old rubber and atten-tion could later on be extended to the replanting of old coffee and oil palmblocks.
- 99 -
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Tree Crop Production
Supplementary Note 4
Financial and Economic Tables
Rubber - Tables 1-15Coffee - Tables 16-22Cocoa - Tables 23-28
Oil Palm - Tables 29-38
LI.BERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Rubber Planting - Profile 2
Labor Inputs in Development Phase
(mandays per hectare)
Yr.O Yr., Yr.2 Yr.3 Yr,4 Yr.5 Yr.6 Yr.7 Yr.8
Labor
Establishment
Underbrushing 18.5Poisoning 7.5FellingStacking and burning 10.0Lining 5.0Holing 25.0Sowing legumes 2.5Back filling 11.0Planting 6.0Strip weeding 7 .5 Slashing interrow 10.0 °Pruning 2.5Replacing 2.0
Maintenance
Strip weeding 10.0 10.0 8.0 8.0 5.0 5.0Slashing interrow 15.0 15.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0Pruning 6.0 3.0 2.0Replacing 1.0Thinning 1.0 1.0Tappability Census 2.0
Opening Tapping
Strip weeding 5.0Slashing interrow 10.0Equipping and tasking 5.0Tapping 6.0
Panel disease control 7.0
TOTAL: 26.0 82.0 32.0 29.0 20.0 18.0 16.0 18.0 91.0
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Rubber Replanting - Profile 2
Development Costs(US $ ha)
Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Value of Output 136
Value of Inputs
Labor (at $2.00 per manday) 52 164 64 58 40 36 32 36 182Chemicals 2-4-5-T (7.5 liters) 52
Fuel oil (67.3 liters) 44
Tools 113 6 11 8 40 1 36 135
Planting material ($0.30 per plant) 156 8
Processing chemicals
Sodium Sulphate ($0.70/kg) 1Formic Acid ($1.15/kg) 1Ammonia ($0.76/kg) 2
Total 261 320 78 69 48 76 33 72 185
Discounted to year 0 at 10% 261 291 64 52 33 47 19 37 86 890
Annual development charge = $100-/
1/ Capital recovery charge of $890 at 10% for 20 years.
HC1Po .IJ t
4:k)
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
RUBBER REPLANTING OR NEW PLANTING - PROFILE 3
Development Costa (per hs)
Year Year Year Year Year Year Year Year
0-1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Physlcal
Labor (mandays)Establishment
Brushing 10Staking and Lining 5Hoaing 8Planting 8Circle Weeding 5Slasihing SSupplying 2
Ka intenance
Circle Weeding 5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5Slaahitug 10 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 I
Opening
Circle Weeding 2.0Slashing 10.0Equipping & Tasking 5.oTapping 85.0ra,el Disease ConlLrol 4.0
TOTAL HANDAYS 43 15.0 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5 106.0
Seedlings (No.) 593Tools (No., -Cutlass 2 2 2 2
Stakes 200Pingilin ISbovelCups 370Cup Wire 370Tapping Spoutas 70Tapping Knife 0.42File 0.42Bucket 0.82Canga Bag 0.42
Chemicals
Sodium Sultate (Kg) 1.68Formic Acid (Kg) 1.80
Financial (liSS)
Value of Output 136Value of InpuIs -
Labor ($2/mandaY) 86 30 25 25 25 25 25 212Seedlinigs (50.30 ea.) 178Touls 29 9.50 9.50 9.50 135Chemicals .
TOFAL COST 293 30 34.50 25 [4.50 2 34.5(1 219Discuonted to Year 0 (5) 291 27 28.50 19 23.50 15.5(1 19.50 112 538Capital Recovery Charge = $60
- 103 -
S.N. 4Table 4
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Rubber Farm Budgets (1 hectare)
Normal Frequency Tapping
Profile 1 Profile 2 Profile 3 Profile 4 Profile S
Years Years Years 1years Years Years Years Years9-21 22-27 28-34 9-27 28-34 9-32 10-29 9-27
PHYSICAL .NPUTS -
Labor (mandays) 127 135 192 121 188 145 132 145
Tapping 96 96 155 96 155 128 125 128Strip Spraying 1 1 1 5 5 2 - -Slashing 10 10 10 10 10 10 7 12Fertilizing 2 2 -Pest Contrcl 8 8 8Panel Disease Control 10 10 10 10 10 5 5Stimulation - 8 8 8
Fertilizer (kg) 241 241 - - -
Gramoxone (liters) 1.12 1.12 1.12 - -Dieldrin (liters) 0.20 0.2J 0.20 - -Difolutan (liters) 5.70 5.70 5.70 5.70 5.70 3.43 3.40Ethrel (liters) - 0.25 0.89 - 0.89Palm Oil (liters) - 2.56 1.78 - 1.80Sodium Sulfate (kg) 7.00 8.40 7.02 5.80 6.00 5.13 -
Formic Acid (kg) 4.70 6.00 5.03 4.00 4.20 3.60 2.10
Tools and Equipment N/A
PHYSICAL OUTPI7I (kg.DRC) 1.365 1,675 1,404 1,160 1,190 1,025 600 600
- ------ - - -- -------- Financial l,pturnas (US$) --------- ---
Value of Output 673 825 692 572 586 505 296 296Value of Non-labor Inpucs
Fertilizers ($0.49/kg) 120.00 120.00 - - - - - -Gramoxone ($7.50 per liter) 8.00 8.00 8.00 - - -Dieldrin ($8.20 per liter) 1.70 1.70 1.70 _ _Difolutan ($4.00 per liter) 23.00 23.00 23.00 23.00 23.00 13.60 13.60Ethrel ($13.00 per liter) - 3.25 11.57 - 11.57Palm Oil($0.70 per liter) - 1.79 1.25 - 1.25Sodium Sulfate ($0.70 per k2) 4.90 5.88 4.91 4.00 4.20 3.60Formic Acid ($1.15 per kg) 5.40 6.90 5.75 4.60 4.80 4.14 2.40Tools and Equipment 60.00 60.00 60.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.0) 45 00Development Costs 169.00 169.00 169.00 100.00 100.00 60.00 48.03 25.00
Total Non-Labor Costs 392.00 399.62 285.18 176.60 189.82 126.34 95.40 83.60
Returns net of Non-Labor Costs 281.00 425.48 406.82 395.40 396.18 378.66 200.60 212.40
Mandays 127 135 192 121 188 145 132 145
Returns to Manday ($) 2.21 3.15 2.12 3.27 2.11 2.61 1.52 1.46
1/ Capital recovery charge of $135 (Cost of opening for tapping) at 10% for 8 years.
Ll BERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Robber Farm Budgets (I hectare)- Redu-ed Frequency Tapping -
Profile I Profile 2 Profile 3 Profile 4 Profile 5Years Years Years Years Years Years Years Years
9 - 21 22 - 27 28 - 34 9 - 27 28 - 34 9 - 32 10 - 29 9 - 27
Labor Requiremenits (mandays) 86 94 125 80 121 90 78 90Tapping 55 55 88 55 88 73 71 73Other 31 39 37 25 33 17 7 17
Additional ChemicalsErhrel (liters) 0.87 1.12 1.77 0.87 1.80 0.87 0.87 0.87Palm Oil (liters) 9.00 11.50 10.00 9.00 10.80 9.00 9.00 9.00
Physical Output (KG DRC) 1365 1675 1404 1160 1190 1025 600 600
…- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - FINANCIAL RETURNS (IS $) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Value of Output 673 825 692 572 586 505 296 296
Value of Chemical Inputs excluding 162.50 165.50 42.10 31.60 32.00 21.30 2.40 13.60 1Stm.lation costs a/ 1.Stimulatio- Costs-ELhrel ($13.00 per liter) 11.50 14.60 23.00 11.50 23.40 11.50 11.50 11.50 0
-Palm Oil ($ 0.70/liter) 6.30 8.00 7.60 6.30 7.60 6.30 6.30 6.30Tools and Equipment b/ 60.00 60.00 60.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 45.00 1Development Costs.b/ 169.00 169.00 169.00 100.00 100.00 60.00 48.00 25.00
Total Value of non-labor inputs 409.30 417.10 301.70 194.40 208.00 144.10 113.20 101.40Returns Net of noni-labor costs 263.70 407.90 390.30 377.60 378.00 360.90 182.80 194.60M1i4days 86 94 125 80 121 90 78 90Returns per manday 3.07 4.34 3.12 4.72 3.12 4.01 2.34 2.16
a/ All chemical cost. from Table 4 excluding eEhrei and palm oii.
b/ Same as Table 4,
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 2 (Replanting ) 1/
- Normal Frequency Tapping -
(USS$/ha)
------ Labor-----Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 121 242.00 242.00
A. Tapping 96B. Weeding 10C. Disease Control 15
2. Chemicals 3.80 4.10 23.70 31.60
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00B. Development Costs 100.00 100.00
4. Extension Services 100.00 (100.00) 0
5. Working Capital 6.84 6.84
Total Cost 245.80 255.94 23.70 (100.00) 425.44
Yield 1,160 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49 per kg; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $525, per metric ton $453.
1/ Or new planting; for years 9-27.
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 2 (Relanting) 1/
- Reduced Frequency Tapping
(US$/ha)
Labor------
Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total MarketValue Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 80 160.00 160.00
A. Tapping 55B. Weeding 10C. Disease Control 15
2. Chemicals 5.93 6.42 37.05 49.40 t
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00
B. Development Costs 100.00 100.00
4. Extension Services 100.00 (100.00) _
5. Working Capital 5.24 5.24
Total Cost 165.93 256.66 37.05 (100.00) 359.64
Yield 1,160 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $460, per metric ton $397.
1/ Or new planting; for years 9-27.
LIBERIA
AgricultLural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 3 (New Planting) l/
- Normal Frequency Tapping -
(US$/ha)
Labor…Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 145 290.00 290.00
A. Tapping 128B. Weeding 10C. Disease Control 7
2. Chemicals 2.60 2.80 15.90 21.30
3. interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00B. Development Costs 60.00 60.00
4. Extension Services 100.00 (100.00) 0
5. Working Capital 8.00 8.00
Total Cost 292.60 205.80 15.90 (100.00) 424.30
Yield 1,025 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49;ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $524, per metric ton $511.
1/ Or replanting; for years 9-32.
0,.
I-..
.sv
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 3 (New Planting) 1/
- Reduced Frequency Tapping -
(US$/ha)
…- Labor------
Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total MarketValue Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 90 180.00 180.00
A. Tapping 73B. Weeding 10C. Disease Control 7
2. Chemicals 4.70 5.10 29.30 39.10
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00B. Development. Costs 60.00 60.00
4. Extension Services 100.00 (100.00) 0
5. Working Capital 5.50 5.50
Total Cost 184.70 215.60 29.30 (100.00) 329.60
Yield 1,025 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $430, per metric ton $420.
1/ Or replanting; for years 9-32. t|ttz
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 4 (New Planting) 1/
- Normal Frequency Tapping -
(US$/ha)
- - Labor------
Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total MarketValue Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 132 264.00 264.00
A. Tapping 125B. Weeding 7
2. Chemicals 0.30 0.31 1.79 2.40
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00 °B. Development Costs 48.00 48.00
4. Extension Services - -
5. Working Capital 6.66 6.66
Total Cost 264.30 99.97 1.79 366.06
Yield 600 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $366, per metric ton $610.
1/ Or replanting; for years 10-29.
oz
C 41
LIBERIA
A ricultural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 4 (New Planting) _/
- Reduced Frequency Tapping -
(US$/ha)
------ Labor-Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total MarketValue Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 78 156.00 156.00
A. Tapping 71B. Weeding 7
2. Chemicals 2.42 2.63 15.15 20.20
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00B. Development Costs 48.00 48.00 F
4. Extension Services - -
5. Working Capital 4.40 4.40
Total Cost 158.42 100.03 15.15 273.60
Yield 600 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per liectare $274, per metric ton$457.
1/ Or replanting; for years 10-29.
H cno-z.m
4 .
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 5 (Rehabilitation)
- Normal Frequency Tapping -
(US$/ha)
…Labor--
Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total MarketValue Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 145 290.00 290.00
A. Tapping 128B. Weeding 12C. Disease Control 5
2. Chemicals 1.60 1.80 10.20 13.60
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00
B. Development Costs 25.00 25.00
4. Extension Service 100.00 (100.00) 0
S. Working Capital 7.90 7.90
Total Cost 291.60 179.70 10.20 (100.00) 381.50
Yield 600 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49; ratio of shadow to market price; labor 1; capital 1.
Total social cost per hectare $481,per metric ton $802.
H (12
k)
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Rubber Production Costs - Profile 5 (Rehabilitation)
- Reduced Frequency Tapping -
(US$/ha)
…- Labor-Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 90 180.00 180.00
A. Tapping 73B. Weeding 12C. Disease Control 5
2. Chemicals 3.77 4.08 23.55 31.40
3. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 45.00 45.00B. Development Costs 25.00 25.00
4. Extension Service 100.00 (100.00) 0
5. Working Capital 5.28 5.28
Total Cost 183.77 179.36 23.55 (100.00) 286.68
Yield 600 kg DRC per ha; price farmgate $0.49; ratio of shadow to market price; labor 1; capital 1.Social cost per hectare $387, per metric ton $644.
H-n
FI .
- 113 - S.N. 4
LIBERIA Table 14
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Rubber Processing Costs
(US$/mt DRC)
Labor Capital Tradeables Taxes & Subsidies Total
Direct Processing Costs
Labor 14.78 14.78Chemicals 1.24 1.34 7.73 10.31Packing Materials 4.30 4.66 26.88 35.84Fuel & Power 1.00 1.47 38.44 8.38 49.29Depreciation 31.36 31.36Other Costs 3.49 21.84 3.79 29.12
Administrative Costs 44.80 44.80
Transport to Port 4.03 5.44 7.06 3.63 20.16
Port Handling 11.20 11.20
Marketing Costs 1.08 1.08 2.16
Export Tax 44.80 44.80
TOTAL: 85.92 67.19 83.90 56.81 293.82
- 114 -
S.N. 4
Table 1S
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Rubber - Domestic Resource Cost Coefficients
Value of Output Labor Capital Tradeable Inputs Taxes & Subsidies DRC
(S/m.t.) (O/m.t.) ($/m.t.) (S/mt.) ($/m.t.) (2+3)(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (1-4)
Profile 2 (Years 9-27)
a) Normal Frequency Tapping 950Production 212 221 20 ( 86)Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 950 298 288 104 (29) 0.69
b) Reduced Frequency Tapping 950Production 143 221 32 ( 86)Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 950 229 288 116 (29) 0.62
Profile 3 (Years 9-32)
a) Normal Frequency Tapping 950 'Production 285 211 16 (100)Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 950 371 278 100 (43) 0.76
b) Reduced Frequency Tapping 950Production 180 210 29 (100)Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 950 266 277 113 (43) 0.65
Profile 4 (Years 10-29)
a) Normal Frequency Tapping 950Production 440 167 3Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 95 516 234 87 57 0.87
b) Reduced Frequency Tapping 950Production 264 167 25 -Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 950 350 234 109 57 0.69
Profile 5 (Years 9-27)
a) Normal Frequency Tapping 950Production 486 300 17 (167)Processing 86 67 84 57
Total 950 72 367 101 (110) 1.11
b) Reduced Frequency Tapping 950Production 306 299 39 (167)
Processing 86 67 84 57Total 950 492 366 123 110 1.04
- 115 -S.N. 4Table 16
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Financial and Economic Prices of Coffee and Cocoa
(US$/metric ton)
1?82
Coffee CocoaFinancial Economic Financial Economicc
CIF New York 2,433 2,433 1,999 1,999
Freight 125 125 125 125
Insurance (0.45% cif) 11 11 9 9
Comissions (1.5% cif) 36 36 30 30
Quality Claims (1.0% cif) 24 24 20 20
FOB Monrovia 2,237 2,237 1,815 1,815
Port Expenses 6 6 6 6
Monrovia Delivery 2,231 2,231 1,809 1,809
ap
- 116 -
S.N. 4LIBERIA Table 17
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Farm Budget - Coffee(1.0 hectare)
Improved ImprovedWithout With Rehabi-
Unit Traditional Fertilizers Fertilizers litated
PHYSICAL
Output kg beans 250 450 550 400
Labor mandays 57 81 113 90Brushing/weeding/shade management 24 25 35 25
Harvesting 20 35 43 35Fertilizing 5 5Pest Control 5 5Hulling & Transport 13 21 25 20
------------------------------------------------------------------------- __--__---.-----
FINANCIAL ($)
Value of Output 1.13 per kg 282.50 508.50 621.50 452.00
Recurrent CostsFertilizer 61.69 30.80Pesticides 11.08 11.08Tools 18.00 18.00 30.04 30.04
Development Costs 29.00 42.69 67.29 -
Total Costs 47.00 60.69 170.10 71.92
Returns Per Hectare 235.50 447.81 451.40 380.08Returns to Labor 4.13 5.53 3.99 4.22
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Coffee Production Costs (Traditional Cultivation)
(US$/ha)
- Labor -Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 57 104 104
A. Maintenance and Weeding 24B. Harvesting 20C. Hulling 10D. Transport 3
2. Fertilizer
3. Pesticides
4. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 18 14B. Development Costs 29 29
6. Extension Services
7. Working Capital 3 3
Total Cost 104 46 150
Yield 250 kg per ha; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $150, per metric ton $600.
cD .~
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Coffee Production Costs (Underbrushing
with Improved Planting Material Only)
(US$/ha)
…Labor -Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 81 162 162
A. Maintenance and Weeding 25B. FertilizingC. Pest ControlD. Harvesting 35E. Hulling 15F. Transport 6
2. Fertilizer
3. Pesticides
4. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 18 18B. Development Costs 61 61
6. Extension Services 7 92 1 (100) 10
7. Working Capital 4 4
Total Cost 169 175 1 (100) 245
Yield 450 kg per ha; market price farmgate $0.385; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1. M OTotal social cost per hectare $345, per metric ton $767.
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Coffee Production Costs (Underbrushing)with fertilizer and chemicals
(IJS$/ha)
…- Labor Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 113 226 226
A. Maintenance 35B. Fertilizing 5C. Pest Control 5D. Harvesting 43E. Hulling 18F. Transport 7
2. Fertilizer 10.26 11.11 64.12 (23.80) 61.69
3. Pesticides 1.33 1.44 o.31 11.08
4. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 30.04 30.04B. Development Costs 67.29 67.29
5. Extension Services 7.65 101.10 1.25 (110) 0
6. Working Capital 7.47 7.47
Total Cost 245.24 218.45 73.68 (133.80) 403.57
Yield 550 kg per ha; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $537, per metric ton milled product $977.
o zI-.
- 120 -
LIBERIA S.N. 4
Agricultural Sector Review Table 21
Coffee Collection Costs
TotalTradable Taxes and Market
Inputs Labor Capital Inputs Subsidies Value
Packing Materials 18.00 2.00 20.00
Warehouse Insurance 5.00 5.00
Interest 62.00 62.00
Losses 111.00 111.00
Comission 37 37 74.00
Transport Sub-Centerto Monrovia 14 19 24 13 70.00
Cost of Outstations 77 34 14 125.00
Overheads and Profits 45 134 45 224.00
Transport Farmgateto Sub-Center 5 7 9 4 25.00
Total 178 409 96 33 716
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Coffee Domestic Resource Cost Coefficients
(Monrovia Delivery)
($/mt)
(1) (2) (3) (4) DRCOutput Labor Capital Tradable Taxes and (2 + 3)
Inputs Subsidies (1 - 4)
1. Traditional 2,231Production 416 184Collection 178 409 96 33-
Total 2,231 594 593 96 33 0.56
2. Underbrushing, ImprovedPlanting Material Only(without extension costs) 2,231
Production 360 184 - -
Collection _ 178 409 96 33
Total 2,231 538 593 96 33 0.53
3. Underbrushing, ImprovedPlanting Material Only(with extension costs) 2,231
Production 376 389 2 (222)Collection ____178 409 96 33Total 2,231 554 798 98 (189) 0.63
4. Underbrushing, Improved PlantingMaterial, Fertilizer and Chemicals(without extension costs) 2,231
Production 432 200 132 (43)Collection 178 409 96 33Total 2,231 610 609 228 (10) 0.61
5. Underbrushing, Improved PlantingMaterial, Fertilizer and Chemicals X .
(with extension costs) 2,231Production 446 397 134 (243) 0.71
Collection 178 409 96 33
Total 2,231 624 806 230 (210)
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Cocoa Farm Budgets
(1.0 hectare) Underbrushing,
ImprovedUnderbrushing, Planting Rehabilitated
Improved Material, Cocoa,Traditional Planting Fertilizer Fertilizer
Unit Cultivation Material Only and Chemicals and Chemicals
PhysicalOutput kg dry bean 225 450 550 350InputsLabor mandays 27 46 68 47Weeding and Maintenance 13 15 15 4Harvesting 11 25 31 23Fertilizing 5 2Pest Control 10 12Transport 3 6 7 6
Fertilizer kg NPK 175 100Pest Control NA NATools .NA NA NA NA
FinancialValue of Output $1.03 231.75 464.00 566 360
ExpendituresFertilizer 54 31Pesticides 49 35Tools 14.28 20.00 33 27
Development Costs 22.00 39.00 81 2
Total Non-Labor Costs 36.28 59.00 217 95Net Returns per lha 195.47 405.00 349 265Net Returns per manday 7.24 8.80 5.13 5.64
HU.IzN) 4:-
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Cocoa Production Costs (Traditional Cultivation)
(US$/ha)
…Labor…Inputs Mandays rar ket Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 27 54
A. Land PreparationB. Maintenance 13C. Planting and FertilizingD. WeedingE. Pest ControlF. IrrigationG. HarvestingH. Threshing 11I. Transport 3 -
2. Seed
3. Fertilizer
4. Pesticides
5. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 14 14B. Mechanical EquipmentC. Land Improvement 22 22
6. Extension Services
7. Working Capital 1 1 a t54 37 91 0
Total Cost
Yield 225 kg per ha; market price farmgate $1.03 ; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $90 , per metric ton milled product $.400.
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Cocoa Production Costs (Underbrushing, Improved Planting Material Only)
(US$/ha)
------ Labor -Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Director Labor 40 92 92
A. Maintenance and Weeding 15B. FertilizingC. Pest ControlD. Harvesting 25E. Transport 6
2. Fertilizer
3. Pesticides
4. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 20 20B. Development Costs 39 39
5. Extension Services 11 144 1 (156)
6. Working Capital 2 2
Total Cost 103 205 1 (156) 153
Yield 450 kg per ha; market price farmgate $0.385; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare $309, per metric ton milled product $687.
o-z0
LIBERIA
Agricultural Sector Review
Cocoa Production Costs (Underbrushing, ImprovedPlanting Materials, Fertilizers and Chemicals)
(US$/ha)
----- Labor -------Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 68 136 136
A. Maintenance and Weeding 15B. Fertilizing 5C. Pest Control 10D. Harvesting 31E. Transport 7
2. Fertilizer 8.34 9.16 52.50 ( 16) 54 1
3, Pesticides 5.04 5.46 31.50 42 v.
4. Interest and Depreciation
A. Small Tools 33 33B. Development Costs 81 81
5. Extension Services 12.00 153.00 1 (166) 0
6. Working Capital 6.00 6
Total Cost 161.38 287.62 85.00 (182) 352
Yield 550 kg per ha; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1; capital 1.Total social cost per hectare 534, per metric ton milled product 971.
H cn
cr
- 126 -LIBERIA S.N. 4
Table 27Agricultural Sector Review
Cocoa Collection Costs
($/lt)
TotalTradable Taxes and Market
Inputs Labor Capital Inputs Subsidies Value
Packing Materials 18.00 2.00 20.00
Warehouse Insurance 5 5.00
Interest 56 56.00
Commission 45 45 90.00
Transportation sub-centerto Monrovia 14 19 24.00 13.00 70.00
Cost of Outstations 68 30 12.00 110.00
Losses 111 111.00
Overheads and Profits 36 109 36 181.00
Transport Earmgateto Sub-Center 5 7 9.00 4.00 25.00
Total 166 382 87 31 668.00
- 1,27-
LIBERIA S.N 4
Agricultural Sector Review Table 28
Cocoa Domestic sesource Cost Coeffzcie cs
(Monrovia Delivery)
($/Mt)
(1) (2) (3) (4) DRCOutput Labor Capital Tradable Taxes and (2 + 3)
Inputs Subsidies (1 - 4)
1. Traditional Cultivation 1,809Production 240 164 - -Collection 166 382 87 31Total 1,809 406 546 87 31 0.55
2. Underbrushing, ImprovedPlanting Material Only(without axtension costs) 1,809
Production 204 136 - -Collection 166 382 87 31Total 1,809 370 518 87 31 0.52
3. Underbrushing, ImprovedPlanting Material Only(with extension costs) 1,809
Production 229 456 2 (345)Collection 166 382 87 31Total 1,809 395 838 89 (316) 0.72
4. Underbrushing, Improved PlantingMaterial, Fertilizer and Chemicals(without extension costs) 1,809
Production 272 245 153 (29)Collection 166 382 817 31Total 1,809 438 627 240 (2) 0.68
5. Underbrushing, Improved PlantingMaterial, Fertilizer and Chemicals(with extension costs) 1,809
Production 293 523 155 (331) 0.87Collection 166 32. -ALTotal- 1,809 459 905 242 T
- 128 -S.N. 4Table 29
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Economic Price for Palm Oil & Palm Kernel
(Average 1982-85 Prices in Constant 1981 Dollars)(US$/m.t.)
Palm Oil Palm Kernel
CIF Europe 1/ 530.00 310.00Freight 2/ 80.00 90.00Insurance 3/ 7.50 4.40Port Dues 1.20 1.20Bunker Fees 4/ 7.90 8.80
FOB, Harper 433.40 205.60
Extraction Rate 22% 3.5%1 m.t. FFB Equivalent 95.35 7.20
Total Value of 1 m.t. of FFB = 95.35 + 7.20 = 102.55 = 103
1/ Current prices for palm oil and palm kernel are extremely lowcompared to historical trends and projected future prices.Therefore, average prices for 1982-85 in constant 1981 dollarshave been used in the economic analysis.
2/ Based on quotes obtained in Monrovia.3/ Insurance at 0.0038462% on 110% of CIF value shipped and 1%
sales commission on CIF Europe.4/ Bunker charges calculated at 9.7% of freight plus port dues.
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm: Development Costs(US$/ha)
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
With Fertilizer
Labor (at $2 a day) 244 72 70
Seedlings (140 at $0.60 each) 84 9 -
Tools 1/ 13 13 13
Fertilizers ($0.43 per kg) 43 118 118
Wire ($1.00/meter) 50 - -
Cover Crop (seed) 6 - ,
440 212 203
Discounted to Year 1 at 10% 440 193 168 = 801
Annual Development Cost = $89 2/
Without Fertilizer
Labor 240 67 65
Seedlings 84 9 -
Tools 13 13 13
Wire 50 - -
Cover Crop (seed) 6 - -
393 89 78
Discounted to Year 1 at 10% 393 81 64 = 538
Annual Development Cost = $59 3/
1/ Annualized charge for cutlass, shovel and hoe at 10%.
2/ Capital recovery charge of $801 at 10% for 25 years. O
3/ Capital recovery charge of $538 at 10% for 25 years.
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm: Farm Budget(per ha)
Yields Good --------- ------- Moderate ------ -------- Poor --------Conditions With Without With Without With Without
Fertilizer Fertilizer Fertilizer Fertilizer Fertilizer Fertilizer
FFB Yield (m.t.) 12.0 9.0 9.0 8.1 6.0 5.4
Inputs
Labor (mandays) 46 37 41 36 35 31Fertilizer (kg) 200 - 200 - 200 -Tools NA NA NA MA NA NA
Financial ($)
Value of Output 720 540 540 486 360 324
Cost of Inputs
Fertilizer 91 - 91 - 91Tools 13 13 13 13 13 13Development Costs 89 59 89 59 89 59
Total Costs 193 78 193 72 193 72
Net Returns per ha 527 462 347 414 167 252
Net Returns per manday 11.50 12.50 8.50 11.50 4.75 8.15 -1
. .~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm Production Costs(Poor Yields without Fertilizers)
(US$/ha)
-- Labor Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradeable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 31 62 62
a) Weeding 15b) Pruning 5c) Harvesting 11
2. Interest and Depreciation
a) Small Tools 13 13b) Development Costs 59 59
3. Extension Services 7 92 1 (100) 0
4. Working Capital 2 2
Total Cost 69 166 1 (100) 136
HL.Yield 5.4 metric ton FFB per ha; market price farmgate $60.00 per ton; ratio of shadow to market price:labor 1; capital 1. Total social cost per ha $235, per metric toti FFB $44. W
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm Production Costs(Poor Yields with Fertilizers)
(US$/ha)
…Labor ------Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradeable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 35 70 70
a) Weeding 15b) Pruning 5c) Fertilizing 3d) Harvesting 12
2. Fertilizer 11 12 68 91
3. Interest and Depreciation
a) Small Tools 13 13b) Development Costs 89 89
4. Extension Services 8 101 1 (110) 0
5. Working Capital 4 4
Total Cost 89 219 69 (110) 267
Yield 6.0 tons FFB per hla; market price farmgate $60.00 per ton; ratio of shadow to market price: labor 1capital 1. Total social cost per hectare $377,per metric ton FFB $63.
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm Production Costs(Moderate Yields without Fertilizer)
(US$/ha)
------ Labor ------Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradeable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 36 72 72
a) Weeding 15b) Pruning 5c) Harvesting 16
2. Interest and Depreciation
a) Small Tools 13 13 L
b) Development Costs 59 59
3. Extension Services 7 92 1 (100) 0
4. Working Capital 2 2
Total Cost 79 166 1 (100) 146
F-z
Yield 8.1 metric tons FFB per ha; market price farmgate $60.00 per ton; ratio of shadow to market (D
price: labor 1; capital 1. Total social cost per hectare $246, per metric ton FFB $30.
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm Production Costs(Moderate Yields with Fertilizer)
(US$/ha)
-- Labor Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradeable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 41 82 82
a) Weeding 15b) Pruning 5c) Fertilizing 3d) Harvesting ].8
2. Fertilizer 11 12 68 91
3. Interest and Depreciation
a) Small Tools 13 13b) Development Costs 89 89
4. Extension Services 8 101 1 (110) 0
5. Working Capital 5 5
Total Cost 101 220 69 (110) 280
Yield 9.0 metric tons FFB per ha; market price farmgate $60.0 per ton; ratio of shadow 4
to market price: labor 1; capital 1. Total social cost per hectare $390, per metricton FFB $43.
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm Production Costs(Good Yields without Fertilizer)
(US$/ha)
------ Labor ------Inputs Mandays Market Capital Tradeable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 37 74 74
a) Weeding 15b) Pruning 5c) Harvesting 17
Un
2. Interest and Depreciation
a) Small Tools 13 13b) Development Costs 59 59
3. Extension Services 7 92 1 (100) 0
4. Working Capital 2 2
Total 81 166 1 (100) 148
Yield 9.0 metric tons FFB per ha; price farmgate $60.0 per ton; ratio of shadow to market price: F .labor 1; capital 1. Total social cost per hectare $248, per metric ton FFB $29.0. w 4
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Oil Palm Production Costs(SGood Yields with Fertilizer)
(US$/ha)
------ Labor ------Inputs - Mandays Market Capital Tradeable Taxes and Total Market
Value Inputs Subsidies Value
1. Direct Labor 46 92 92
a) Weeding 15b) Pruning 5c) Fertilizing 3d) Harvesting 23
2. Fertilizer 11 12 68 91
3. Interest and Depreciation
a) Small Tools 13 13b) Development Costs 89 89
4. Extension Services 8 101 1 (110) 0
5. Working Capital 5 5
Total Cost 111 220 69 (110) 290
Yield 12 metric tons FFB per ha; price farmgate $60.00 per ton; ratio of shadow tomarket price: labor 1; capital 1. Total social cost per hectare $400, per metric ton XFFB $35.
- 137 -
LLBERIA S. "- . 4
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW Table 38
Oil Palm Domestic Resource Cost Ccefficients(Per metric ton FFB)
Value of,, Labor Capital Tradable Taxes 2/ DEC (2+3)Out-mt ) IL)s 4 SubMi_s (1-4)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
1 Poor. Y1 103Withqut Pertilizer
a) Production Coats Including Extension 13 31 - (19)Post Harvest 6 33 11 1
Total 19 64 ' 0.91
b) Production Costs Excluding Extension 11 14Post Harvest 6 33 11 1
Total 17 47 11 1 0.70
2. Poor Yields 103With Fertilizer
a) Production Costs Including Extension 14 37 12 (18)Post Harvest 6 33 11 5
Total 20 70 23 ( 1.13
b) Production Costs Excluding Extension 14 20 11
Post Harvest 6 33 11 1
Total 20 53 22 1 0.90
3. toderate Yields 103Without Fertilizer
a) Production Costs Including Extension 10 20 - (12)Post Harvest 6 33 11 1
Total 16 53 11 (ij) 0.75
b) Production Costs Excluding Extension 9 9 -
Post Harvest 6 33 11 1Total 15 42 11 1 0.62
4. Moderate Yield 103With Fertilizer
a) Production Costs Including Extension 11 24 8 (12)Post Harvest 6 33 11 1
Total 17 57 19 (IIT 0.88
b) Production Costs Excluding Extension 10 13 b (12)
Post Harvest 6 33 ll 1
Total 16 46 19 (1 0.74
5. Good Yield 103Without Fertilizer
a) Production Costs Includins Extension 9 18 _ (12)Post Harvest 6 33 11 I
Total 15 51 11 11 0.71
b) Production Costs Excluding Extension 9 9 - -
Post Harvest 6 33 11 I
15 42 1 1 0.62
6. Good YieldWith Fertilizer 103
a) Production Costs Including Extension 9 18 6 (10)
Post Harvest 6 33 11 l
15 5-1 7 O W 0.77
b) Production Costs Excluding Extension 9 11 6
Post Harvest 6 33 11 I
Tocal I544T 17 1 0.69
1/ Value of one metric ton of Fresh Fruit Bunches assuming oil extraction rate of 227 and 3.5% for palu kernels. For economic
value of Palm Oil and Palm Kernel see Table 29.
2/ Subsidies in parenthesis.
- 138 -
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Paper 4
Tree Crops Processing and Marketing
- 139 -
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Tree Crops Processing and Marketing
Paper 4
Table of Contents
Page No.
I. Rubber ...... .. 140Existing Processing Situation ......................... 140Marketing and Pricing .... 142
II. Oil Palm .. ... ................................... 146Traditional Processing ............... ....... . . .... 146Commercial Processing... .. .. 147Comparison with Situation in S.E. Asia .. 148
III. Cocoa and Coffee . .......................................... 150Existing Processing and Marketing . ............. 150Potential Improvements .............. . . ....... 150
IV. Coconuts ......... . 153Existing Processing and Marketing . . . .153Potential Improvements.. .. ..... 153
V. The Rubber Research Institute of Liberia (RRIL) ...... 159
VI. Standard Liberian Rubber (SLR) ........................... 160
VII. Recommendations .......................... 162A. Rubber . ........... .... e.. 162B. Oil Palm . ...................... 163C. Coffee ............. ......... . 165D. Cocoa ....... 165E. Coconuts . . . . . .. .... ....... . 166
Charts
Flow Chart of Natural Rubber ProcessingFlow Chart of Industrial Processing of Oil PalmFlow Chart of Cocoa ProcessingFlow Chart of Coffee ProcessingFlow Chart of Industrial Wet Processing of CoconutFlow Chart of Industrial Dry Processing of Coconut
Figures 1-5
Smallholders' Copra Kiln
- 140 -
Paper 4
LIBERIA
AGRICULTURAL SECTOR REVIEW
Tree Crops Processing and Marketing
I. Rubber
Existing Processing Situation
1. The rubber industry in Liberia comprises four components, namely theconcession plantations, the larger Liberian-owned commercial farms, the tradi-tional smallholder farms, and the specialized processing organizations.
2. The concession plantations (Firestone, Guthrie, Uniroyal, LIBCO,African Fruit Company & Salala) each have processing factories able to cope,to varying degrees, with their own production and that from surrounding small-holders. The specialized processing organisations (Alan Grant and RubberCorporation of Liberia) have no planted areas and draw their raw materialentirely from smallholder areas. Smallholders themselves generally possessprimary processing facilities while slightly more sophisticated installationsexist on many Liberian-owned commercial rubber farms which produce uncoagu-lated latex for sale to Firestone.
3. Through early example, provision of planting material, advice andprocessing facilities, the concession plantations have in effect catalysedrubber development throughout Liberia. The concessions are generally well runon the field side whereas factory operation and efficiency often leave much tobe desired.
4. The smallholder or small farmer is entirely dependent on the conces-sion plantations and processing organizations to process his crop and natural-ly with only these outlets, one encounters complaints of low prices paid.Usually the complainant smallholder is unaware of world-widea or local rubberconditions. If he were, his actions might be better-reasoned and Governmentaction more positive. Later in this report it is recommended that a campaignbe launched to acquaint the small farmer with world rubber prices and relatedfacts. He should be told for example, that 60% of natural rubber goes intotyres and that during recession there is thus less consumption of rubber.Much must be done to make the small Liberian farmer feel part of the wholebody of world rubber smallholders.
- 141 -
5. Factories currently processing rubber in Liberia are as follows:
Factory Products and Grades
Firestone Latex concentrate and block rubber (special grades)Uniroyal Block rubber (grades 5 CV & 10)Guthrie Block rubber (grades 5 L & 10)Salala Block rubber (grades 5 L & 10)Alan Grant Block rubber (grade 20)LIBCO Block rubber (grades 5 L & 20)
Liberia Rubber Processing Corporation (LRPC) which formerly had the capacityto process rubber to block grade 20, has been non-operational for more thanone year. It has now been reconstituted as the RCL (Rubber Corporation ofLiberia).
6. Firestone have recently completed a new factory processing line forblock rubber and this was commissioned in June 1982. This line which has aguaranteed throughput of four tonnes of dry rubber per hour can cope with20,000 tonnes per annum on double-shift operation or 30,000 tonnes per annumon triple-shift operation, based on 313-day operation with a 20% safety fac-tor. Production from Firestone's field areas will satisfy some 30% of thecapacity of this new line and in an attempt to spur smallholder production andincrease throughput, the company raised the purchase price for small farmers'slab from 14 cts./lb. to 22 cts./lb in 1982.
7. This forward-looking action by Firestone management was taken againsta background of appreciable financial difficulties resulting from the widerange of social responsibilities being borne by the company. Firestone andother concessionaires complain of continued Government interference in theaffairs of the companies. It cannot be over-stressed that the Governmentshould leave such companies to go about their agreed tasks, thereby providinga more settled outlook for potential investors. Arbitrary decrees to increasewages of workers who are in fact more highly paid than those in other coun-tries, including Malaysia, can overnight bring the collapse of an industryproviding a livelihood to a large number of Liberians.
8. The pressure under which Firestone are operating is clearly demon-strated by such actions as double tapping, which in most places is not recom-mended in such circumstances. The Cavalla factory was recently shut down andinstead of shipping latex to Monrovia, slab is made and carried by lorry toHarper port, rolled in the dirt, loaded, carried to Harbel, unloaded and prob-ably made into a lower grade, thereby losing at least 30 cents in export priceand incurring extra charges. The Cavalla factory must have been very ineffi-cient if the present methods pay better.
9. Guthrie have successfully started to reorganize the Goodrich factorywhich they purchased during the past year. Two new driers for this factoryare being imported from Malaysia. Guthrie should be in a position tocomfortably match the Firestone price.
10. The net effect of these developments is that Alan Grant will havedifficulty in competing, and, should, thLerefore, remodel their factory as soonas possible.
- 142 -
11. RCL have the money available for their new factory and it is dis-appointing to see so little progress in this sector. It has been decided torehabilitate the RCL factory at Gbarnga which closed down two years ago. Thisoperation should be accelerated to provide a third efficient factory for tak-ing in small farmer's rubber.
12. The Uniroyal factory has now been upgraded to handle 90 tons per daymaximum throughput. Improvements have been made over the last two years andmore will be implemented in the coming year. Factory operation appearsefficient. The factories at LIBCO and Salala both turn out good latex gradeproducts.
13. In most cases there is a clear need for general advisory work aimedat reducing unnecessary costs in factory operation. For instance, pallets aretoo robust and are twice the cost of those in Malaysia. Such a need forshared information strengthens the justification for a Rubber ResearchInstitute (RRIL) in Liberia. It would be of general benefit if all the con-cessions, large estates and processors availed themselves of the services ofexpert advisors who could report and advise each factory at one visit. Theadvisors could be changed from time to time so that Liberia could benefit frominformation on techniques from a number of other producing countries.
14. Considerable savings have been achieved at Uniroyal and are expectedat Firestone and Guthrie through the use of steam boilers to dry the rubbervia heat exchangers. The value of this type of heating from a cost point ofview is clearly evident and should be made known to all in the industry.
15. It would seem that there is some difficulty in selling latex concen-trate at the present time. There would also seem to be a market for drumlatex. Firestone ships only in bulk and takes the view that it is the way toship. However, much latex from other sources is shipped to East Europe, SouthAmerica, and to Africa in drums, and the possibility of a Liberian drum plantlinked to latex concentrate sales and to palm oil sales should be examined.
Marketing and Pricing
16. Because of the low level of world rubber prices in recent years whichhave been translated into even lower farm-gate prices in Liberia, many smallfarmers have not been tapping since 1981. It is to be hoped that the recentimprovement in prices being offered by Firestone, combined with requisiteadvisory effort towards less labor-intensive tapping systems, will promptrecommencement of tapping.
17. All rubber factories have traditionally followed prices set byFirestone. For reasons given earlier, it may not be easy for them to followsuch a pattern in the future. Indeed, care should be taken to prevent acartel from being established.
18. Table 1 sets out the purchase prices and f.o.b. exjport unit value oflatex and block rubber in Liberia over 1970-80. The farmers who have beenbringing latex to Firestone have on average received 70 to '75 percent ofexport value with the balance going to processing, administration and profits.
FLOW CIIART OF NATUIIAL RUBBERt PROCESSING
Act lvi ty
A. IIAIVESTINw: tapping jed dlatex
B5. P'uIRE-TRADE I'hlI'AUATION ca lu|FIlLLerlng, wa;s;1i1ng, Latex coagulum
C(i>.11&iI ... L1onU . eUnsinloked'
Mtiling, dryJng rubbersle e-*
Con*entr|ateLd liitaxa Centri-f*al 2i, I L oncentrated
.ugng L.d r resin SrIfla/ Clatex,__ _r Wet remilledi Wet latex Wet okim
crepe crepe (pale rubberCl el) lig I& solc) cre |
Drylng . Remilled Lat Skicm .crc Peic c ! [' :repe trbber
C. 1Kil.i'lhhh1 PIt()CESSINC _ t e cree';lig G )J(¢)sLi ona l) Snoke a ,,.,....... :
Ga-.Inulatioin drying, pressling rubler Ilockseet rubber
Irtepar;ILioII, aStIcation. (: po unded r u b b e rCom
D. FhUITH1111R IMLNUiFACTULIIIING :
FJIAI. hISl'S Consumption: Indtustrial | Foam rubber
Tires Belting CarpetingRainwear lloses Rubber glovei|Footwear Cable ProphylacticsToys Instulation
;a/ A by-product iln thle centrifuging methiodi onliy.
- 144 -
Table 1: LIBERIAN RUBBER PRICE RELATIONSHIPS 1970-80
Purchase Priceas % of
Export PricePurchase Price FOB Export New
Non-Spec Unit Value York SingaporeLatex Spec.Coagulum Coagulum Latex Crepe Latex Crepe
1970 15.8 12.9 11.3 20.6 19.1 76.7 63.31971 13.7 10.0 8.1 18.6 16.4 73.6 54.91972 13.1 8.4 7.5 18.0 13.9 72.8 57.51973 21.9 21.7 20.1 21.4 23.61974 32.4 26.1 22.6 36.0 33.6 85.5 67.21975 20.2 15.2 14.0 28.4 24.2 71.2 60.31976 24.2 21.6 19.0 34.3 35.4 70.5 53.61977 30.5 23.3 19.3 42.4 36.1 71.9 59.01978 32.8 27.9 22.9 47.4 41.0 69.2 61.91979 40.5 37.4 32.4 59.8 67.71980 48.4 32.0 31.0 70.1 69.0
Source: 1. Firestone Plantations.2. Ministry of Finance.3. Ministry of Planning: External Trade Statistics.
19. The costs of processing and transportation in Liberia vary con-siderably from year to year. For illustrative purposes we take the actualresults for 1979. The selling price was 70 cents per pound, while the pricepaid to Liberian farmers was 50 cents. Factory processing cost 6 cents,profits were 6 cents, and the remaining 8 cents were distributed among admin-istration, interest on funds, purchased rubber deductions, out-turn loss andwarehouse charges.
20. In contrast to the situation in Liberia, the Malaysian latex producerreceives about 90 to 95 percent of f.o.b. value before taxes, cesses, andduties and 75 percent after taxes, cesses and duties. In Iiberia, even thoughexport and sales taxes have been only about 2 cents per lb., the returns tosmallholders have been lower due to processing inefficiencies. The small-holder in Liberia produces mainly specified and non-specified coagulum andtree lace and cup lump. The purchase price for such rubber has seldom ex-ceeded two-thirds of the average export price. In other words, out of everydollar of sale proceeds the farmer was able to get, on average, about 60cents. 1/ The profit margin accruing to the concessionaires in this case
1/ This represents an average price for both spec and non-spec coagu-lum. Other studies have shown that the prices received for non-speccoagulum were lower than 60 percent and range between 50-55 percent.
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seems rather high. The Rubber Pricing Study, undertaken by consultants onbehalf of the Government in 1980, calculated that in the case of non-speccoagulum, the main output produced by smallholders in Liberia, the share ofthe concessionaires in gross profits was 73 percent, while the farmer receivedonly 27 percent.
21. The situation in Liberia can be improved along two main avenues:through fostering improved farmer awareness and through promoting healthycompetition among rubber processors.
22. As a means of encouraging farmers to feel themselves as part of theinternational rubber scene, local radio and newspapers should publicize inter-national commodity prices and local buying prices. Provision of such informa-tion could generate understanding and confidence among rubber smallholders.An example of the type of daily information which might be provided to small-holders, is as follows:
Purchasing today at Factory Gate
Firestone Guthrie LAC RCL
Cup lump, tree lace, cents per kg. DRCCoagulum First Quality " " ItCoagulum FAQ " itField Latex " " "
Other names can be added as required and licensed. The variation incurrency can also be given as follows:
The US$ today is equivalent to - Malaysian RinggitSingapore DollarsIndonesia RupiahsPounds Sterling
23. After a settling-in period, additional information could be providedonce a week, as follows:
The Malaysian smallholder today received US$ per kilo forlatex at the Factory Gate.
Research Cess cents/kilo paidReplanting Cess cents/kilo paidMalaysian Government Duty _ cents/kilo paid
Other data from Thailand, Indonesia and possibly West Africa could be includedto give the farmer a sense of belonging with rubber farmers elsewhere, andalso to encourage competition which could only benefit the Liberian rubberindustry in the long term.
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24. If there were more competition within the rubber processing industryin Liberia, it is quite possible that at least some of the costs shown by theconcessionaires could be reduced. Even a modest saving of 2 cents per poundwould result in an additional income of US$1 million to the concessionaires.Pressures on the major concessionaires to improve the internal efficiency oftheir operations, however, have been mounting since 1981 because of thedecline in world prices, leading to heavy losses in some cases. Despitemounting losses, Firestone have upgraded their factory and raised buyingprices. Other concessionaires have followed suit. The Alan Grant factoryshould be modernised by replacing one of the driers with a 2-tonne per hourunit similar to the Firestone drier in basic design, and rearranging existingequipment to feed the drier. Consideration should then be given to modifyingthe existing driers or, if this cannot be done economically, to utilizing themfor some other crop such as cocoa or coffee where the heat input is not sogreat and losses on drying are less important.
25. RCL should construct its modern factory without delay and when it isoperating satisfactorily, provide the impetus for establishment of a reallycompetitive system of buying.
26. If world prices of rubber remain favorable and the quantity of rubbertapped is significantly increased, the response of farmers to planting addi-tional acreage as well as rehabilitating and replanting the existing acreageby high yielding clones will depend most importantly on the net farmgateprices they receive. Existing imperfect marketing arrangements, high trans-port costs for individual farmers to bring their produce to the processingfactory and, insufficient processing capacity, have been some of the factorscontributing to inadequate farmgate prices. Competitive parastatals orprivate sector participation could ease some of these constraints, as theeconomies of scale would reduce the average cost of collection, transportationand storage. Alternatively, transport cooperatives could be encouraged oncerubber is being tapped in sufficient quantity.
II. OIL PALM
Traditional Processing
27. The traditional method of extracting oil from fruit bunches producedwithin the widely-occurring natural palm groves and also within the small andoften isolated blocks of improved village plantings, is through boiling theremoved fruitlets in tubs or 55-gallon drums. Resultant oil extration per-centages are low and quality such that only local sales are possible. Kernelsare extracted by cracking individual nuts by hand.
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Commercial Processing
28. The majority of existing commercial oil palm processing units inLiberia are manufactured by Vanderkerchove. Most of the units are of theRural Kit type capable of processing 1.5 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches perhour at oil extraction percentages of 14-17%. Such 1.5 tonne per hour unitsare located as follows:
LPMC Totota 1 unitLPMC Foya 1 unitLPPC Buto 2 unitsParker Plantation 1 unit
Despite this standardisation, inspection indicated a severe shortage of spareparts and hence a poor operating record.
29. More efficient commercial processing units with potential oil extrac-tion rates in the bracket of 18-23% are located on a number of the largerplantations as follows:
WAAC - 2 Vanderkerchove lines with a combined capacity of 15tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hour.
LIBINC - Vanderkerchove lines with a total capacity of 10 tonnes offresh fruit bunches per hour.
30. Assuming 16 hours operation for 300 days per annum, the total proces-sing capacity in the country can be estimated thus:
5 x 1.5 x 300 x 16 = 36,800 tonnes f.f.b./year1 x 10.0 x 300 x 16 = 48,000 tonnes f.f.b./year1 x 15.0 x 300 x 16 = 72,000 tonnes f.f.b./year
156,800 tonnes f.f.b./year
At a conservative average of 15% oil extraction rate this equates to apotential annual oil throughput of 23,520 tonnes.
31. Milling capacity of 20 tonnes of fresh fruit bunches per hour isplanned for the Decoris Project and LPMC is contemplating purchase of two low-cost 750 kg/hour rated units from Ghana, for use at Zleh Town and for MADCO.
32. LPMC currently operates a palm kernel oil mill in the MonroviaFreeport, with a rated capacity of 75 tonnes per day.
33. There could be considerable virtue in extending the use of low cost,low technical efficiency units for isolated plantings while at the same timeopting for more capital-intensive processing lines in the case of larger plan-tations. In order to rationalise these approaches, it will be necessary tocarry out an accurate census of the extent and condition of existing palmplantings.
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34. Some oil extraction processes press the fruit before it is beaten,andthen repress the mixture with the nuts removed after the beating. Otherprocesses beat the fruit after sterilizing and then double press the mixturefor maximum oil extraction, first pressing the whole charge and then just thefiber. The clarification of the oil mixture is done by heating and skimmingor through the use of clarification drums. Ancillary equipment needed withthe press are sterilizing drums, a bunch stripper (either a slatted drum orslatted table), a pounding mortar, reheating drums to keep the mixture warmfor pressing, and clarification drums. Press capacity varies from 30 lbs (40lbs FFB) to 200 lbs (300 lbs. FFB) per pressing.
35. Some trials in Malaysia have indicated that two men doing all theancillary work can handle about 1700 lbs of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) per tenhour working day, with the use of a handpress. The preparatory work ratherthan the pressing capacity was the limiting factor. If a smallholder obtainsa press, it usually can be used on a communal cr rental basis. An extractionefficiency of 12-14% can be obtained with a small handpress.
Comparison with Situation in S.E. Asia
36. The status of smallholder oil palm cultivation is fundamentallydifferent in West Africa and South East Asia in that in the former area theoil palm occurs in indigenous wild groves and provides part of the staplediet. This is not the case in South East Asia. Additionally, a decision wastaken some years ago, that oil palm is not a suitable crop for smallholdersmainly because of the smallholders' dependence on middleman processors. InMalaysia for instance, most plantings are in the form of land schemes or co-operatives, with quite large areas of 100 to 5000 acres. Isolated holdings ofa few acres are still relatively rare. Nevertheless, with the good rate ofreturn for oil palm in recent years a large number of independent mills with-out plantation back up have been erected by businessmen and brought intooperation. In addition, many of the 120 other factories are willing to buyfrom dealers who supply their own vehicles and pick up fruit from the small-holders. This has made competition for fruit very keen and many types ofmarketing operations have evolved. As a consequence of the competition, manymore smallholders have been planting oil palm with results little less satis-factory than estate and scheme operation. Vehicles collecting fruit in SouthMalaysia and transferring to North Malaysia (say 300 miles or more) are notuncommon if glut develops or if throughput is required to lower overheads.Again, there is much to be learned from this aspect of the industry.
37. Once processed, the palm oil is normally refined locally and soldoverseas. The oil extraction rate, the kernel recovery, and other functionsare watched daily by the factory manager and the figures are scrutinised on aweekly basis by the main plantation control body. At factory level, weeklysummaries of FFB are compiled from daily figures. From this data, effort isconcentrated on points requiring attention, for example, agricultural problems(poor fertilizing, rat damage, etc.), collection problems (fruit not correctlyripe, delayed harvesting), and poor oil recovery (mill problems, steam, cen-trifuges, extraction rate, etc.).
FULM CIlART OF 1thDUSTHIAL PROCESSTIIU OF OIL PALM
AcLivi Ly Principal product Lafjrout
A. hIAltV16TINlN picking Fresh truit bunch (fft)
B.* PIeE>-IAiE 1.PlkEP'AlATI'ONP lim Criaa L. aterilizing, throaliing a Iuipty
Fq1r, kernel; cake-breaking, doper- - -icarpTiij-7Trying, cracking, screen- .lig, aeparatirng Palm kernels Ilr:II1. Mecharical exiruction: digLsting) _ Ipressilijg, Clarifying b Crude palo oll| rude palma kernel oil kranel2 . Solve.it cxtractLt;(I digesting, ak abialaveLt SlrayiIg,;' separating JI a
C . XTRiACTI ItlN tl T(1IRAD)EAbL.E HtATEltIAL .I tFraclloniatton (optional) It. Cry:.tallization; seeding, 4
cryitAl,l,lztion, separating Crude | a2. SulvunL; addling solvent, L stearln olein a
separating I aiDL HI111EaI PRIOCESSING . a
1. Conventional degu riiuaig, Ieu- …i_ A IuI atralli ing, washing, drying, I ;bleachilng, filtering, deodor- a a1 ini, p)Ol1hliig .ed a.er ned Fatty I aI~~~~~~~1n~~~~~~~~, ~~fndpalm (kernel) oil Sa2. dkog l xlng, pre- stoarin olein Lefin,d a e oi acial a abjleachiJng, team dis illation I_ih Loh otl a
I. 1Ufa N (Nqua ity alit
Cookling oil Vegatable 11iscults Hargarine c creooa 1ue i o Ara nioaln FUeF L[;AL UsEs (tradi tinnal) j(hee Cakes Shorten- cs batitute |Can leI I faed *Fertilizer
(Vana- ling ubLt ''Potash 'it has oil only. spati) Cooking Finishingh1;;11 oil only. Confec- oil flux (tin
aCoiisuiaued without furlaher processing. tionery p latin
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38. It would seem that mills in Liberia have little comprehension of con-trolled operations and it is recommended that managers capable of proper oper-ation be found and trained and that Standard Operating Procedures be drawn upincluding spares required.
III. COCOA AND COFFEE
Existing Processing and Marketing
39. Both coffee and cocoa are purchased and exported by LPMC. Coffee ispurchased as either dried beans or cherry coffee. Cocoa is purchased as fer-mented and dried beans.
40. Although harvesting of these crops is relatively simple, farmersoften pick immature and overripe cocoa pods both of which adversely affectprocessing of the beans, while in the case of coffee, farmers pick ripe andunripe cherries in one or two rounds per annum, instead of only ripe cherriesin three or four rounds. The result for both cocoa and coffee is a product ofmixed quality with a lower grade than obtainable with ripe picking. Process-ing techniques are also inadequate, and lead to a lower quality product. Forcocoa, after harvest, improper fermentation, drying and storage results in alarge proportion of slaty beans and other quality deteriorations arising fromfungal and insect attacks. The traditional method of on-farm processing ofcherry coffee by handpounding with mortar and pestle is a Labor-intensiveprocess and results in poor quality coffee.
Potential Improvements
41. Extension instruction for improved processing methods is needed.Small mechanical coffee mills are available on the market. The commercialpractice of wet processing is not practiced on a large sca:Le in Liberia. Wetprocessing involves pulping or separating the beans from the pulp, fermentingthe beans for about 48-72 hours, and then washing them to separate the muci-lage. The washed beans are then dried and mechanically hulled, leaving a highquality commercial coffee bean.
FlW CIHART OF COCOA PROCESSING
Activity Principal products By-products
A. IIARVETINIGO picking Cocoa pods
B. .ITE-JItAIDE IPREPAIRATI0ON _ - _ _ _
Feenneriting & drying co befl Sweatin s F"R7lC. EXTRAC TION FROM TRADEABIE MATERIAL _ - uic: ii
Cleaaitng, roasting, crushing, -o3& winnowing aIi b s a s
Grinling Cocoa lquor (paata o r m as) a
D. FlJRtillEtU PROCESSING
llot pressing & clarifying Cocoa Cbutterocoa cakei
M1xing, refining. concbing, I I a
Sugar milk vanilla -- -- C h o ate a tCocoa 1~~ua&, r; juivek4 z Lug & a Powderepowde
SI6Lf tulg II ao§~ L' b'n =
E . FaI1LCIIIER HIAN&FACfTiL INGChocolate |Contec - Cosm otics Tha- *Baking in- Chocolate Baking Fertil- Alcolclic s3ap o
F lNAI. USES Lobars t nry Perfunes bra gredient millk chac- izer bever- I Le
E'harana- mine *Coeoa pow- Syrup olate Fuel ages coun-cOllti- dar Flavoring Hulch -triecale H[ot choco- Cake mix
late mix
aJnder tlio tilkaline or Dutch process, the nJb is treated with an alkaline solution to remove acidity and mellow the flavor.
bC'ocoa butter is usually uset Jin its crude state, but cai 'be refined (neutralized, bleached, and deodorized). Butter can also be extraAtedIirectly from nibs without going through the stage of cocoa liquor.
rConsmnead directly, wl thout further processingg.
FLOW CIIAIIT OF COlFFEE PRIOCI;SING
Ativit Principal products Byproducts & waste
A. IIAIMVai'riNTNI picking/shaking Cherry
B. ITE-THADwE l'REPARATION …1 . let procesisinga 1 .F@ L2 D Pry processing: drying & hulling Green beans Parchment,3. Traditional: classifying, [slv jrskin
dleplpu1 ing, (Iry Ing hulls )
C. FI(T'HiER PIlOCEISS ING
Cleatningr()LIn(i' Roasted & groundRo.lsl: & ^; : Cleaning, coffeeblending, roasting; grinding _
.t>ca ffi nail; Solvent treating 1 ,c aaffeinosteilailaig, tdryiig, roasLing, grinding ated coffee
SoluIl lt; Extracting, filtering, _ .drying Soluble S-pent I
(instant) coffee I acoffee grounds |
P. FURThER-At MANIIFACTUIINC Liqueur *B e v e r a g a ?uel Pharmacouticals FertilizerFlavormg Beverages
FIt'Al,e LISES I --- J (e.g., cola)
Classifying, depulping, separating, fermenting, washling, drying, peeling.bilulp i.s a hjy-pro(iuct In tht wat process only.
*Consurnad without furtlher processing (other than packaging and brewing).
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IV. COCONUTOS
Existing_Processing and Marketing
42. Although there is considerable scope for increased cultivation andprocessing of coconuts in Liberia, the crop is currently of minor signifi-cance. Coconut oil is little used locally and whilst there is some processingto copra and charcoal, the majority of harvested nuts are sold fresh.
43. Where processing is practised it normally entails manual dehusking onmetal spikes, followed by sun-drying of the split nuts. The dry copra isbagged and sold overseas.
Potential Improvements
44. Plans should be obtained for suitable smallholder type driers, suchas those given in Figures 1-5. The aim should be to develop driers to meetthe smallholders' requirements. Such driers have the following advantages:(i) low cost of construction; (ii) low cost relative to output; (iii) simpleto operate by unskilled labor; (iv) low operating cost; and (v) low mainte-nance and repair charges. The Cooke-type kilns which have stood the test oftime in the Far East should be considered.
45. When making copra, it is recommended that the aim should be to pro-duce "white copra" and use shell charcoal for the fires. The following pointsshould also be observed: (a) the nuts should be husked and split into perfecthalves; (b) the split halves should be placed face down on the barbecue todrain; (c) after half an hour they should be sun-dried for a day or, if theweather is cloudy, sent straight to the kiln; (d) kiln-dried for three days ona Cooke type kiln; (e) use coconut charcoal fuel; (f) place the charcoalbrushes at one metre centres; (g) sulphur should be added to the braziers onthe third day, if necessary; (h) any pieces of copra which are underdriedshould be collected and sun-dried on the barbecue; and (i) dry the copra to 6%moisture content and store. For scheme or block plantings of coconuts, mech-anical driers should be considered.
46. Steps should be taken to identify by cost of construction and effec-tive operation the preferred unit for Liberia. This relatively minor itemshould be part of the research program for CARI.47. The aim should be to produce good white copra, which can then be sentto LPMC at Monrovia freeport for pressing to coconut oil and meal. Meanwhile,LPMC should obtain any equipment necessary for the size reduction of the coprabefore admission to their presses.
48. The possibility of using the shells to make charcoal to give a smoke-less fuel should be examined. Coconut shell gives a superior activatedcharcoal.
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2.~ ~ ~ . .__ _ _ __ _ _ . _ _ _ .4., __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ _
__ _ __________E-
V _ _,__ _ _ _ _ _" * < j^
I I CI . - i _ >~I _ __.______ I .... I,.
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.. AA-...
G - / * ~~~~~~~D G ,
_ ______ ___-__-__H+ SH j~~~~~~~~~~cl .q* .0 P..........It' 1
-. ~~~~~~~~~~ ,~~~~-
' OJ L K~1
(F.C_ CooC. --- 19
A. Attap rooflet H. Heat spreaderS. Attap or sheet iron screens J. Wall of loose bricks
C. Plank wa[is K. Shell fire0. Char-Ging door 1. Iron, trayE. lnspf:rt;on door M. Air supplyF. Ccp'-z N. Bricks to divert hot air verticaliy
C. Copra grill C. Rammed .layP. Lco foe bricks
Figure 3 Cross-section and frontvlew of the '10.acre" kiln (Cooke type). The diagram
shows imaq:nary lines of hot air movemernts
A-
/ -C r
i;/ 'I ;s-'--- ;'I*,- ' . lj,
- . H AC,; '.r
..
_, -.- . - -_- t~~~ J .......... KLt J.F.C. Cooke 1937)
A. Attau marn roof G. CopraB. At ap-on-iron wing roof H. Copra grill
C. PI,%k wil!s J. Wall of loose bricksD. tDcublc doors for copra K. Gaps in brick workE. Fire r:t coors .L. Tr;velng shell fre
F. Gutter round kiln M. Cold air supplyN. Traveling cone of heat
rfigre 4. 'Scc:icn and front vizw of the " 30-acre " Cooke kiln, showing hot air mbovementsas traced by fumes of ammonium chlIoride.
- 156 -
K L-
A -
A. Attap-roof |B. Bamboo strutC. Double wall of split bambooD. Grate of bamboo or ribs from
palm leaves 1 -_ __ _E. Door to fire iit C In_F. Entrance to r'le pit V. _G. Fire hearth1. Flower bawls with shell charcoal KK. DrainsL. Working shedsM. Ssiioketess hot air,N. LoW wall of bamboo
I ~H((;.C.W. Chr. Tergitt. t937)
Figrn,, 5. Sectional sketches of the charcoal-fired oven.
FLW CIIAUT 0F INDtlSTRIAL WET 1noc0smN OF 0COCOHIUT
bctV1It.y Pnl diicts BY-Products
A., IARVLiTJINGt picking Fhied
B. - I'RE-TRADE PREPARATlfON 'Husking lied coconuit dwst
.Sca:ioaitng & slelling |Coconut | [t
| l ~~~~~~~water| l a~~~~~~~~~~~
Grinding, filbre separatilon, Acidified Aquaous Cellular Iacidiflcation, separationa L...J ali0~~~~~~ al
jeparation, soIvent extrac- Coconut Protein ation or inversion , drying oil isolatea or fraction I
concentrate a
C. E PRhUOCE.SS INC GI I Ncatrallizing, deodorizing, COleixt o -l t J a t
D. HIRTUER I MANUFACTIINC G i
(NA L IJES SoapFood fortification | Animall j avorage Fuel Bristls in:sulatingHarBaripn flour) whea | foedi Culture Charcoal as matralbiscaarn ( medium Activated [IndboardCookingcuit Vinegar carbonCooking o.l Nata de LadlesConfectionery co OrnamentsLighting fuol FillersTIhalstrial oil (ticr)o-
TPT meathod only (Tropicale Products institute).
bTAM m-ethod ornly (Texas A & H University).
70Consuaatad directly, without further processing.
FIOW CIIART OF InIJUSTUIAL DRY PROCESSING OF COCOIIUT
AcLtivity I'Min al proaiuctsta Iy-products
A. IIAHVESiITMO picking | Unhuskod coconutl
B 1'1!1 `'I .hl PREPARAT1ONflusking lluaked coconut _ _ibreaa3 Coir d:st
S t,.,,l,j; 6 boutla:ll ........... | :,u !, o * '1& shor:. '
(I)eLiccatcd cogatuns; paaftna | C o a o n u t a e a t i Parlngab Coconut Shells |6 cu&tit,a) Co | twater i
C EXaTRACTIlONl flOH TRADEABDLE Copr |Dried parings aItAIJ lIATIEHIAL I a ,
IPreusineg L chinifyi,i& _ a gCoconut oill a an
p.FIURTIEIR IIIOCESSIN( o0l cake oalcake a
.e'1rilnl;; fletitral .izing, teodlor- Refined coco- aeidned a | aIzingi, IAaclaing rnul oil pang I .De!aiictilti4al z-zuteldl l t ; lluD iccatod a a aiterliTiIng, dDiinLgatl aLioxf, COCOIIUt i , ; a
*Iry la . .I
A.il Aueir Inrl it.] u trig Hirarg; tielH l |nitmal food uieveorika e Fitl Brhistles & 1 [JS'A; .food Conx)ee- Cooking oil (eapecial- CtIture Activated | mvats (if Cate::aIFMAI. aaSiS manack tion- liucuits ly da1ry maadiur caron | fiarvoa4ed II1IardLc :dILeias Aery Saalpoo cattAo Vinegar Char-coal || latira) prd_LbAAI~J Indlustrial oil H J Nata do Ladlls Yarn (if | io.l
Lighting fuel cco Ornainenta iiarvosted| (Phii.-Confectiocnury Fililaru || Immatulre) | pptiln
in uo0ithlera In(lia yaila froi tho fibre is an important product, and the nut is therofore plasticsi)hiarvestud befor ftull raiaetuiLy.
1 'ubtulticd in prWitelion of dejitccated coconut only.
m'CoassuId il iuc ly, wltiouL fturthar procossing.
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V. THE RUBBER RESEARCH INSTITUTE OFLIBERIA (RRIL)
Background
49. The rationale and mechanism for establishing the RRIL has been dis-cussed in supporting Paper 3. It is recommended that the RRIL should be ad-ministered by a Technical Director supported by an Administrative Secretary.
Responsibilities of the Divisions of Applied Chemistry, Technology and Testing(ACTT).
50. The Head of the ACTT Division should be responsible for the followingfunctions: (i) receiving soil and leaf samples from the agricultural staff andpreparing them for transmission to CARI for analysis; (ii) receiving rubbersamples for examination and test and reporting to the supplying estate to-gether with appropriate advice; (iii) drawing up a research program includingreasons for the work and anticipated manpower and financial expenditurebudgets; (iv) operating a rubber testing control laboratory capable of deter-mining dirt, ash, acetone extract, alcohol extract, various nitrogen determi-nations NH2, NO2, N2, etc., volatile matter, acetone extract, BOD, COD wateranalysis, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, latex tests,DRC, TSC, ammonia, KOH N. pH, mechanical stability, color, odor, etc., andrheometer testing and cure testing in black and white compounds; (v) givingadvice to producers on all aspects of processing and to consumers on proper-ties of or complaints on Liberian rubber; (vi) obtaining data on Liberianrubber and rubber from other areas with the aim of defining Liberia's rubberand providing the consumer with data on the uniformity and satisfactory natureof Liberian rubber; and (vii) controlling the Standard Liberian Rubber Scheme(SLR) as follows: (a) Set up within the test laboratory facilities for test-ing criteria as in (iv) above on SLR test unit; (b) test the production fromthe RRIL plantings and those within its control; (c) routine cross-checks ofeach producer's laboratory to be carried out to the schedule proposed (e.g.monthly); and (d) test inspectorate samples and take action accordingly;(viii) Setting up an Inspectorate and following actions laid down by theauthority detailing the functions of the Inspectorate; and (ix) setting up anadvisory service to assist producers on all chemical testing and technicalmarketing matters.
51. The possibility of the Firestone Botanical Research Unit (and Chemi-cal Unit, if practicable) becoming a sub-station of the RRIL together withexperimental areas of Firestone Plantation, should be examined with the assis-tance of Firestone whose knowledge, help, planting material, advice and pro-cessing for more than half a century have been responsible for the leadingposition of Liberia among African rubber producing countries.
Relations with Other Research Institutes
52. The RRIL should have direct contacts with S.E. Asian Research Insti-tutes and parastatal organizations who have much experience in working withsmallholders, collecting their crop and manufacturing it. Malaysian methods
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of processing are superior to those elsewhere and are generally being adopted(for example, by Firestone and Guthrie). The very active development in S.E.Asia backed by powerful research facilities should be made use of in every waypossible.
Financing
53. In most countries the RRI is financed either by the Governmentthrough the Ministry of Agriculture or other ministries or by the industryitself through collection of a cess at the time of export. The cess inMalaysia has been for many years at the level of one Malaysian cent per poundof exported rubber. This has recently been raised. The possibility of thisarrangement should be considered in the Rubber Planting Fund Study (see sup-porting Paper 3: Tree Crop Production).
VI. STANDARD LIBERIAN RUBBER (SLR)
General
54. Liberian rubber suffers considerably from a poor image. The idea ofLiberia's rubber obtaining the same price as Malaysian rubber was inconceiv-able to all those dealers, brokers, and manufacturers interviewed by themission in London in June 1982. The reasons given were: (a) there is noguarantee of quality with Liberian rubber; (b) some shipments may be satisfac-tory, but others may be very poor and in order to compensELte the dealer oruser for this, the price generally is low; and (c) Liberian rubber is lumpedwith African rubber which is generally of very variable quality anddelivery. Nevertheless, it has been observed that Liberian rubber, despitevarious difficulties, is very largely of superior quality for its particulargrades. However, this is not as yet confirmed by test certificates or byprolonged use by consumers of high technical competence. Current practice isfor samples to be taken and tested at infrequent intervals, with the interna-tionally accepted range of tests rarely covered.
Current International Standards
55. Internationally, all National Standards conform to ISO (InternationalStandard Organization); for example SMR - standard Malaysian Rubber, SSR -Singapore Standard Rubber, SIR - Standard Indonesia Rubber, TTR - Thai TestedRubber etc. Malaysia has gone a stage further than the ISO standards by re-ducing dirt specification levels and introducing Rheometer tests etc.
Scheme Recommended for Liberia
56. Liberia has much leeway to make up and this would be best achieved by,conforming immediately to the advanced Malaysian Standards. It is recommendedthat a Standard Grading System be set up immediately, following the Malaysianprocedures.
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Required Action for Establishment of the SLR Scheme
57. A consultant should examine each factory and laboratory and:
(i) draft documents for the scheme, including sampling frequency;
(ii) detail equipment required for all laboratories;
(iii) arrange for a suitable central laboratory;
(iv) lay out a programme of continuing cross-checks to ensure laboratoryefficiency and detail procedures to be used if a laboratory becomesunsatisfactory;
(v) arrange suitable documentation for:(a) application to join the scheme(b) undertaking to abide by the scheme(c) test data reports(d) laboratory report sheets etc.;
(vi) obtain undertakings from various companies and see if there are anyobjections to the scheme or modifications needed to meet Liberianconditions;
(vii) discuss and establish with producers the policing systems to be used(it is probably best done by the Control Laboratory for rubber otherthan its own); the possibility of using CARI facilities should beexamined for such rubber testing;
(viii) establish charge rates to keep the laboratory solvent (the RRIMcharges US$2.50 a sample while some laboratories charge as little ashalf this amount); and
(ix) draw up a program for training.
Transportation of Skim Rubber
58. The only problem which could be envisaged would be the use of skim-rubber by Firestone in blends with their own and outside supplies of fieldscrap and slabs. This, no doubt, can be solved either by stipulating aspecial grade or excluding it from the Standard Liberian Rubber Scheme.
Rheometric Tests
59. The facility to carry out rheometric tests should initially beavailable at the Control Laboratory only. Tests should be done on a blendcomprising equiportions of rubber taken from the individual testpieces of aproduction lot as being sufficiently indicative of the cure behavior of theSLR comprising the lot.
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Location of Central Laboratory
60. The Central Control Test Laboratory should be located at the RRILwhere the test facilities can be used also for research purposes. Meanwhile,it is anticipated that Firestone, Guthrie, Uniroyal and RCL factories wouldeach have laboratories which, with very little addition, would be able tocarry out SLR testing. Other producers could establish their own laboratoriesor use the facilities of Firestone, RCL or other producers providing this isapproved by the control laboratory.
61. The RCL laboratory should be brought up to the normal standards ofefficiency. The control of the SLR scheme could then be carried out from thislaboratory until the RRIL test facilities are established.
VII. RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Rubber
62. The possibility of building a drum plant for latex concentrate ship-ments and limited refined oil and raw vegetable oil shipment, should beexamined.
63. Action should be taken by companies and concessionaires to make im-provements to their own processing factories. In due course the RubberResearch Institute should be able to carry out the dissemination of informa-tion.
64. The RCL factory construction should be accelerated.
65. Regular advice on processing matters should be obtained by all pro-cessors, and improvements made as necessary. This would probably be bestachieved by comparing each factory's costs on a uniform basis and makingrecommendations for improvements. Similar procedures could be adopted forfield work. The Rubber Research Institute could do part of this work, but theemployment of outside advisors and factory technologists with knowledge ofother areas of the world would prove very beneficial to Liberian companiesgenerally. A system of visiting advisors similar to the S.E. Asian methodcould be very beneficial and if coordinated between all companies would becost-effective.
66. The use of steam heating from wood and other vegetable waste sourcesshould follow the example of Uniroyal and other producers.
67. When planning palm oil factories, the possibility of using excesspower for processing of rubber or other crops, should be examined particularlyin the Decoris, Buto and Foya areas.
68. A Rubber Research Institute should be established, funded in part bythe industry, along the lines suggested by IRCA but controlled by a committeeof Liberian and international scientists and technologists.
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69. A suitable committee should be formed to initiate the formation,financing and running of the Rubber Research Institute and to determine itsresearch program.
70. The use of wood and steam heating (para 66) could well form part ofsuch a research program and all studies should have a practical application.Such matters as the amounts of anticoagulant to use under various conditions,chemical usage generally, production of acetic acid by fermentation fromcassava and use of this acid for coagulating latex could also be placed on theRRI research program. Much of the required data is available elsewhere andshould be obtained, checked and issued for use under Liberian conditions.
71. Proper testing of Liberian rubber should be introduced and improve-ments in quality and in processing brought about.
72. Daily market prices for rubber should be promulgated in the media toencourage competition in the purchase of smallholders' rubber and allow com-parison with prices in other rubber producing areas.
73. The various Government duties and taxes should be rationalised into asingle collection system for a research cess, replanting cess and Governmentduty. A study is required before definite recommendations can be made.
74. Reduction in Government interference apart from the normal statutoryrequirements with company operations, whether private, parastatals or other-wise, should be encouraged. A proper code of conduct and unified system forall properties and producers, should be drawn-up.
75. A study should be made of the rubber market with a view to optimisingproduction in Liberia for maximum return. Sales to new areas and sales in newforms, such as constant viscosity rubbers and oil extended grades, should beexamined.
76. A grading system similar to that from other countries such asMalaysia, conforming to the International Standards Organization specifica-tions, should be introduced. It is recommended that a complete scheme beworked out by a consultant who could provide details for consideration by theindustry and Government, for implementation as soon as possible. Every effortshould be made to adhere to the Malaysian specifications so that the value ofLiberian rubber may be enhanced.
77. The possibility of preparing special grades of rubber should beinitiated with suitable producers in Liberia. These grades would be constantviscosity and oil-extended types. This type of production, properly managed,would assist in giving Liberian rubber a boost.
B. Oil Palm
78. Specifications for palm oil mills should be drawn-up in a form whichensures that economic mills are tendered and purchased. The mills should giveat least 20% oil extraction and should be in the following sizes in tonnes FFBper hour, 1-3; 5; 10; 20; 30. The units should be compatible i.e., should be
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capable of easy expansion and extension from the initial unit and be solidlyconstructed to reduce maintenance and shut downs to a minimum.
79. A very small research unit should be established under the guidanceof CARI or in the Rubber Research Institute for the time being to enableplanting and processing problems to be worked out and advice from elsewhere tobe disseminated.
80. The possible adoption of the Malaysian system of palm oil productionand licensing control (PORLA and PORIM) should be examirned by an expert and asuitable scheme for Liberia drawn up to be available for use when required.It is better to have the scheme ready when export commences than to repeat themistakes of the rubber industry. This central unit should be operated withthe Rubber Control Laboratory to avoid duplication of staff while productionis low.
81. Standards should be established for marketing Liberian palm oil afterdetermining the form of licensing and control of the palm oil industry. Thesestandards should be developed from the International Standards. Meanwhile ,theprovision of central laboratories should become part of the specification forall oil mills.
82. Examination of the potential for each market should be made e.g.,U.S. East Coast, Europe, Middle East, Japan and most important, other WestAfrican countries.
83. A survey of present mills and their laboratory facilities should becarried out to establish the requirements for laboratory test equipment.
84. It is recommended that LPPC, CARI, Decoris and all palm oil mills beequipped to carry out normal oil inspection tests. The properties and repro-ducibility of oil offered for local sale is not known. As standard of livingimproves, so should the control of the food eaten.
85. Training facilities should be provided for oil palm laboratory assis-tants and it is recommended that this be done at CARI or Decoris.
86. If up-to-date advice on processing is not available, then this shouldbe provided on the same basis as for rubber. That is, visiting expertsshould: (i) report on the conditions; (ii) assess whether instructions sincethe previous visit had been followed; and (iii) give further instructions andreport to the Board of each company or producing unit concerned. As forrubber, exchange of data should be made to assist in improving overallexpertise.
87. As in para 62 for rubber, the market for drums for palm oil should beassessed and the possibility of installing a drum plant in Liberia should beexamined. The availability of drums is particularly important for latex salesbut this could also be the case for palm oil exports to other West Africancountries where bulk installations do not exist.
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88. When the oil palm mill at Decoris is being tendered out, the avail-ability of spare power to operate at rubber factory and/or an oil refineryshould be taken into account. With the Firestone rubber factory at Cavallashut down, the possibility of providing an outlet for rubber smallholdersshould not be overlooked.
89. There are no effluent facilities at any rubber factory or oil palmmill in Liberia. These effluents are highly polluting if not treated; ifproperly treated they are excellent fertilizers. To avoid later problems ofcontamination, poisoning and destruction of the environment, proper effluentsystems should be installed by factory owners now. If it is difficult, atleast new factories should be properly equipped.
C. Coffee
90. Reportedly, coffee and cocoa are stored for up to six months at thevarious LPMC substations and some wet beans were noted by the mission. Ameans of lowering the moisture to 6% quickly after reception should be foundso that storage properties remain satisfactory. There was insufficient timeto survey the whole operation of collection and processing during the missionbut it would be worthwhile examining this aspect of LPMC activities to ensurethat they market only first class material. There is no reason why Liberianproducts should not be improved to gain the overall respect of consumers andhence trading advantages.
91. Checks of the quality should be made and comparisons with othercountries' products should be undertaken with the aim of improving the qualityof Liberian coffee. The quality of Liberian coffee is satisfactory but is notexceptional. It should be part of the research program of CARI to improve andunderstand the production and marketing of Liberian coffee. At the presenttime data on the quality and marketing aspects of Liberian coffee is so sparcethat proper advice to the producers cannot be given on these specific matters.
92. A method of preventing stone contamination, together with a quickcheck method, should be developed. Any contaminated coffee should then berejected. Good raw quality coffee standards should be insisted upon and bepromulgated by the extension services.
93. Standards for coffee should be followed and tests carried out regu-larly to establish base data on chemical and physical properties and flavourfor promotional use in due course.
D. Cocoa
94. Processing by traditional smallholders' techniques should be improvedthrough extension advice.
95. Sporadic test data are available from CARI but not in the form of thenormally acceptable test sheets available elsewhere. LPMC and CARI shouldtest each lot exported to establish the norm and range of properties ofLiberian cocoa.
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96. Taste tests should also be done together with other inspection testson cocoa from different areas i.e., soil types and climatic patterns. Thiswould help characterize Liberian cocoa. Clearly CARI shcould be the testlaboratory for such tests.
97. LPMC should have adequate equipment to dry all beans on receipt.
E. Coconuts
98. Processing is best continued in the conventional manner but designsof copra driers should be available if increasing quantities require largescale drying.
99. As production increases, LPMC should be equipped to dry and break-upcopra and expel the oil in the existing plant at the Freeport in Monrovia.