AgriSustainify is conducting a landmark market research study spanning six Liberian counties and six weeks of fieldwork — generating the investor-grade evidence needed to build farmer-centred solutions at scale across Liberia and West Africa.
Liberia’s agricultural sector is the backbone of the national economy, employing over 60% of the population. Yet smallholder farmers who produce more than 80% of the country’s food remain trapped in a cycle of low productivity, post-harvest losses averaging 30–40%, and near-complete exclusion from formal market channels.
This 200-farmer study is a foundational evidence-gathering effort that will shape AgriSustainify’s product roadmap, validate our theory of change, and provide funders with the data they need to make confident investment decisions.
The research will produce a comprehensive, county-disaggregated dataset across six strategic Liberian counties — directly informing platform development, investment strategy, and service delivery for thousands of smallholder farmers.
“Liberia’s smallholder farmers deserve solutions built on real evidence, not assumptions. This study is the foundation for everything AgriSustainify builds next.”
— Reuben Reeves, CEO, AgriSustainifyWe quantify exactly where and how much produce is lost — from storage failures and lack of refrigeration to poor roads and inadequate packaging. County-level data will pinpoint the most critical intervention points for cold storage, processing, and packaging solutions.
What percentage of produce is lost post-harvest? What are the primary causes? What storage solutions do farmers currently use?
We map where farmers sell, who buys their produce, and what percentage receive fair prices. Most smallholders currently sell to local traders at exploitative rates with no access to formal market channels, price information, or buyer connections.
Where do farmers sell their produce? Who are the primary buyers? What percentage receive fair market prices?
We measure smartphone ownership, mobile money usage, and agri-app adoption potential to ensure our digital platform is built for the farmers it serves — not designed on assumptions. Growing smartphone penetration (35–50% among youth farmers) signals genuine opportunity.
Do farmers own smartphones? Have they used agri-apps? Would they use a digital farm management platform?
Have farmers noticed changes in rainfall or temperature patterns? Have they adjusted farming practices in response? Do they access weather forecasts? This theme documents how Liberia’s smallholders are adapting to a shifting climate.
Do farmers have bank accounts or mobile money? Have they ever accessed agricultural credit? What are the structural barriers to financial services? Findings will directly inform AgriSustainify’s payment and credit integration strategy.
What percentage of farmers are women? What specific barriers do female farmers face — from land tenure insecurity to input access? The study targets a minimum 40% female respondent rate and will produce fully gender-disaggregated findings.
What agricultural services are most urgently needed? How much would farmers pay for soil testing, cold storage access, and advisory support? This data directly validates AgriSustainify’s pricing model and service prioritisation.
The study is conducted across six counties selected to represent Liberia’s geographic, agro-ecological, and economic diversity — from urban peri-urban farms in Montserrado to the remote climate-vulnerable areas of Lofa.
| County | Farmers | Primary Crops | Research Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montserrado | 40 | Vegetables, rice | High market proximity; urban and peri-urban farming context |
| Bong | 40 | Rice, cassava | Central agricultural heartland; key food production hub |
| Nimba | 35 | Cocoa, rice | Key cash crop region; cross-border trade dynamics |
| Lofa | 30 | Rice, cocoa | Remote high-potential area; climate-vulnerable farming communities |
| Bomi | 30 | Rubber, vegetables | Proximity to market corridors; smallholder diversity |
| Grand Bassa | 25 | Cassava, palm oil | Coastal farming context; identified post-harvest loss hotspot |
This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining structured quantitative surveys with qualitative Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). This triangulated approach ensures both statistical representativeness and contextual depth.
40+ page comprehensive report with county-disaggregated findings covering all seven research themes. The primary evidence base for platform development and investment strategy.
Concise brief translating research findings into fundable opportunity insights for Series A investors and major grant partners — the evidence needed to unlock the next phase of growth.
Engagement document prepared for the Ministry of Agriculture and LIPA, with evidence-based recommendations aligned with the ARREST Agenda and Liberia’s food security goals.
Four-page public summary of key findings for stakeholder and media use — designed for wide distribution across Liberia’s agricultural and development sector.
Six visual county summaries — one per study county — presenting key findings in accessible, shareable formats for community and partner audiences.
Anonymised quantitative dataset of 200 farmer records, available upon request to verified research partners and donors aligned with SDGs 1, 2, 5, and 13.