Climate change is no longer a distant threat but an immediate reality affecting every aspect of our lives. Agriculture, the backbone of many economies, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. In Liberia, a country heavily reliant on agriculture, the impact of climate change on agriculture production and food systems is a pressing concern.
Youth Alive Liberia is currently implementing ‘One Million Trees’ Campaign in Grand Bassa and Rivercess -Liberia. The pilot project is supported by CONCERN Worldwide and is scheduled to run until December 2023. In this project, Youth Alive works along other national implementing partners, who are Rainbow Initiative – Liberia, CHAP, CED and LACD, along with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Climate change can alter the distribution and behavior of pests and diseases that affect crops and livestock. This can lead to crop losses and reduced livestock productivity, further threatening food security.
The Approach of the project is to involve every household in the 100 target communities in tree planting; trees could be fruit trees, commercial trees, herbal trees or just wind breakers within each compound. Backyard gardens, farms or City centers. Being a pilot project, out of the 100 target communities, the project shall be implemented through a network of 10 Protection and Empowerment Clubs (PECs); that is 5 in Grand Bassa and 5 in Rivercess.
The beneficiaries of the project is comprised of Women, young girls and youths who are going to be trained in trees planting and bed nurseries to reduce deforestation.
Liberia, like many other countries, experiences an increase in extreme weather events, including floods. These floods can have devastating effects on agriculture. Floods can drown crops, wash away topsoil, and contaminate water sources, making it difficult for farmers to produce food and sustain their livelihoods.
Climate change can alter the distribution and behavior of pests and diseases that affect crops and livestock. This can lead to crop losses and reduced livestock productivity, further threatening food security.
Vulnerability of Specific Populations
Women in Liberia often play a central role in agriculture. They are responsible for planting, weeding, and harvesting crops, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Additionally, women may have limited access to resources and information needed to adapt to changing conditions.
Children on the other hand, are vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition when agriculture is affected. Poor nutrition during childhood can lead to long-term health and developmental issues.This is also the same case with the elderly individuals, who may struggle to adapt to new agricultural practices and may be less resilient to the physical demands of farming in changing climate conditions.
Women in Liberia often play a central role in agriculture. They are responsible for planting, weeding, and harvesting crops, making them particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change
By recognizing the unique vulnerabilities of women, children, the elderly, the ill, and the disabled, Liberia can develop targeted strategies that empower these groups to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change. Climate-resilient agriculture, combined with community-driven initiatives and government support, can help ensure food security and sustainability for all Liberians, even in a changing climate.
Among other activities, Youth Alive Liberia will conduct stakeholders meeting, establish 10 PECs (beneficiaries), integrated new Technology and social media particularly Facebook, Whatsapp SMS platform to disseminate Climate change, launch Tree planting per household activity, conduct training for the PECs in trees planting and bedding/nurseries marketing and business development, train and link the PECs to VSLA(Village Savings) that exist within their Communities.
Adapting the agricultural system in Liberia to climate change requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves integrating climate-smart practices into farming, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that vulnerable populations have the tools and support needed to cope with changing conditions.