The Liberia Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with Sustainable Solution for Africa (SSA) and backed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), recently hosted a national policy dialogue that aimed to enhance multi-country readiness for climate finance. This symposium, held in Monrovia on October 29, 2024, revolved around the theme “Accelerating the Financing and Implementation of Low-Carbon and Climate-Resilient Priorities for Agriculture and Energy in African Countries.” The event underscored the significance of the GCF Readiness Program, an initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of 23 African nations to tackle climate change challenges within the context of the African Adaptation Initiative (AAI).
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, civil society, and private sector representatives, the dialogue sought to find actionable solutions for enhancing climate resilience in Liberia’s agriculture sector. Participants discussed the incorporation of climate data and projections into agricultural policies, vital for fostering sustainable growth and climate adaptations. The program emphasizes the linkage between agriculture and energy as crucial for ensuring food security and managing climate impacts effectively in the region.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Elijah Z. Whapoe, Coordinator of the National Climate Change Secretariat, highlighted the importance of the dialogue, recognizing its capacity to facilitate discussions on climate change impacts on agriculture and livelihoods across Liberia. He emphasized that such engagements are necessary for identifying solutions to the growing challenges posed by climate change in the agricultural sector. Mr. Benjaman Karmoh, the chief technical advisor to the EPA’s Executive Director, further affirmed the importance of collective dialogue to confront these pressing issues, particularly given that agriculture significantly contributes to Liberia’s GDP.
Various representatives, including those from the UNDP and the Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, also contributed their insights during the symposium. They noted the increasing urgency to address Liberia’s challenges regarding agriculture and food security amid changing climate conditions. The speakers expressed optimism regarding the potential outcomes of the dialogue, underscoring the need for a collaborative approach involving multiple sectors to forge effective strategies that can weather the climate crisis’s impacts on agricultural productivity.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture, David K. Aquoi, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to promoting sustainable, climate-smart food production throughout Liberia. He detailed current initiatives geared toward low-land rice cultivation in both urban and peri-urban areas, advocating for practices that encourage local farmers to grow their own food while also generating income through sales. This approach not only seeks to enhance local livelihoods but also highlights the critical intersection of agricultural practices and climate adaptation strategies.
Overall, the dialogue served as a critical platform for aligning efforts among various stakeholders towards the common goal of enhancing Liberia’s agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. As discussions continued around the integration of climate action into agricultural frameworks, there appears to be a collective recognition of the vital role that sustainable practices can play in securing food supply, livelihoods, and economic stability for future generations. The efforts of the EPA, alongside partners, signify a positive step towards fostering an adaptive and resilient agricultural sector, essential for Liberia’s growth amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
