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Story Written By: Darlington Porkpa/[email protected]/+231770127075
Amid the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture, farmers in Bong County situated in central Liberia are increasingly turning to charcoal production as an alternative source of income, exacerbating concerns over deforestation and environmental degradation.
The region renowned for its agricultural productivity, has been grappling with erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and declining crop yields attributed to climate change. Faced with mounting challenges to traditional farming practices, many farmers have sought alternative livelihoods to sustain their families and mitigate the impacts of climate variability.
“Climate change has disrupted our farming cycles and made it increasingly difficult to rely solely on agriculture for our livelihoods,” explained James Mulbah, a farmer in Salala District, lower Bong County. “In search of more stable income opportunities, many of us have ventured into charcoal production as a means of survival, ‘’ he narrates in desperation.
Charcoal production offers several advantages over traditional agriculture in the face of climate uncertainty. Unlike crops, which are susceptible to erratic weather conditions and pest infestations, charcoal production provides a more reliable source of income with relatively lower risk. Additionally, the high demand for charcoal as a cooking fuel ensures steady market demand, offering financial stability to farmers facing agricultural uncertainties.
However, the proliferation of charcoal production in Bong County has raised alarms among environmentalists and conservationists. The indiscriminate cutting of trees for charcoal production not only accelerates deforestation but also contributes to habitat loss, soil erosion, and carbon emissions, exacerbating the very climate change impacts that farmers seek to address.
“Charcoal production, while providing short-term economic benefits, poses significant long-term environmental consequences,” cautioned Jonathan S. Stewart, a student of Sustainable Development at the School of Global Affairs and Policy, Cuttington University Graduate School. “The loss of forest cover not only threatens biodiversity but also undermines the resilience of ecosystems and exacerbates the climate crisis,” the conservationist emphasized.
Efforts to address the intertwined challenges of climate change adaptation, sustainable livelihoods, and environmental conservation in Bong County and Liberia by extension require a multifaceted approach that balances the needs of local communities with the imperatives of ecosystem protection.
Initiatives aimed at promoting agroforestry, renewable energy alternatives, and sustainable land management practices offer promising avenues for addressing both the socio-economic needs of farmers and the environmental imperatives of climate resilience.
As stakeholders in Liberia grapple with the complex realities of climate change adaptation and sustainable development, proactive measures are needed to empower farmers, safeguard ecosystems, and build resilient communities capable of navigating the uncertainties of a changing climate.
