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Meknes, Morocco – April 23, 2025 – Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah represented Liberia at the 5th Ministerial Conference of the African Agriculture Adaptation Initiative (AAA), held in Meknes, Morocco. The conference, centered around the theme “Agroforestry and Climate Resilience: An African Vision for Food Security and Sustainable Development,” brought together African agriculture ministers, policymakers, and global partners to discuss climate adaptation strategies for Africa’s agriculture sector.
During the event, Dr. Nuetah emphasized the critical need for enhanced support for Liberia’s climate-smart agriculture initiatives, which are integral to the nation’s broader goals of sustainable development and climate resilience. He called for increased global climate finance to align with Liberia’s National Agriculture Development Plan, underscoring the importance of such support for the nation’s farmers.
“We expect global climate financing mechanisms to prioritize our National Agriculture Development Plan,” said Dr. Nuetah. “These efforts are vital for our farmers to achieve sustainable livelihoods and, at the same time, contribute to global climate objectives.”
The Minister also voiced concerns about the challenges posed by emerging international trade policies, particularly the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, which has implications for Liberia’s smallholder farmers. He highlighted the vulnerabilities of Liberia’s agricultural sector, where a significant portion of the population depends on forest resources for their livelihoods.
“The EU Deforestation Regulation presents serious challenges for smallholders, particularly those engaged in subsistence farming, who rely heavily on forest resources,” Dr. Nuetah explained. “For Liberia, with approximately 43% of the Upper Guinea Forest still intact, these policies could disrupt the livelihoods of rural communities that depend on these ecosystems.”
In addition to raising these concerns, the conference served as a platform for African ministers to renew their commitment to urgent climate action. The final resolutions underscored the need for comprehensive support for vulnerable farmers, especially women and youth, and stressed the importance of strengthening global cooperation to address climate challenges. The conference also laid the groundwork for advocacy ahead of COP30 in Brazil later this year.
Liberia’s active participation in the AAA conference serves as a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to advancing climate-smart agriculture, fostering regional partnerships, and building sustainable food systems that will endure for future generations. Dr. Nuetah’s address highlights Liberia’s determination to engage with global stakeholders to tackle climate change challenges while ensuring food security and economic resilience for its farmers.
As Liberia moves forward with its climate and agricultural initiatives, Minister Nuetah emphasized that collaboration with international partners will be essential to achieving the nation’s climate adaptation goals and supporting the agricultural communities that form the backbone of Liberia’s economy.
