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Mr. Joseph Ndebeh, an agricultural scientist at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) and lecturer at Cuttington University College of Agriculture & Sustainable Development, expresses deep concerns about Liberia’s farmers’ challenges due to climate change. Despite his busy schedule, Mr. Ndebeh’s calm conduct and connection to the land reflect his passion for both his professional work and personal farming.
On a sunny afternoon at Cuttington University in Suakoko District, Bong County, Mr. Ndebeh explained how shifting climate patterns are threatening the country’s agricultural sector. “Climate change is a reality,” says Mr. Ndebeh. “We’re seeing shifts in rainfall, extreme heat, and even strange events like ice blocks falling in some parts of the country. In Nimba County, this happened recently, something we haven’t seen in decades.” These changes are taking a toll on crops.
Farmers in Liberia have noticed erratic rainfall and prolonged heat turns. The once-predictable rainfall season in December, ideal for crops like okra and pepper, has become unreliable, with heavy rains and flooding destroying crops, and excessive heat causing poor yields. “Farmers can no longer tell when the rains will come, and that’s making planting much more difficult,” Mr. Ndebeh explains. New pests and diseases are emerging, adding stress to farmers already struggling with climate unpredictability.
Amos K. Holder, a traditional farmer from Panta District, Bong County, voiced concerns about the growing challenges posed by erratic weather patterns. “We used to get more rain than sun, but now it can go for a month or two without rain, and the sun is much stronger,” says Mr. Holder. This makes crop cultivation even harder.
The rise in pests and diseases is another consequence of climate change. Unpredictable rainfall creates an environment where pests thrive, sometimes attacking crops previously unaffected by such invasions. For example, the 2023 army-worm pest outbreak in Bong County and diseases affecting crops like onions and peppers have made it harder for farmers to meet growing food demands.
These unforeseeable weather patterns are reducing crop yields, worsening food insecurity across Liberia. Mr. Ndebeh notes that rising pest populations, heatwaves, and unusual rainfall are making crops more susceptible to disease, further lowering productivity. Pollination is also affected, with higher temperatures causing flowers to fall off before pollination, leading to crop failure.
Water management is another critical issue. Mr. Holder underscores the need for better water storage solutions. “If we can capture and store the little rain that does fall, we can use it to support our crops during the dry months,” he says.
Rising sea levels are leading to flooding and erosion in coastal areas, while inland areas experience stronger winds that damage crops and homes. A massive flood in the Zubatan region wiped out a 35-hectare rice farm, highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change.
A 2024 survey on climate change and migration by New Narratives, conducted across five counties, found that nine out of ten farmers were considering migration due to climate challenges. Many farmers reported that their livelihoods were no longer sustainable, with 73% seeking better economic opportunities. Some considered migrating for education or work, while others thought of relocating within the country or abroad, particularly to the United States. However, experts warned that this desperation could make farmers vulnerable to traffickers and scammers.
To address these challenges, CARI has been working on solutions to help farmers adapt. One promising strategy is the introduction of faster-maturing rice varieties, which allow farmers to shorten the gap between harvests. These rice varieties, taking about 90 days to mature compared to traditional varieties that take 120 to 150 days, enable farmers to harvest more frequently, even in unpredictable climates, helping to reduce hunger and stabilize food supplies.
Mr. Holder is an advocate for early-maturing rice, which he believes will ensure a regular supply of rice and reduce dependence on imports. Additionally, farmers in Panta District are now growing new varieties like diabetic-black rice, purple rice, and jasmine red rice, which are better suited to the changing climate.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Ndebeh remains hopeful. He stresses the importance of switching to faster-growing crop varieties to cope with climate change. “The longer it takes for a crop to mature, the more vulnerable it is to climate changes. By choosing quicker-growing varieties, we can ensure a dependable food supply, even with weather uncertainties,” he says. He also advocates for improving water management, suggesting that farmers build reservoirs to capture excess rainfall and use it during drier months.
Amos Holder highlights the importance of collective action. “Farmers need to come together and collaborate with the government,” he says. He suggests practices like rolling farming, which involves growing crops on slopes and hills, to improve yields and protect against extreme weather. Conservation farming, which uses organic materials or grass to protect soil from evaporation, is another strategy that can help retain moisture and support crop growth.
CARI has also introduced varieties from international sources, including 15 lines from Indonesia and Dubai, designed to thrive in challenging conditions, such as high salt in coastal areas or iron-rich soils in inland regions. These varieties are part of CARI’s broader strategy to equip farmers with resilient crops.
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the past decade has been the hottest on record, with 2024 being the warmest year yet. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that 3.3 billion people are highly vulnerable to climate risks, including food and water insecurity. The IPCC’s report highlights how climate change is severely affecting agriculture, leading to reduced productivity and increasing the risk of global food insecurity.
Joseph Ndebeh at the same time recites the role of government policies in supporting farmers. He notes that the government has been introducing early-maturing rice varieties, like the V4, which are designed to withstand tough conditions caused by climate change. However, he acknowledges that encouraging farmers to adopt these changes remains a challenge.
One group leading these efforts is Panta Pride, a local farming collective based in Bong County. Partnering with the Ministry of Agriculture, Panta Pride has been at the forefront of growing early-maturing rice varieties, including the diabetic-black rice, beans, and other resilient crops highlighted by Amos Holder. By adopting these crops, Panta Pride is helping to safeguard food security in the region, allowing farmers to withstand the pressures of climate change while contributing to the national goal of increasing domestic food production.
“The future of agriculture in Liberia depends on farmers’ willingness to innovate and adapt,” he says. “We must think outside the box and use our resources wisely.” Ndebeh believes that with continued investment in infrastructure and better access to financing and technical support, Liberia’s agricultural sector can thrive.
“We can’t keep relying on imports forever. We have the land, we have the climate, and with the right strategies, we can make Liberia self-sufficient in food production,” he concludes.
