By Nukanah Kollie
GBARNGA, BONG COUNTY – ActionAid Liberia recently wrapped up a two-day County Level National People’s Summit on Climate Change, held under the theme “Scaling Agroecology, People-Driven Climate Finance and Sustainable Solutions for Liberia.” The event convened farmers, youth, women, government officials, and civil society members to explore sustainable agricultural practices, renewable energy adoption, and community-led approaches to climate challenges.
The summit, hosted in Bong County, forms part of a wider grassroots consultation process contributing to climate discussions at national, regional, and continental levels. This initiative is implemented under the Second Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA II) and the ForumCiv Medium Partnership program, which provided substantial funding. Although Liberia accounts for only 0.03 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country remains vulnerable to significant climate impacts.
Ms. Norwu Kolu Harris, Program Coordinator for Climate Justice and Youth at ActionAid Liberia, opened the summit by stressing the urgent need to shift towards sustainable farming and renewable energy, especially while safeguarding vulnerable populations. She drew attention to the numerous challenges faced by rural farmers, such as crop failures, the damaging effects of chemical fertilizers, and erratic weather patterns.
Harris explained that climate justice in agriculture involves abandoning harmful practices like overuse of chemical fertilizers and reliance on fossil fuels, while providing farmers particularly women and youth with access to organic farming techniques, solar power, and climate-smart methods. She called on the government to ensure that transitioning from fuel-based generators to solar energy does not worsen hardships for rural communities who rely on generators for storage and processing, emphasizing that vulnerable groups must be supported throughout this change.
Victor Gbelee, Lead Inspector for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Bong County, echoed the message that fighting climate change requires collective action. He shared some of the EPA’s efforts, including setting up county-level environmental committees to better coordinate local initiatives. Gbelee emphasized that climate change is a responsibility shared by all—from waste management to agricultural practices and urged farmers to adopt lowland farming and climate-smart approaches to help reduce deforestation and carbon emissions.
He also advocated for community beautification projects and the development of green corridors along roads and schools, noting that small, community-based efforts can significantly strengthen climate resilience.
Two attendees reflected on their experiences at the summit. Platon S. Plakar, representing the Liberia Environmental Agriculture and Research Network, described the event as a remarkable opportunity that enhanced their capacity for climate advocacy. He said the summit better equips participants to lead community programs promoting agroecology and climate justice.
Alfred Kollie, assistant moderator and President of Bong County Technical College in Gbarnga, said the summit altered his views on waste management and soil conservation. He acknowledged that burning trash damages the environment and pointed out that recycling, particularly of plastics, is a more sustainable option. He also highlighted learning farming techniques that preserve soil health and committed to sharing these insights with his community.
Ms. Annie J. Tokpah, the current Speaker of the Bong County Children Parliament, underscored the vital role of raising awareness to motivate communities and countries to take responsibility for climate action. She emphasized that spreading this information is crucial to securing a better future for Liberia. Ms. Tokpah further noted the need for increased support to broaden outreach efforts and ensure the message reaches more people.
She appealed to governors, local institutions, and Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency to actively back the Children Parliament’s initiatives aimed at enhancing climate awareness and encouraging climate action within their communities.
The summit’s resolutions will be compiled into a community position paper to be presented during national consultations, then forwarded to regional ECOWAS meetings, submitted to the African Union climate conference in Ethiopia this September, and ultimately shared on the international climate platform later this year.
ActionAid Liberia reiterated its commitment to promoting sustainable, people-centered climate solutions, supporting agroecology, and ensuring that climate finance reaches those most affected by the ongoing climate crisis.
Like this:
Like Loading…
