Liberia: Climate Change Impact On Rice Production in Liberia - Case Studies of Kpatawee and Gbedin Rice Farms

Agricultural production in Liberia relies mainly on rain-fed farming. This system depends on the rainy season from April to November. Over 80% of Liberia's 4.5 million people depend on small-scale subsistence farming. Rice is the staple crop for many families. Traditional shifting cultivation has been the main farming method for centuries.

Climate change poses significant challenges for Liberia. The country is particularly vulnerable to its effects. Like other African nations, Liberia faces environmental and sustainable development issues. Its geographical location makes it prone to extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

These climate-related risks threaten Liberia's agricultural development priorities. Changes in rainfall patterns can reduce crop yields during critical growing periods. The FAO Country Programming Framework (2016-2019) highlights several policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing agriculture. These efforts aim to promote food security, nutrition, and employment opportunities.

Liberia's Ministry of Agriculture recognizes that climate change worsens farming conditions. Alvin Wesseh, an assistant minister, noted that the dry season has lengthened recently. This change leads to water shortages in agricultural areas, reducing productivity. Rising temperatures also threaten crop yields and plant species.

Halala Willie Kokulo directs land development and water resources at the Ministry of Agriculture. He holds degrees in General Agriculture and Integrated Watershed Management. Kokulo warns that changing weather patterns may lead to more encroachment on wetlands, causing production shortages.

He emphasizes the need for surplus production before distribution can occur elsewhere. Less rainfall presents a serious challenge for Liberia’s agriculture due to poor irrigation systems. Without proper mechanisms in place, a production crisis looms ahead.

The FAO states that while Liberia has developed agricultural policies, implementation remains weak due to limited resources and capacity. There is no effective communication strategy for agriculture or related issues like advocacy and dialogue. Currently, the FAO supports developing Liberia's National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP) for 2024-2030.

Liberia has yet to fulfill its commitments under international agreements like the Bali Action Plan from COP 18 in Doha. Other countries have submitted their Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs), but Liberia has not done so since December 2012.

Former agriculture minister Jennie Cooper highlighted climate change's global impact on poor countries like Liberia. She noted declining rice production forces many Liberians to rely on imports, increasing hardship for citizens.

According to AfricaRice, annual rice consumption per person in Liberia is about 133 kg—one of Africa's highest rates. To meet demand, Liberia imports nearly 300,000 metric tons of rice each year at a cost of around $200 million.

Gbedin is an agricultural hub located near Nimba County’s Guinean border known for its rice station and resettlement programs dating back to the 1950s. Farmers there report low rice yields due to climate change impacts and lack of adequate farming tools.

George Leaman leads Dokodan Farmers' Cooperative in Gbedin and expressed concerns over changing agricultural calendars affecting rice production year-round. Many farmers feel discouraged by low yields compared to previous years.

Saye Paye lives with his family in Gbedin but struggles with rising costs due to decreased local rice production caused by climate change impacts since 2015. He now buys imported rice daily as local harvests fail him financially.

Saye considers relocating his family in search of better economic opportunities as Gbedin becomes less viable for farming activities affected by climate change.
Similarly, Kpatawee Rice Production site in Bong County faces worker losses impacting local economies.