Farmers in Rural Monserrado Urge Government Support for Climate Resilient Agriculture

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ADNews-Careyburgs, Liberia:  A group of local farmers in Montserrado County, supported by ActionAid Liberia under the” Forum civ Medium Partnership Agreement, is calling on the government to strengthen ActionAid’s and other development partners’ efforts to improve food security across the country.

Appearing on Shatta 102.2 FM in Careyburg, Lower Montserrado recently, the farmers appealed for increased government support and training programs to empower local producers to boost food production.

The group included farmers Fanta Matu, Gaimai Ngangawulor, and Amargastine F. Taylor, who shared their experiences and concerns about the growing impact of climate change on agriculture.

Madam Gaimai highlighted the critical role ActionAid has played in sustaining their farming activities.

“Many of us were on the verge of giving up in farming, but thanks to ActionAid, we are still holding on and moving forward,” she said. “My message to the government is this: come down to our level and support ActionAid so they can continue helping us . The rain comes late and ends early,sometimes it floods our farms, and other times the sun is too harsh added Madam Garmai”.

Speaking on the impact of climate change, Amargastine F. Taylor expressed concerns about declining crop yields and rising threats from pests and diseases.

“Our harvests used to feed our families and leave enough to sell, but now we harvest very little,” he explained. “This is a serious and worsening situation. I’ve started planting early-maturing crops like cucumbers and using compost to improve soil health. I also collect rainwater during the rainy season.”

Taylor noted that with training from ActionAid Liberia, they’ve learned composting techniques, organic farming practices, and how to adapt to climate change.

Fanta Matu emphasized that many young people are abandoning farming, while those who remain are experimenting with new methods, including crop diversification.

“Women play a major role in agriculture,we work on the farms, fetch water and firewood, and are deeply affected by climate change due to social, economic, and cultural barriers,” Matu said. “This increases our vulnerability to climate disasters like floods and storms. When natural resources become scarce, it’s often women and girls who bear the burden, which affects their education and income opportunities.”

The farmers urged policymakers to increase investments in rural agriculture and expand training opportunities for local farmers. They also called for support from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and climate justice advocates to broaden public awareness.
In closing, the group encouraged fellow farmers to remain resilient.“Stay focused, try new methods, and share what you learn,” they said. “Together, we can find ways to survive and thrive.”
Their call to the government and other partners is in alignment with the African Union’s new 10 – year strategy to increase the continents agri- food output by 45% by 2035.
The decision was reached during the African Union Extraordinary Summit on the Post-Malabo Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), held in Kampala, Uganda.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Kampala CAADP Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa alongside the new CAADP Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035).
These commitments mark a critical milestone in the AU’s vision to make Africa food secure within the next decade amid rapid population growth and climate change.