MONROVIA – ActionAid Liberia has launched its inaugural National Climate Justice Summit, a pivotal three-day event aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture and inclusive renewable energy solutions across Liberia. The summit, held at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, commenced on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, under the theme “Climate Financing for Agroecology and Renewable Energy.”
By Claudius Greene, FPA Contributing Writer
In her opening address, Elizabeth Gbah Johnson, ActionAid Liberia’s Country Director, emphasized the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Liberia, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups who often bear the brunt of socio-economic inequality and climate impacts.
“Since 1997, ActionAid Liberia has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities across the country, especially those most affected by socio-economic inequality and climate change,” Johnson stated. She highlighted that ActionAid’s current Country Strategy Paper, Deepening Democracy, Rights, and Justice (CSP III), directs its work through a human rights-based approach with an intersectional feminist lens. This strategy aligns seamlessly with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, which aims to promote accountability, reform, and sustainable development in the nation.
Johnson stressed that ActionAid’s mission addresses both social inequities and climate injustice. “Climate action must reach those most affected—women, smallholder farmers, youth, and communities facing poverty,” she asserted. In Liberia, where agriculture comprises 36% of the GDP and provides critical employment, particularly for youth, climate change poses a significant threat. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns jeopardize agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and food security.
The challenges are especially acute for smallholder farmers, notably women, who face limited access to credit and exclusion from decision-making processes. “At ActionAid, we believe agroecology is a sustainable path forward,” Johnson remarked. “Agroecology not only respects the environment but also empowers communities to adopt climate-resilient practices.”
Through initiatives like the Strategic Partnership for Agroecology and Climate Justice in West Africa, ActionAid aims to support over 410,500 smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, in enhancing food security and building climate-resilient livelihoods. Johnson noted that this approach extends beyond environmental conservation, promoting biodiversity, reducing reliance on harmful inputs, and fostering sustainable local food systems. This focus on agroecology complements the ARREST Agenda’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
“To make meaningful progress, Liberia needs a robust policy framework and adequate financing mechanisms to advance agroecology and renewable energy,” she added. Currently, only 28% of Liberians have access to electricity, with renewables representing a small fraction. This limited access hinders opportunities for rural communities, where sustainable power could help young people and small businesses thrive.
Johnson called on the government to implement inclusive policies backed by adequate financial and technical resources for youth, women, and smallholder farmers. “We urge stakeholders to strengthen Liberia’s energy transition framework and promote community-driven agroecology initiatives. By doing so, we empower local actors to become agents of change in addressing climate-related challenges.”
She further underscored the need for youth engagement in shaping climate and agriculture policies, particularly for young women. Johnson noted that partnerships with regional and local youth-led organizations could mobilize cross-border support and influence youth-centered, climate-responsive agricultural policies. Platforms like the CAADP Biennial Review process allow young people to engage West African governments, advocating for agroecology and food sovereignty to secure a sustainable future.
Johnson emphasized the vital role of women and marginalized groups in Liberia’s rural communities, stating, “Often, their contributions and needs are overlooked in policymaking.” ActionAid advocates for public financing that empowers women and young farmers by ensuring equitable access to resources, technology, and land. “Their inclusion,” she stressed, “is essential to achieving true climate justice.”
In closing, Johnson encouraged attendees to view the summit as an opportunity to create a more just and resilient Liberia. “Let us push for policies that prioritize agroecology and renewable energy, foster inclusivity, and drive us toward a future where every Liberian has access to sustainable resources, food security, and resilience against climate impacts.”
Rebecca Vesselee, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, also addressed the summit, commending ActionAid Liberia for organizing the nation’s first Climate Justice Summit and for its dedication to promoting the global climate justice agenda. “Climate justice,” Vesselee explained, “focuses on the unequal impact of climate change on marginalized and vulnerable populations, striving for equitable distribution of both the burdens of climate change and the efforts to mitigate it.”
She emphasized the role of agroecology in climate justice, highlighting its focus on building healthy soils and increasing organic matter. “Agroecology is a farmer-centered approach to food production that respects nature and promotes gender equality, as women play a vital role in these practices.” However, she noted that agroecology currently receives only a small share of global agricultural funding compared to large-scale industrial agriculture.
“Both the public and private sectors must reconsider their support for large-scale food systems that degrade soil, deplete water resources, and disrupt local markets,” Vesselee urged, emphasizing the need for a roadmap that strengthens agroecological and renewable energy initiatives to support farmers, family-run businesses, local food security, and gender equality. This aligns with the ARREST Agenda’s focus on enhancing food security and promoting inclusive economic growth.
To sustainably meet agricultural energy needs, Vesselee highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower. “It’s essential that financing for agroecology reaches small-scale farmers and local organizations that implement and support these sustainable practices,” she noted.
In conclusion, Vesselee expressed gratitude to all attendees for their commitment to climate justice and sustainable agriculture. “Thank you for joining in the mission to build a just and resilient future for Liberia. Together, we can advocate for a comprehensive framework that supports sustainable practices, empowering our communities and fostering a healthier planet.”
Call to Action
ActionAid Liberia and Partners urge all stakeholders—government, civil society, and the private sector—to commit to actionable steps that prioritize agroecology and renewable energy. AAL work collaboratively to develop policies that ensure equitable access to resources for all Liberians, especially women and youth. By aligning our efforts with ActionAid Liberia’s Country Strategy Paper and the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda, Liberia can champion a climate justice agenda that transforms its communities, safeguards its environment, and secures a sustainable future for generations to come.
