(Plata District, Bong County November 13,2024) Concerned traditional farmers in Panta District Bong County , Liberia have identified climate change as a significant contributor to food insecurity in both their community and Liberia as a whole.
Residents, including farmer Martha Sumo, report that traditional agricultural practices that once sustained their livelihoods are now failing due to unpredictable weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and prolonged dry spells. As a result, many farmers struggle to produce enough food to feed their families, leading to widespread hunger and an increasing dependence on imported rice.
The farmers emphasize that climate change has severely disrupted their crops, particularly rice, which has been a staple food for Liberians. They noted that in previous decades, farmers in Panta District were able to harvest enough rice to last throughout the year.
In light of these challenges, Martha Sumo and her fellow farmers are urging the Liberian government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, and the international community to invest in agricultural initiatives. They believe that such investments are crucial for helping Liberians recover from the adverse impacts of climate change.