One major climate change induced impact affecting my local community in Liberia, particularly in rural areas, is deforestation driven by subsistence farming and the burning of farms. In many parts of rural Liberia, cutting down trees is a year round activity and an essential part of daily survival. Trees are cleared mainly for firewood, charcoal production, housing materials, and small-scale farming.
Agriculture is the backbone of Liberia’s rural economy. According to national estimates, about 60–70% of Liberia’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood, most of it subsistence based. Modern agricultural practices such as mechanized farming, climate-smart agriculture, or greenhouse based production are very limited. As a result, many farmers rely on slash and burn farming, especially during the dry season, as the most affordable way to clear land for cultivation.
This practice presents serious challenges to both the environment and community well-being. When forests are cut and burned, large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, contributing directly to climate change. Deforestation also reduces forest cover, which plays a critical role in carbon sequestration, rainfall regulation, soil fertility, and biodiversity conservation. Liberia, despite being home to part of the Upper Guinean Forest (one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots), has experienced significant forest loss over the past two decades, largely due to agriculture and fuelwood collection.
The impacts are already visible at the community level. Farmers face declining soil fertility, reduced crop yields, and increased vulnerability to unpredictable rainfall patterns. Infrastructure such as roads and bridges is also affected, as deforested areas are more prone to flooding and erosion. In addition, smoke from farm burning affects air quality, increasing respiratory health risks, especially for children and the elderly.
In response, there have been some adaptation and mitigation efforts. The Liberia Forestry Development Authority (FDA), along with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and climate-focused civil society organizations, has introduced community forestry programs and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable land use. These initiatives aim to educate communities on forest conservation, agroforestry, and alternative livelihoods.
However, these efforts have had limited success. For many rural residents, deforestation and farm burning are not choices but necessities. Extreme poverty, unemployment, and lack of alternatives make it difficult for communities to abandon practices that sustain their families. Without strong economic support, access to modern farming tools, or affordable energy alternatives, behavior change remains challenging.
In conclusion, deforestation and farm burning in rural Liberia highlight the strong link between climate change and socio-economic realities. While local institutions and community-based initiatives exist, meaningful progress will require greater investment in poverty reduction, climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy access, and sustained community engagement. Addressing climate change in Liberia must therefore go hand in hand with improving livelihoods and economic resilience at the grassroots level.