Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Liberia’s Agricultural Sector and Strategic Adaptation Approaches

Abstract

Climate change poses a critical threat to agricultural systems and food security worldwide, with particularly acute impacts in post-conflict nations like Liberia. This systematic literature review examines the impacts of climate change on Liberia's agricultural sector and identifies context-appropriate adaptation strategies. We analyzed 72 peer-reviewed articles and institutional reports (2011-2024) addressing agricultural productivity under climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa and West African contexts applicable to Liberia. The review synthesizes evidence on temperature increases, rainfall variability, drought stress, flooding, and pest proliferation, all of which significantly reduce crop yields in tropical agricultural systems. Key adaptation strategies identified include: crop diversification with drought- and flood-tolerant varieties, improved water management, adjusted planting calendars based on climate forecasts, agroforestry systems, conservation agriculture, integrated pest management, enhanced climate information services, and soil fertility management. These strategies, drawn from regional experiences and adapted to Liberia's post-conflict context, offer pathways to enhance agricultural resilience. However, significant research gaps remain regarding Liberia-specific climate impacts and the effectiveness of adaptation interventions under local conditions. This review provides evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, development partners, and researchers to support climate-resilient agricultural development in Liberia.