By: Edmund C. Gbarwee, Nimba D-9 TV Public Health Reporter, ceo@onenimbahouse.com, nimbad9tv2018@gmail.com, +231778070604
Liberia: – In the heart of Liberia’s verdant landscape, Nimba and Margibi Counties stand as critical battlegrounds in the fight against climate change. As these regions grapple with the dual challenges of deforestation and unsustainable farming practices, the role of women and innovative agricultural methods becomes increasingly significant. Agriculturalist D. Marker Gbarwee’s recent presentation sheds light on the pressing need to balance low-land farming with environmental preservation, emphasizing the invaluable role of women in these efforts.
The Urgent Need to Combat Deforestation and Unsustainable Farming
Deforestation—the large-scale removal of forests for agriculture, logging, or development—has dire consequences for the environment. In Nimba and Margibi Counties, deforestation accelerates soil erosion, disrupts water cycles, and contributes to the loss of biodiversity. Additionally, it releases stored carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming and flooding.
Unsustainable farming practices in low-lying areas also contribute to environmental degradation. When lands are overexploited or poorly managed, the results can include soil degradation, loss of arable land, and decreased agricultural productivity. Low-land farming, if not managed correctly, can lead to similar outcomes.
D. Marker Gbarwee, a seasoned agriculturalist, has emphasized the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices. His insights underscore the benefits of low-land farming when it’s managed responsibly, and the dangers of deforestation, particularly in preserving the environmental balance and ensuring long-term agricultural viability.
Role of Women Empowerment Forum Liberia-WEFL
As Women Empowerment Forum Liberia-WEFL continues its project activities, there are lots of interesting success stories coming up as target communities and participants get to fully understand climate change and its effects.
Empowering Women for Climate Justice and Resilience in Liberia With funding from the Global Fund for Women Champions, WEFL participants thanked them for the hard work in educating them about the long-standing harms they have been creating for them and their communities and calling on the donor to provide more funding that women will get empowered. “This program should be funded so that you can cover the entire Liberia as we are currently faced with lots of climate change effects negatively,” said a participant
The Benefits of Responsible Low-Land Farming
Low-land areas in Nimba and Margibi Counties hold unique agricultural potential due to their rich soil and favorable climatic conditions. When managed sustainably, these areas can produce high yields with minimal environmental impact. Key benefits include:
Enhanced Soil Fertility: Properly managed low-land farming can maintain or even improve soil fertility, which is essential for long-term agricultural success.
Water Management: Low-lying areas often have better access to water sources, which can be harnessed for irrigation, thus increasing crop yields and food security.
Biodiversity Preservation: Sustainable farming practices can help preserve the natural habitats of various species, supporting biodiversity.
The Crucial Role of Women in Climate Action
Women are at the forefront of climate action in many communities, including those in Nimba and Margibi Counties. Their involvement is crucial for several reasons:
Community Leadership: Women often play pivotal roles in local communities, making them effective leaders in promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Knowledge Transfer: Women are key in passing down agricultural knowledge and traditional practices that are often aligned with environmental sustainability.
Household Impact: Women manage households and are thus directly involved in decisions about resource use, waste management, and energy consumption.
Dos and Don’ts for Women in the Fight Against Climate Change
Dos:
Promote Sustainable Practices: Advocate for and adopt sustainable agricultural and environmental practices, such as organic farming and responsible land management.
Engage in Community Education: Educate others about the benefits of environmental conservation and the dangers of deforestation.
Participate in Policy Advocacy: Get involved in local and national policy discussions on climate change and environmental protection to influence positive change.
Collaborate with Organizations: Partner with NGOs and other organizations focused on climate action to leverage additional resources and expertise.
Support Reforestation Efforts: Actively participate in or support reforestation initiatives to restore degraded lands and enhance carbon sequestration.
Don’ts:
Avoid Harmful Practices: Refrain from engaging in practices that lead to deforestation or environmental degradation, such as slash-and-burn agriculture.
Don’t Overlook Local Knowledge: Neglecting traditional knowledge and practices that promote environmental stewardship can undermine sustainability efforts.
Don’t Isolate Yourself: Working in isolation can limit the impact. Collaboration and networking are key to effective climate action.
Avoid Ignoring Climate Data: Stay informed about climate science and data to make well-informed decisions and advocate effectively for climate action.
Don’t Disregard Socio-Economic Factors: Recognize that climate change impacts different communities in varying ways and advocate for solutions that are equitable and inclusive.
Moving Forward: A Unified Approach
Combating climate change in Nimba and Margibi Counties requires a unified approach that integrates sustainable agricultural practices, anti-deforestation efforts, and active community involvement. Women, as vital agents of change, play an essential role in this collective effort. By supporting responsible low-land farming and advocating for environmental conservation, they help build a resilient future for their communities and the planet.
As D. Marker Gbarwee’s insights highlight, the path forward lies in balancing development with environmental stewardship. By harnessing the potential of low-land farming while preserving vital forest ecosystems, and by empowering women to lead and innovate in these areas, Nimba and Margibi Counties can set a powerful example in the global fight against climate change.
