EPISODE 3: Youth Empowerment - Sustainable Farming - CEPIL

Sustainable farming is increasingly important in the face of climate change, particularly in Liberia, where local populations are unsure when the rainy season or dry season ends or begins, flooding, deforestation, poor roads, and limited access to agricultural technology and storage. As these challenges continue to threaten food security and rural livelihoods, climate-smart and sustainable farming practices can help communities become more resilient while protecting Liberia’s environment.

On July 17th 2026 I had the pleasure of interviewing CEPIL, Climate Environmental Protection Initiative of Liberia a non- profit environmental organization focused on environmental advocacy, community engagement, sustainability, agriculture, climate action, and social justice. Through initiatives such as the Green Protectors EcoClub, climate education training, climate-smart agriculture programs for women and girls, and WASH initiatives in schools, CEPIL works to empower communities and promote a more sustainable and inclusive future for Liberia. 

CEPIL Team from left to right: Martha B.P. Lincoln Green Protectors Eco-Club Coordinator,  Fredrica M. Teoh Gender and Safeguard Lead, Amara Konnah Social Justice and Protection Lead, Mosiatta Faith Johnson Acting Executive Director, Moses B. Bonkie Environmental Officer/ Technician, Naomi Nanette Host of Voices Under the Palaver Tree, Jonathan Z. Saye Environmental Officer. 

For Liberia, food security is closely connected to environmental sustainability. While the country has abundant land and natural resources, farmers and rural communities continue to face challenges including unpredictable rainfall, flooding, limited agricultural technology, poor road connectivity, and inadequate storage facilities. As discussed during the podcast, the challenge is not simply a lack of resources, but a gap in knowledge, infrastructure, technology, and access that prevents communities from fully benefiting from the resources available to them.

These challenges are further complicated by Liberia's environmental pressures, including deforestation, poor waste management, flooding, and changing rainfall patterns linked to climate change. For communities that depend on natural resources for their livelihoods, poverty can also increase reliance on activities such as charcoal production and other unsustainable sources of income, placing additional pressure on forests and ecosystems. This creates a cycle in which environmental degradation can threaten the same livelihoods that communities depend on. 

Another major issue raised during the conversation was the gap between agricultural technology and human capacity. Many farmers continue to rely on manual and traditional farming practices, while access to modern equipment, training, and other agricultural resources remains limited. Poor roads also make it difficult to transport crops from farms to markets, while inadequate storage forces farmers to sell or consume their produce quickly, even when market conditions may not be favorable. 

Empowering Women Through Climate-Smart Agriculture

Women play an important role in supporting families and communities through agriculture, yet many women farmers face limited access to markets, storage, technology, and alternative sources of income. CEPIL's climate-smart agriculture program for women and girls aims to address some of these challenges by helping women not only produce crops, but also add value to what they grow. For example, cassava can be processed into products such as gari, flour, fufu, and cassava chips, creating additional opportunities for income and helping farmers respond to different market demands.

The program also recognizes that agriculture alone may not always provide a reliable source of income, particularly during periods when crops are still growing or when climate-related challenges disrupt access to markets. For this reason, CEPIL has explored vocational training in areas such as sewing, tie-dye, and soap making, giving women additional skills that could provide alternative sources of income and strengthen their resilience.

Youth Empowerment and Environmental Education

With nearly 75% of Liberia’s population under the age of 35, youth empowerment is essential to the country’s environmental future. CEPIL believes young people should not simply be viewed as future leaders, but as active participants in climate action and decision-making today.

“I don't believe in the term where youth are the future leaders, I think youth should be the present leaders.” - Mosiatta Faith Johnson

Through initiatives such as the Green Protectors EcoClub, CEPIL introduces children to environmental stewardship from an early age. The organization aims to help young people understand the consequences of behaviors such as littering and improper waste disposal, while encouraging environmentally responsible habits that can stay with them as they grow. For CEPIL, creating lasting environmental change means starting at the root, equipping the younger generation with the knowledge and awareness to protect their communities and respond to climate change.

Ultimately, CEPIL’s work highlights that building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Liberia requires more than environmental policies alone. It requires empowering farmers, investing in women and youth, educating communities, and ensuring that vulnerable groups including people with disabilities have a voice in climate discussions. While challenges such as limited funding, infrastructure, technology, and access to resources remain, the conversation with CEPIL demonstrates the importance of locally led solutions and collective action in creating a healthier, more inclusive, and sustainable future for Liberia.