The Government of Liberia, through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), has launched county-level activities under the Strengthening Agricultural Resilience through Transformational Livelihood Adaptation in Liberia (SARTLA) Project supported by UNDP. 

Between 6 and 13 October 2026, county-level engagements were conducted across seven counties- Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties in Liberia's inland region, and Grand Cape Mount, Margibi, Maryland, and Montserrado Counties along the coast, to strengthen climate resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.

The activities were led by two field teams tasked with introducing the project to local stakeholders and preparing communities for implementation.

The engagements brought together local authorities, traditional and community leaders, women's groups, youth representatives, and people with disabilities.

During the sessions, stakeholders were briefed on the project's objectives, planned interventions, and the roles of participating institutions. Communities were also encouraged to actively engage in the implementation process to ensure local ownership and sustainability.

Among the remarks shared during the engagements, Loleyah Hawa Norris, Superintendent of Bong County, commended the project's commitment to advancing sustainable development and improving livelihoods.

Superintendent Norris expressed appreciation for the SARTLA initiative and encouraged community members to fully support the project.

Also speaking in Bong County, Madam Josephine Richardson, Manager of Kpatawee Waterfall, emphasized the importance of building on existing community strengths and working collaboratively to maximize the project's benefits.

Mrs. Richardson noted that the initiative presents a valuable opportunity to promote local development while strengthening resilience to climate change.

Speaking on behalf of the Robertsport City Mayor, Mr. Alex Sherman underscored the importance of collaboration and shared responsibility in ensuring the project's success.

“The successful implementation of SARTLA depends on our collective commitment, collaboration, and consistency. I encourage every community member to take this project seriously, actively participate in its activities, and work closely with the SARTLA team to ensure lasting benefits for our communities," Mr. Sherman noted.

Reflecting on his participation in the SARTLA Inception Workshop held in May 2026 in Monrovia, Superintendent Foley J. Kiatamba, of Grand Cape Mount County, highlighted the project's potential to deliver meaningful benefits to local communities.

Kiatamba urged residents to embrace the initiative and work closely with the project team to ensure its successful implementation and long-term impact.

In Maryland County, Mr. Sam Bah Worzoh, a participant from Harper, recommended that beneficiaries be grouped according to their existing skills, knowledge, and experience before training activities begin. 

Worzoh stressed that this approach would help ensure that capacity-building activities are tailored to participants' needs and maximize project outcomes.

The county engagements mark an important milestone in translating the SARTLA Project from planning into action.

By working closely with local authorities, community leaders, women, youth, and vulnerable groups, the project aims to ensure that climate adaptation solutions are locally driven, inclusive, and sustainable.

About the SARTLA Project

The Strengthening Agricultural Resilience through Transformational Livelihood Adaptation in Liberia (SARTLA) Project is a five-year climate adaptation initiative running from 2025 to 2030.

Executed by the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the Government of Liberia, the project is implemented through an inter-ministerial arrangement, with its Project Management Unit hosted at the Ministry of Agriculture. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) serves as the accredited entity, providing technical guidance and implementation support.

SARTLA promotes a systems-based approach to climate adaptation across agriculture, fisheries, and ecotourism. 

Its interventions focus on restoring degraded ecosystems, strengthening agricultural extension services, improving access to finance, and developing sustainable value chains to support rural livelihoods and long-term resilience.

The project's key partners include the Environmental Protection Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, and the Liberia National Tourism Authority.

Through its integrated approach, SARTLA seeks to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, food security, and rural livelihoods.

Its focus on both inland and coastal counties recognizes the critical linkages among agricultural landscapes, forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems.

The project is anchored on three strategic outcomes that will guide implementation across the seven target counties:

1. Climate-Resilient Ecosystems and Agriculture
2. Livelihoods and Value Chain Development

3. Innovative Financing and Private Sector Engagement

   Together, these outcomes are expected to strengthen adaptive capacities, create economic opportunities, and support sustainable development pathways for vulnerable communities across Liberia.  

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