By: Cooper K Sangar Jr
MONROVIA – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a new humanitarian initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience and supporting disaster-affected communities in Liberia.
Titled “Strengthening Resilience and Supporting Disaster-Affected Populations in Liberia,” the initiative is the second ECOWAS-funded project focused on addressing humanitarian needs in the country.
With a total value of over US$725,000, the project is funded by the ECOWAS Humanitarian Department and will be implemented by the Liberia National Red Cross Society (LNRCS) in partnership with the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
The project targets four counties: Montserrado, Lofa, Grand Cape Mount, and Bong. A core component involves the direct cash transfer of US$455,000 to 1,820 vulnerable family heads via mobile money. The goal is to support their economic recovery and enable engagement in small-scale income-generating activities.
In addition to the cash support, the initiative includes:
- Construction of 25 new handpumps and repair of 36 damaged ones to improve access to clean water
- Promotion of safe waste collection and proper garbage disposal practices
- Training and support for 200 local farmers in climate-smart agriculture, including the distribution of assorted seeds and farming tools
Speaking at a recent Project Steering Committee meeting held in Monrovia, ECOWAS Resident Representative, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, highlighted the urgent need for climate action in the region.
“Climate change and natural disasters are among the greatest challenges facing our region,” Ambassador Nkrumah said. “This project is a demonstration of ECOWAS’ commitment to not only respond to immediate humanitarian needs but also to build the resilience of vulnerable communities in Liberia.”
She noted that the impacts of climate change in Liberia remain severe. In 2024 alone, over 50,000 people—primarily women, children, and other vulnerable groups—were displaced due to widespread flooding that destroyed more than 5,000 homes, disrupted livelihoods, and cut off access to essential services.
“Our ultimate goal is to help Liberians not just survive disasters, but thrive beyond them,” she emphasized.
Gregory Blamoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Liberia National Red Cross Society, expressed appreciation for the collaboration:
“We are deeply grateful to ECOWAS for their trust and partnership,” Blamoh said. “Through this project, we aim to empower disaster-affected families, provide sustainable solutions, and strengthen the capacity of communities to adapt to the realities of a changing climate.”
The Project Steering Committee—comprising the ECOWAS Office in Liberia, the National Disaster Management Agency, and the Liberia National Red Cross Society—convened recently at the ECOWAS Office in Monrovia to finalize preparations for the official project launch.
The meeting was chaired by Ambassador Nkrumah and attended by Mr. Blamoh and NDMA representatives.
