By G. Watson Richards
A May 2026 Country Report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reveals that Liberia is highly vulnerable to climate change and climate-related natural disasters, potentially increasing food insecurity and poverty.
Liberia faces growing threats from climate change that could slow economic growth, worsen poverty, and place additional pressure on the country’s already fragile economy, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In its May 2026 Country Report, the IMF warned that climate-related disasters such as flooding, coastal erosion, rising sea levels, and changing rainfall patterns are becoming major risks to Liberia’s development and financial stability.
“Liberia is highly vulnerable to climate change and climate-related natural disasters, which pose significant risks to growth and debt sustainability,” the IMF said in the report.
The Fund noted that heavy rainfall and flooding continue to damage roads, bridges, farms, and other public infrastructure, while also disrupting key sectors including agriculture, transport, tourism, and public works.
According to the report, climate shocks are also increasing pressure on government spending as authorities are forced to respond to disasters and support affected communities.
“Natural disasters and changing climate patterns disrupt domestic productivity, potentially increasing food insecurity and poverty while also adding pressure on balance of payment needs,” the IMF stated.
The report described climate change as a “threat multiplier” that could deepen poverty and weaken Liberia’s long-term growth prospects if urgent action is not taken.
The IMF said Liberia is expected to experience hotter temperatures, more extreme heat, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and more frequent flooding in the coming years. Northern and western parts of the country are projected to receive heavier rainfall, while some southern areas could face reduced rainfall and longer dry periods.
“Without action, climate change could shrink Liberia’s economy by 15 percent and push 1.3 million people into poverty by 2050,” the report said, citing a World Bank assessment.
Agriculture, one of the country’s largest economic sectors, is expected to be among the hardest hit.
The IMF said the sector contributes about 40 percent of Liberia’s Gross Domestic Product and provides employment for roughly 41 percent of the population.
“The impacts of climate change on labor productivity, crop yields, and infrastructure pose intense challenges for the agriculture sector,” the report noted.
The Fund warned that rising temperatures could reduce the number of hours farmers can safely work, while important crops such as rice, cassava, maize, cocoa, bananas, plantains, and groundnuts may experience declining yields under hotter and drier conditions.
The report also pointed to growing risks in the fisheries sector, where rising sea temperatures, coastal erosion, and mangrove loss are affecting fish stocks and marine ecosystems.
“Severe climate events, such as rising temperatures, heavy rainfall, and flooding, can significantly disrupt crop production and lead to substantial livestock losses,” the IMF added.
Despite the challenges, the IMF acknowledged that Liberia has taken steps to address climate-related risks through policies and national development plans.
The report highlighted the National Adaptation Plan 2020–2030 and the government’s 2025–2029 ARREST Agenda as important frameworks for climate resilience and environmental protection.
However, the IMF said limited financial resources remain a major obstacle to implementing large-scale climate adaptation projects.
“Resource constraints-stemming from low domestic revenue and a shallow domestic financial market, limit the country’s capacity to undertake ambitious adaptation measures and climate-resilient investments,” the report stated.
According to the IMF, Liberia will continue to depend heavily on external financing to meet its climate goals.
The report said the ARREST Agenda estimates that the country will need about US$422 million for environmental and climate resilience investments, representing nearly eight percent of Liberia’s 2025 Gross Domestic Product.
