EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Liberia, situated in West Africa, borders the North Atlantic Ocean and three neighboring countries: Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Ivory Coast. It covers 111,369 square kilometers, divided into 15 counties with various districts and clans. With a population of 5.2 million and a primarily agricultural economy, Liberia faces challenges due to climate change, exacerbated by its coastal vulnerability and reliance on climate- sensitive sectors. Climate change particularly impacts agriculture, fishing, mining, and forestry sectors.

This climate change baseline report for Bomi County employed a mixed-method approach, including a literature review, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, targeting individuals from different sectors at the county level. Climate data analysis utilized information from the Climate Change Knowledge Portal and the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Also, hazard information and data were acquired from ThinkHarzard!

Bomi has experienced a significant increase in population over the years, rising from 1,942 in 1984 to 84,119 in 2022. As a result, it is now the eleventh most populous county in the country. Bomi’s livelihood includes small-scale rubber production, farming, small businesses, and artisanal diamond mining. Currently, iron ore mining by Western Cluster Liberia Limited also contributes to the economy. Despite these developments, poverty remains a significant challenge, with 64% of the population living below the poverty line. Employment opportunities are mainly in agriculture, with some involvement in mining and services. The migration trend in Bomi shows that young people move to urban centers such as Monrovia, influenced by economic opportunities. Bomi’s cultural landscape is rich, with deep-rooted traditions such as storytelling, traditional dances, and rites of passage. Bomi’s ethnic diversity comprises many groups, such as Gola, Dei, Mandinka, and Kpelle, each with its own language and cultural practices.