Since 2020, livelihood security in Liberia has improved slightly with uneven progress across regions. Key strategies to address challenges include securing land tenure, managing natural resources effectively, involving local authorities, strengthening service availability, and developing monitoring tools. These elements are crucial for enhancing resilience and economic stability in the agricultural sector.
Since 2020, Liberia has seen a slight improvement in livelihood security, though disparities remain across regions. Notable progress has been observed in counties like Maryland and Bong, while others, such as Grand Kru and River Cess, have faced declines. Farmers experience lower livelihood security levels compared to the general population, indicating a troubling trend in vulnerable agricultural regions.
Secure land tenure is vital for development, fostering intergroup harmony and institutional trust. Establishing strong legal frameworks to protect land rights, especially for smallholder farmers, is necessary. Educational initiatives are needed to inform farmers about their land rights, ensuring fair transactions and dispute resolutions. Addressing land ownership in rural areas under the ARREST strategy is crucial for Liberia’s agricultural growth.
A significant 92% of farmers in Liberia face critical or severe livelihood security issues. Climate change is anticipated to exacerbate these conditions. Effective Natural Resource Management (NRM) strategies are essential for addressing climatic challenges and enhancing agricultural security. Sustainable practices and cooperative management systems can mitigate adverse climate impacts, promoting resilience in agriculture.
Farmers exhibit greater trust in local authorities compared to other sectors due to their accessibility and response capabilities. This trust stems from economic, practical, and cultural factors, making local authorities integral to addressing immediate community needs. Involving local entities in developing and implementing ARREST policies will enhance project adherence and efficiency in rural initiatives.
Essential resilience factors include access to health and education services, alongside administrative support. These resources serve as safety nets during crises, aiding vulnerable populations in managing stressors. The ARREST strategy successfully focuses on developing these public services, with rural areas anticipating better infrastructure and healthcare. A strong state presence is required for effective policy implementation.
Evidence-based monitoring is necessary to analyze and enhance livelihood security. Longitudinal SCORE surveys demonstrate that the factors influencing livelihood security have remained stable. Thus, implementing a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tool, such as the Dashboard for Tracking resilient Livelihoods (DATLiv), is advised. DATLiv will provide policymakers with timely insights, facilitating informed decisions to bolster livelihood security and resilience throughout Liberia.
In summary, while Liberia has shown some improvement in livelihood security since 2020, significant disparities exist. Key strategies include establishing secure land tenure, implementing effective natural resource management, leveraging local authorities, strengthening safety nets, and developing robust monitoring tools. These actions are critical for promoting agricultural development and fostering resilience against climate change and economic challenges.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
