The MAP Liberia forum has gathered key stakeholders in Monrovia to discuss and reform land governance. It serves as both a reflection on past achievements and a commitment to future action. Experts highlighted the need for clearer policies, inclusivity, and accountability, particularly regarding the rights of marginalized groups, stressing that land is central to development.
In Monrovia, the Multi-Actor Platform on Land Governance and Responsible Agricultural Investment (MAP Liberia) recently kicked off a two-day national roundtable aimed at overhauling land administration in Liberia. This forum has attracted key players including government officials, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders—all coming together to look back on achievements and tackle ongoing challenges in the land sector.
The event is more than just a conference; it’s a critical moment for Liberia’s land governance. Participants made commitments to transform discussions into real, community-focused results. Ms. Julie Weah, who is the Executive Director of FGGDI and Co-convener of the MAP Steering Committee, stressed this during her opening remarks, stating, “Land governance is not where it should be, but equally so, it’s not where it used to be. It is in the middle — and we must take it higher.”
Weah continued, urging those present to ensure their actions resonate in the communities they serve: “Let us not just talk. Let our actions be seen in the communities where we work.”
This rallying cry for reform was echoed by representatives from several institutions. Participants from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and various NGOs reaffirmed their commitment to integrating sustainable land governance into Liberia’s broader development strategy. Sam Lamine, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, made a bold call for policy reforms, insisting that land development is crucial for agricultural success: “Without land development, we cannot do anything in agriculture.”
Lamine added that collective efforts are essential; he wants tangible results by the time they reconvene next year. “Next year, when we come back, we must have results to show.”
ActionAid Liberia’s Nuoh Harris highlighted the importance of better coordination among all stakeholders in the land sector. He emphasized the need for accountability in implementing the agreed-upon policies: “We must re-evaluate our recommendations and align them with how we implement and monitor progress.”
Simpson D.C. Snoh from the National Climate Change Secretariat underscored the necessity of aligning land use strategies with environmental goals, stating, “We cannot survive without the environment. As we act, let us ensure our strategies serve the people, planet, and prosperity.”
The roundtable also featured discussions critiquing the existing governance framework, highlighting its lack of inclusivity and accountability. Many attendees noticed that despite changes resulting from the Land Rights Act passed in 2018, enforcement is lacking, leaving vulnerable groups — particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities — sidelined.
There was a uniformity in the calls for clearer policies, better investments in rural land governance, and stronger frameworks for responsible agricultural investment to promote inclusiveness. Customary land rights discussions took center stage as well, where participants stressed the importance of educating communities about land policies.
One participant wrapped up sentiment by stressing that for development to be truly inclusive, land must be integral to planning. They stated, “Without land, there is no agriculture, no shelter, no security. It all begins here.”
The recent MAP Liberia roundtable signifies a crucial step toward reforming land governance in Liberia. With diverse stakeholders uniting for actionable strategies, the hopes are high for transformative outcomes in the agricultural sector and beyond. However, as discussions revealed, enforcing policies and addressing the needs of marginalized communities remain pressing challenges. The future is now in balancing action with accountability to ensure sustainable development for all.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
