Liberia: FAO, Partners Kickoff Multi Stakeholders Workshop On Land Ownership

Monrovia – The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and her implementing partners including the government of Liberia opened a two-day multi-stakeholders platform workshop on the implementation of the National Land Policy and Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible governance of the Tenue of Land, Fisheries and Forest in the context of National Food Security (VGGT).

The fifth multi-stakeholders workshop on the implementation of voluntary guidelines on responsible governance of tenure of land, which is been held under the theme: ‘Effective Tenure Governance for Sustainable Natural Resource Management and Food Security in Liberia.’

The activity brought together stakeholders in the land and fisheries sector to brainstorm for the two-day on the way forward for the full implementation of the Land Right Bill that was signed into law some months ago by the National Legislature.

Speaking at the workshop in Monrovia, FAO country Representative Mariatou Njie, assures the FAO’s commitment to the implementation of the Land Right Bill. Madam Njie highlighted the significance attached to land tenue Liberians.

She said the VGGT plays a key role in the production of food as well as the development proponent of Liberia under the pro-poor agenda.

“Land tenure usually reflects the power structure in a society and social stability may depend on whether or not there is broad consensus on the fairness of the tenure system. Tenue rights to land and other natural resources are very important for accessing food and shelter; they are elements of social, cultural and religious practices; and they support economic growth” she noted.

According to the FAO country Representative, while the VGGT is not legally binding. Its seek to create awareness between the government and the people with respect to policies and laws on the way forward for land ownership and other natural resources in the country.

“The VGGT are not legally binding on any states, but they build on and reflect principles of international law. They are put forward to serve as basis of discussion and dialogue among government departments and stakeholders groups with a view to strengthen legislation, policies and program related to the governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests for the benefit of all and with a particular focus on those who are poor or marginalized,” Madam Njie averred.

For his part, Dr. Cecil O. Brandy, Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) commended the National Legislature for the passages of the land right law, saying the law will go a long way in handling land tenure and land ownership in Liberia. 

He said the LLA would work with both international and national partners for the full implementation of the land right law in the coming years. 

“I am very please today, especially given the recent progress that have finally been archived with the passes of the land rights law. We know that the guidelines are intended to ensure tenure and security especially for land with agriculture been essential.

“For farming to develop their land, to use their land to invest on it, they need to have access, they need to have right and they need to have the governance structure put in place to ensure that they manage that land properly and that they do have security of tenure to ensure that development is carryout on it,” Dr. Brandy stated.