Programme description

Title: Supporting reconstruction in Liberia
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Liberia
Overall term: 2005 to 2011

Context

Between 1989 and 2003 Liberia suffered two civil wars. Peace has prevailed since 2003; however, the severe damage caused by war and displacement has, to date, prevented an economic, political and social recovery. In October 2005 elections were held again for the first time. However, the elected interim government faces difficulties in establishing nationwide functioning political structures and the foundation needed to stabilise the economy and ensure lasting peace. Many people still suffer extreme poverty. Above all, the young people who grew up against a backdrop of war urgently need prospects.

Objective

Marginalised households in selected communities in the Foya district have stabilised their food supply and laid the social and economic foundation for peaceful coexistence.

Approach

The Foya district of Lofa County was one of the areas hit hardest by war. The population in Western Lofa is being assisted with pro-development emergency and interim aid. The measures complement and support each other. They range from restoring the important basic prerequisites for survival and economic production, to the reintegration of refugees and former combatants, and the improvement of incomes. At the same time, support is given for the establishment of local government and to encourage openings for conflict resolution and participation. The promotion of women and young people is given particular priority.

The programme is an important contribution to stabilising livelihoods and securing the still fragile peace in Liberia; it is establishing the basic pre-conditions for the long-term development of this war-ravaged county.

Results achieved so far

Restoring the basis for agricultural production
The main staple of the region is rice. As a result, measures to promote agriculture focus above all on rehabilitating and reclaiming wet rice cultivation areas. Also included in the measures are the rehabilitation of cocoa plantations and resumption of cocoa production, as well as plantain cultivation to generate extra income. Young people who, because of the war, could not learn the techniques of wet rice and cocoa cultivation are especially encouraged to join in the activities and get the training they need.

5,000 families have been supported in resuming rice production on a total of 2,250 ha of land so far. This has allowed around 200 villages to produce enough rice to meet their basic needs themselves and even generate surpluses. To be able to market these better in the future, important water channels, bridges and some sections of road have been built or repaired. The improved rice seed given to the project as a loan has been repaid. It is managed by the village and can be made available to other households in need in the future. 1,000 families have received assistance in rehabilitating and resuming production on around 500 ha of cocoa plantations and 50 ha of plantains.

Improving incomes and promoting employment 
The programme has used a microcredit scheme with accompanying advisory services in order mainly to help returning women and youth to start economic activities, especially for the production agricultural goods, but also for the manufacture of palm oil or soap, in retail and crafts. Around 4,000 people are now able to generate their own income as a result. A village rotation fund was founded to be able to extend microcredit to other applicants thanks to the loans repaid (plus interest). The fund is managed by the villagers themselves.

Social (re)integration of young people and peace education
Social reintegration of young people has been promoted by setting up 75 youth clubs organised on the basis of democratic principles. Social, pro-peace and sport activities are used to familiarise the young people with the basic rules of democracy, enable them to express their needs and hopes, identify conflict potential and find non-violent solutions. This measure has reached around 3,500 young people from 100 villages.

A pilot project on the topic of peace was carried out at five schools. One activity involved school children working with a Liberian theatre group on the topic of peace and developing role plays and songs.

Supporting women
Around 1,500 women have received support in learning basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills. Women involved in income-generating activities were given priority.

Conflict resolution mechanisms and political participation
At village level, steps have been taken to help prevent conflicts and encourage participation. This included establishing 100 local peace committees whose members received training in numerous sessions, covering important issues related to the identification and management of conflict. A further measure was to set up village development plans. This ensured that the villagers themselves were actively involved in planning development measures for their village. This also promoted their self-reliance and their capacity for organisation as a community.