New MAP Steering Committee Takes Charge of Liberia’s Land Governance Agenda

MONROVIA— Liberia’s Multi-Actor Platform on Land Governance and Responsible Agricultural Investment has strengthened its leadership structure with the induction of a new Steering Committee, as stakeholders seek to improve coordination and promote responsible land and agricultural development.

The platform, known as the MAP Liberia Land Platform, brings together government institutions, civil society organizations, private-sector actors, women and youth-led organizations, community representatives and other stakeholders involved in land governance and agricultural investment.

During the induction ceremony in Monrovia, the Women Care Initiative (WOCI), a civil society organization based in western Liberia, was elected as Co-convener of the platform for a two-year term. The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) will continue to serve as the other Co-convener.

The new Steering Committee is expected to provide strategic direction to the platform and strengthen coordination among its members while supporting the implementation of its five-year strategic plan.

Members also agreed to strengthen the platform’s financial sustainability through the payment of monthly dues and engagement with the Ministry of Agriculture and development partners to explore additional fundraising opportunities.

The Secretariat is expected to develop a matrix to track progress under the platform’s five-year strategic plan, including key achievements, challenges and constraints.

The new Steering Committee was elected during the platform’s Annual Membership Assembly held from May 28 to 29 in Gbarnga, Bong County. More than 30 member organizations participated in the two-day gathering, which reviewed and approved the platform’s budget, annual work plan, membership updates and operational roadmap.

Eleven institutions representing different sectors were elected to the Steering Committee, including the Liberia Land Authority, Ministry of Agriculture, Girl for Excellent Performance, Women Care Initiative, private-sector representatives, the University of Liberia’s Department of Environmental Studies and Climate Change, South-Eastern Women Development Association and representatives of Community Land Development Management Committees from western and southeastern Liberia.

The induction also provided an opportunity for members to familiarize themselves with the platform’s operational structure, ongoing programs and relationships with development partners.

Stakeholders further reviewed and endorsed the Steering Committee’s Terms of Reference, as well as the platform’s five-year strategy and sustainability plans.

The platform says stronger collaboration among government, communities, civil society and other actors will be essential to addressing land governance challenges and ensuring agricultural investments are responsible, sustainable and responsive to the needs of local communities.