The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) now has an Operations Manual for the Formalization of Customary Land Rights, developed and provided by IGN FI, in partnership with Tetratech. This reference document is the result of a 12-month project funded by the World Bank, which involved IGN FI’s experts.
The manual aims to strengthen land tenure security in the country. It offers effective and adapted guidance and methodology to national stakeholders, NGOs, and private operators working in the land sector. It is based on extensive work involving the collection of testimonies and documentary analysis to structurally translate the legal, institutional, social, technical, and operational aspects related to customary land in Liberia.
The guidelines thus defined were tested and proven through the implementation of 4 pilot projects in Bong, Lofa, and Margibi counties, in which IGN FI and the LLA were involved. These projects provided direct feedback on the identified methodology. This approach provided an opportunity to refine the manual and make it particularly relevant to local realities. Technical tools adjusted to the procedure, including mobile applications for data collection and structuring communication materials, were also developed and implemented.
The project also facilitated a significant transfer of skills to nearly 50 LLA officials, who now possess all the knowledge and tools necessary to lead its future missions regarding the formalization of customary land rights.
This manual, the result of a rigorous and participatory approach, represents a significant step forward for land tenure security in Liberia.
