Land Tenure & Rights

Securing Futures: Strengthening Land Tenure for Sustainable Development in Liberia 

Land tenure administration is a cornerstone of sustainable development in Liberia, providing the foundation for economic growth, social stability, environmental conservation, and equitable access to land resources.

Land tenure & rights in Liberia are crucial for several reasons:

1. Economic Development: Land is a primary asset for most Liberians, especially in rural areas where agriculture is the main source of livelihood. Secure land tenure encourages investment in land, leading to increased agricultural productivity, which in turn contributes to economic growth and poverty reduction.

2. Social Stability: Clear and secure land tenure rights help prevent land disputes and conflicts, which are common in many parts of Africa. Disputes over land often escalate into violence, causing social instability and hindering development efforts.

3. Equity and Social Justice: Effective land tenure systems ensure equitable access to land, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, indigenous peoples, and rural communities. Without secure land rights, these groups are vulnerable to land grabbing and displacement.

4. Environmental Conservation: Proper land tenure administration can promote sustainable land management practices, including soil conservation, watershed protection, and biodiversity conservation. Secure land rights incentivize landowners to invest in long-term land stewardship and conservation efforts.

5. Urban Development: In rapidly urbanizing Liberian cities, secure land tenure is essential for orderly urban planning and development. It provides the legal framework for property ownership, encourages investment in housing and infrastructure, and facilitates access to bank credit for urban residents.

6. Investment and Economic Growth: Clear and enforceable land tenure rights are essential for attracting both domestic and foreign investment in agriculture, industry, and infrastructure development. Investors are more likely to commit resources to projects when they have confidence in the security of their land rights.

7. Customary Land Management: In Liberia, customary land tenure systems coexist with formal legal systems. Effective land tenure administration must recognize and integrate customary land rights and institutions, respecting traditional land management practices while also ensuring legal certainty and protection for land users.

ÆDE's ambition is to support with the establishment and maintenance of a land cadastre covering 100% of the Liberian territory. Our experience in this area includes the development of a strategic plan outlining the vision, mission, and direction of the Liberia Land Authority, a regulatory arm of the GOL.