Mr. Samuel F. Kpakio, Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), is taking decisive steps to mobilize funding and partnerships to strengthen land governance across all 15 counties. According to a release, the LLA boss is undertaking this initiative through high-level engagements with partners, including the UNDP, making a compelling case for increased funding to continue its customary land formalization activities, improve service delivery, and expand access to land rights for rural communities in a quest to reduce land disputes and conflicts.
Kpakio, during his engagement with the UNDP Resident Representative Aliuo Dia, expressed gratitude to the UNDP for the level of support over the years. For his part, Dia welcomed the LLA delegation and promised to work alongside it to achieve its quest for increased funding.
He said the land sector plays a vital role in Liberia’s developmental agenda and as such, attention must be given to the LLA to do more. He said the UNDP will work with the Embassy of Sweden to see where SIDA (SLSL project) has stopped and where the UNDP can come in with support.
Chairman Kpakio, at the end of the meeting, stated that his greatest desire is to see about 80% of customary community lands formalized. However, achieving this will require bold partnerships, innovative financing, and strong political will. He said it is not just about land reform but a pathway to peace, stability, and inclusive development.
During the meeting, strategic discussions centered around sourcing funding for the LLA were held. The LLA delegation expressed great optimism for greater results.
The UNDP has supported the LLA in delivering tangible results across selected counties, strengthening operations across County Land Offices, enhancing service delivery, and providing support that witnessed 35 customary communities secure statutory land deeds.
These efforts according to actors in the sectors, have reduced land disputes, empowered women and youth, and minimized disputes and conflicts across communities within concession areas in the selected counties.
