By Morlu F. Freeman Sr.
Lofa County — A new three-year initiative aimed at strengthening land rights and economic opportunities in rural Liberia has been launched under the title Strengthening Community Actions for Land and Economic Security (SCALES) project.
The Development Education Network–Liberia (DEN-L), a Bong County-based national organization, in partnership with the Rights and Rice Foundation (RRF) and JSGB, has secured a €500,000 grant from the European Union. The project, referenced as NDICI/2025/488610-PC-52588, officially commenced on January 1, 2026, and will run through 2028.
The SCALES project seeks to improve land governance and economic empowerment in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties by enhancing the capacity and resilience of civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs). The overarching goal is to ensure inclusive access to land ownership, promote sustainable land use, and create equal economic opportunities tied to land resources.
According to project details, one of the primary objectives is to increase awareness and understanding of Liberia’s 2018 Land Rights Act among key stakeholders, including women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and local communities. The initiative will also address land tenure security, land use management, and the impacts of climate change in the target counties.
The project further aims to strengthen collaboration among civil society actors, government authorities, and existing land governance structures. Through improved coordination and dialogue, stakeholders are expected to more effectively implement land-related laws and policies.
Another key component of the SCALES project is the advancement of community land formalization processes.
This includes supporting deeded communities with land use planning, providing legal aid services, and promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms. These efforts are intended to enhance both land security and economic empowerment at the community level.
Expected outputs of the project include increased technical knowledge among 30 CSOs and six rural CSO networks on land rights and climate issues. Additionally, at least five multi-stakeholder dialogue events will be organized at national and subnational levels to address land, natural resource management, and governance challenges.
The initiative will also support the establishment of three agricultural groups and six Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) groups in selected communities. These groups will receive technical training, inputs, and financial support to undertake income-generating activities. Furthermore, three community land formalization processes are expected to be completed.
Special emphasis will be placed on empowering vulnerable populations. At least 30 indigent women, youth, and persons with disabilities will receive financial and legal assistance to access land and inheritance rights. Similarly, 30 CSOs and CBOs will benefit from training in legal aid and alternative dispute resolution.
The SCALES project primarily targets six subnational network organizations, including county branches of the National Civil Society Council of Liberia, networks of Community Land Development and Management Committees, rural women’s groups, disability organizations, and land rights advocacy groups. It will also engage 30 civil society organizations, including women-led groups, youth organizations, and institutions representing persons with disabilities.
Stakeholders believe the project will play a significant role in strengthening land governance systems and improving livelihoods across the three counties, particularly among marginalized and underserved communities.
