The Catholic Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) orchestrated a two-day reflective retreat in Zowienta, Bong County, Liberia, to assess the triumphs and tribulations of their recently concluded “Access to Land Rights” project. This initiative, generously funded by ForumCiv Liberia, commenced in 2022 and targeted five districts within Bong County: Jorquelleh One, Formah, Zota, Yellequelleh, and Suakoko. The project’s core objective was to mitigate long-standing land disputes, a pervasive issue in the region, and cultivate peaceful resolutions through community education and the implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. The retreat, held in July 2025, served as a platform for stakeholders, including project beneficiaries, community leaders, and partner organizations, to share their experiences and contribute to the project’s overall evaluation.
The retreat’s closing ceremony featured an address by Mr. George Philip Mulbah, JPC’s Regional Coordinator for Bong County, who underscored the project’s transformative influence. He highlighted the project’s success in educating community members about their land rights and ownership, empowering them to navigate complex land issues with greater awareness and confidence. Mr. Mulbah emphasized the project’s impactful role in mediating numerous land disputes through non-violent, community-based approaches, fostering dialogue, and rebuilding trust among community members. This focus on local ownership and peaceful resolution methods proved instrumental in de-escalating tensions and promoting harmonious co-existence within the targeted communities.
The project’s impact extended beyond dispute resolution to include economic empowerment. Mr. Mulbah proudly announced the successful integration of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) component, establishing three active savings groups. These groups served as vital instruments for enhancing financial resilience among families and nurturing a culture of self-reliance within the communities. By linking land rights to economic stability, the project adopted a holistic approach to community development, recognizing the interconnectedness of these crucial elements.
Throughout the two-day retreat, program officers meticulously presented comprehensive reports detailing the project’s achievements and challenges. The reports celebrated significant milestones, notably the increased community participation and a demonstrably improved understanding of land governance principles among residents. However, the reports also candidly addressed the challenges encountered, emphasizing the need for strengthened logistical support and expanded outreach to remote communities. These insights provided valuable lessons for future initiatives, highlighting the critical need for adequate resources and inclusive strategies to reach marginalized populations.
Participants unanimously lauded Mr. Mulbah’s dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to justice and grassroots development throughout the project’s lifecycle. Representatives from various organizations, including JPC, ForumCiv Liberia, Delta Human Rights Foundation, and local communities, expressed their appreciation for his instrumental role in the project’s success. Community elders and other participants testified to the tangible positive changes witnessed in their communities, citing a shift from conflict to collaboration in resolving land disputes. This collaborative spirit, fostered by the project, signaled a significant step towards sustainable peace and development in the region.
The resounding success of the “Access to Land Rights” project resonated throughout the retreat, prompting fervent calls for its expansion to other parts of Bong County and beyond. Stakeholders unanimously agreed on the importance of sustaining the project’s momentum by replicating its successful strategies in other areas grappling with similar land-related challenges. The retreat concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen collaborative efforts, enhance community engagement, and integrate the project’s proven ADR strategies into future development initiatives. This commitment underscored the recognition of the project as a model for community-driven, peaceful land reform efforts across Liberia.
The project’s meticulous documentation, comprehensive evaluation, and the enthusiastic support from stakeholders position it as a valuable case study for future land rights initiatives. The lessons learned, particularly the emphasis on community ownership, local empowerment, and the integration of economic development components, offer valuable insights for organizations working to address land-related conflicts and promote sustainable development in Liberia and other regions facing similar challenges. The project’s success reinforces the importance of participatory approaches, capacity building, and the creation of enabling environments for peaceful conflict resolution and community-led development.
The “Access to Land Rights” project’s impactful work in Bong County underscores the transformative potential of empowering local communities to address their own challenges. By providing access to information, resources, and skills, the project fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, enabling them to take the lead in resolving land disputes and building a more peaceful and prosperous future. This participatory approach, coupled with a strong focus on local capacity building, has proven to be a highly effective strategy for achieving sustainable and meaningful change in the targeted communities.
The project’s comprehensive approach, encompassing both land rights education and economic empowerment through the VSLA component, addressed the multifaceted nature of land-related issues in Bong County. By recognizing the interconnectedness between land ownership, economic stability, and community development, the project fostered a holistic approach to problem-solving. This integrated strategy not only addressed immediate land disputes but also laid the foundation for long-term economic resilience and community empowerment.
The project’s emphasis on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms proved instrumental in de-escalating tensions and promoting peaceful resolutions to land conflicts. By providing community members with the skills and resources to engage in constructive dialogue and negotiation, the project fostered a culture of peaceful conflict resolution. This shift away from adversarial approaches to land disputes has contributed significantly to building trust and fostering harmonious co-existence within the targeted communities.
The project’s meticulous documentation and evaluation process, evident in the comprehensive reports presented during the retreat, provide valuable insights for future land rights initiatives. By systematically capturing the project’s successes, challenges, and lessons learned, the JPC has created a valuable resource for other organizations working to address land-related conflicts in Liberia and beyond. This commitment to transparency and knowledge sharing further strengthens the project’s legacy and its potential to inspire similar initiatives in other regions.
The “Access to Land Rights” project’s success stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including community members, local organizations, international funders, and government agencies, the project created a synergistic environment for positive change. This collaborative approach ensured that the project’s interventions were contextually relevant, culturally sensitive, and effectively addressed the specific needs of the targeted communities.
The project’s legacy extends beyond its tangible achievements to include a shift in mindset and a renewed sense of hope within the communities it served. By empowering community members to become active participants in their own development, the project fostered a sense of ownership, responsibility, and pride. This empowerment not only contributed to the resolution of land disputes but also laid the foundation for a more sustainable and equitable future for the people of Bong County. The project’s success serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of community-led development and the importance of investing in local capacity and ownership.
