The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) embarked on a significant capacity-building initiative by sending a high-level delegation to participate in a six-day International Workshop on Land Governance and Management in Gurugram, India. The delegation, comprising key figures from the LLA, including Dr. Mahmoud Solomon, Commissioner; Mr. C. Sylvester N. Bundoo, Director; and Mr. Mencer Poewoe, Assistant Director at the Department of Land Administration, engaged in a comprehensive learning experience focusing on best practices and innovative approaches to land administration. The workshop, held at the Haryana Institute of Public Administration (HIPA) from March 24-29, 2025, was organized by the Indian Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme. This program underscores the growing partnership between India and Liberia in the realm of sustainable development and technical cooperation.
The workshop served as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, bringing together experts, policymakers, and officials from various countries. The curriculum covered a range of critical topics pertinent to Liberia’s ongoing land reform efforts. Key areas of focus included land registration processes, effective mechanisms for dispute resolution, the digitization of land records for enhanced accessibility and transparency, and the establishment of robust legal frameworks for land tenure security. The training aligned directly with Liberia’s pressing need to address its complex land governance challenges, providing the delegation with practical strategies and insights applicable to their national context.
Liberia has long grappled with intricate land governance issues, including unclear ownership rights and persistent disputes arising from overlapping claims. The historical legacy of land tenure complexities has created significant obstacles to development and sustainable land management. The passage of the Land Rights Act of 2018 marked a pivotal moment in Liberia’s journey towards land reform, recognizing customary land rights and aiming to streamline land ownership procedures. However, the implementation of the Act has faced significant hurdles. Inadequate land records, ambiguities within the legal frameworks, and ongoing tensions between customary and statutory land ownership systems continue to impede effective land governance. The workshop provided the LLA delegation with valuable insights into how other countries, particularly India, have addressed similar challenges.
Upon their return to Liberia, the delegation met with the Indian Ambassador, Mr. Manoj Bihari Verma, to express their gratitude for the enriching experience and to underscore the relevance of the workshop to Liberia’s context. They highlighted the practical applicability of the knowledge gained to the Liberian land administration system, particularly in developing efficient and technology-driven solutions to address existing challenges. One key takeaway was the exposure to India’s ‘SVAMITVA’ (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) program. This innovative program focuses on precise land boundary demarcation using drone technology, providing a potentially transformative approach to resolving boundary disputes and enhancing land records accuracy. The delegation saw the SVAMITVA program as a valuable model that could be adapted and implemented in Liberia to address similar challenges related to unclear boundaries and overlapping land claims.
Mr. Mencer Poewoe, Assistant Director at the Department of Land Administration, emphasized the significance of the workshop in gaining insights into innovative land governance practices and the potential of the SVAMITVA program to revolutionize land administration in Liberia. He expressed his commitment to implementing the lessons learned to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of Liberia’s land administration system. Dr. Solomon, Commissioner of the LLA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the practical strategies gained from the workshop, including valuable lessons from India’s own experience in navigating land administration reforms. He highlighted the potential for adapting and implementing these strategies within the Liberian context to create a more robust and equitable land governance system.
Beyond the technical aspects of the workshop, the Liberian delegation deeply appreciated the cultural exchange and warm hospitality extended by their Indian hosts. The opportunity to visit historical sites like the Taj Mahal provided a glimpse into India’s rich cultural heritage and further enriched their experience. This cultural immersion fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation between the two nations. The participation of the LLA delegation in this international capacity-building program signifies the Liberian government’s commitment to strengthening land governance, securing property rights, and promoting sustainable development. The LLA aims to leverage the knowledge and connections gained from the workshop to foster further collaboration with India in areas such as technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and policy implementation, bolstering the growing bilateral relationship between the two countries.
