September 22, 2011

New Project Won: Liberia—Forestry Support Program

ACDI/VOCA has won a $1.2 million grant for the Liberia Forestry Support Program (LFSP) program. In an ACDI/VOCA first, the project is funded by the United States Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Community-Based Forest Management Emphasized

The program’s goal is to advance the policy and practice of community-based forest management in Liberia.

ACDI/VOCA will do this through adaptive management, learning-based approaches and the development of alternative-livelihood food security and cash income sources.

Development Program Builds on Success in a Challenging Environment

Liberia still faces challenges as rebuilds following a devastating civil war. According to the World Bank, the gross national indicator (GNI) per capita for Liberia is $160 in contrast with $46,730 for the United States.

Natural resources like land, water and forests are key assets for rural Liberians, representing both stability and wealth.

LFSP will build on and continue the successful activities conducted under the Land Rights and Community Forestry Program (LRCFP), a three-year subcontract funded by USAID to build sustainable income-generation opportunities at the community level around community forestry programs in Nimba and Sinoe counties. Through LRCFP, ACDI/VOCA worked with small, product-focused groups to increase access to markets and initiate economic activities and opportunities.

For more information on ACDI/VOCA’s work in Liberia.