DOCSLIB.ORG

Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (Lavi)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Liberia Accountability and Voice Initiative (Lavi) LIBERIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND VOICE INITIATIVE (LAVI) NRM Advocacy Policy, Inclusive Citizen Compliance Monitoring and Media Framework January 2017 AID-669-C-16-00003 This report is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID.) The contents of this report are the sole responsibility of DAI and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government. LIBERIA ACCOUNTABILITY AND VOICE INITIATIVE NRM COALITION Advocacy Policy, Inclusive Citizen Compliance Monitoring and Media Framework: Advocating for Good Governance and Participation in the Natural Resource Management Sector LAVI NRM Coalition January 2017 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction Section 1: Policy Advocacy Framework I. Advocacy Coalition Goal and Objectives II. Awareness Building IIA. Identifying Advocacy Audiences 1. “Primary” Audiences 2. “Secondary” Audiences / “Influencers” Section 2: Public Information Strategy and Messaging III. Awareness Building: Strategies for Reaching Audiences a. Primary & Secondary Audiences (Decision-Makers and Influencers) b. Civil Society Allies - Issue/Advocacy Organizations c. Media d. General Public Section 3: Inclusive Citizen’s Compliance Monitoring Framework IV. Bott om Up Advocacy & Inclusive Cit izen’s Compliance Mo nit oring IVA. Community Level Advocacy and the Political Process IVB. Inclusive Citizen Compliance Monitoring IVC. Compliance Monitoring Mechanisms Section 4: Evaluation and Monitoring Section 5: Key Assumptions Appendix A and B: Policy Advocacy Capacity Strengthening Framework and Inclusive Citizen Compliance Monitoring Capacity Strengthening Framework Appendix C: Media Capacity Strengthening Framework 2 Introduction This Framework was developed as a guide to help LAVI Coalition members and other actors in the NRM Sector to think through how expected changes occur in the Sector. The concept of this framework has been adopted from an advocacy framework developed by Julia Coffman & Tanya Beer’s Advocacy Strategy Framework (March 2015). It focuses two key dimensions of advocacy: 1) the target audiences; and 2) the anticipated changes. Audiences are the individuals and groups that advocacy strategies target and attempt to influence or persuade. They represent the main actors in the policy process and include the public (or specific segments of it), policy influencers/secondary audiences (e.g., media, community leaders, the business community, thought leaders, political advisors, other advocacy organizations, etc.), and decision makers/primary audiences (e.g., elected officials, administrators, judges, etc.). Strategies may focus on just one audience or target more than one simultaneously.1 Changes are the results an advocacy effort aims for with audiences to progress toward a policy goal. Successful advocacy focuses on evidence-based research, objective analysis, coordinated coalition and network initiatives and effective messages. The three points on this continuum differ in terms of how far an audience is expected to engage on a policy issue. The continuum starts with basic awareness or knowledge. Here the goal is to make the audience aware that a problem or potential policy solution exists. The next point is will. The goal here is to raise an audience’s willingness to take action on an issue. It goes beyond awareness and tries to convince the audience that the issue is important enough to warrant action and that any actions taken will in fact make a difference. The third point is action. Here, policy efforts actually support or facilitate audience action on an issue. Again, advocacy strategies may pursue one. Change with an audience or more than one simultaneously. 2 To be effective, CSO/NGO advocacy must be built on evidence based research and careful analysis; it needs to be focused on constructive engagement with government, rather than confrontation. 3 Research and analysis is critical in demonstrating why an issue is important and why the solutions presented are effective. Where government is constrained by a lack of capacity, well-researched arguments and solutions are particularly important in providing government with a base of information from which to work. Further, by demonstrating the capacity to conduct evidence-based and objective research and analysis, CSOs/NGOs are able to gain credibility with government and work as constructive partners in future reform efforts. In addition, effective advocacy also requires a united voice: Government is less likely to heed the arguments of one organization that is representing an issue or policy-recommendation. Indeed, when confronted by a multitude of different demands regarding the same issue, decision makers may have difficulty assessing which demands are most legitimate, and consequently may focus on none. Unified 1 Julia Coffman & Tanya Beer’s Advocacy Strategy Framework (March 2015); al the framework first appeared in Coffman, J. (2008). Foundations and Public Policy Grantmaking.Paper prepared for The James Irvine Foundation. 2 Ibid 3 Credible information sources include analyses/statistics from international organizations, e.g., World Bank, UNDP, UNEP; donor reports; International NGO; university/academic studies; news articles (from respected news outlets); government data/statistics; national/local NGOs (if research is credible). 3 sector representation and a coherent set of demands or recommendations that is made possible by a coalition are therefore critical. The Advocacy Coalition plays such a role and is in a position to affect change as it works together to ensure good governance and citizen-centered sustainable management and monitoring in the NRM sector. Beyond a guide to advocacy, the framework serves as a roadmap to the achievement of LAVI objective under which efforts of the Coalition is directed. Alone this line, it captures suggestions from all actors within and without the Coalition including inputs from international consultant and those from LAVI. Most importantly, it considers relevant findings from baseline assessment conducted by the Coalition in the NRM sector as benchmark for engagements. It thus assists communities in planning, designing, conducting, holding and evaluating advocacy campaigns to advance the implementation of existing policies and laws, with a specific focus on Natural Resource Management (NRM). While the framework is holistic in scope, it has been developed to focus County and Social Development Funds (CSDF) with the view that community-based advocacy is crucial and that much more needs to be done to equip grassroots groups, networks, CSOs with advocacy skills and strategies and information to demand that community needs and priorities in relation to the CSDF are properly addressed. The framework is designed in a way that it is accompanied by training modules that are intended for capacity strengthening of CSOs and communities, citizen engagement and advocacy training for CSOs and communities. Also, the framework outlined target audiences, methods and activities and advocacy tool for citizen engagement, advocacy training, community dialogue, consultative and accountability forum. Expected Results Advocacy Goal To contribute to and enhance accountability and transparency in CSDF management through citizen- centered sustainable management and participation by establishing adequate and long term mechanisms for effective and participatory CSDF governance Specific Objectives: 1. Objective 1 (National Level): To encourage political parties and candidates in the 2017 elections commit to establishing long term policy mechanisms for effective and participatory CSDF governance. 2. Objective 2 (National Level): To influence the 54th National legislature to introduce necessary reform agenda/draft legislation focused on establishing long term effective and participatory CSDF governance. 3. Objective 3 (Local Level): To increase communities and citizens’ active engagement in the CSDF governance reform advocacy initiatives through election-related initiatives. (See Section 3) 4. Objective 4 (Local Level): To enhance communities and citizens’ active engagement in the CSDF governance reform advocacy initiatives through local monitoring/reporting. (See Section 3) 4 Section 1: Policy Advocacy Framework4 I. Advocacy Coalition: Goal and Objectives Broad country-wide, county-level research of issues related to the Community Social Development Fund (CSD) was conducted by the members of the Advocacy Coalition from November – December, 2016. The assessment uncovered a wide range of governance challenges that constrain the effective and participatory implementation of CSDF including: (i) limited citizen participation in CSDF allocation decisions; (ii) lack of community-level understanding and skills regarding advocacy and engagement in local level governance processes; and, (iii) lack of knowledge regarding CSDF laws and regulations among stakeholders, ranging from citizens and CSOs, to formal and informal local leaders5, and law makers. The governance of CSDF is mandated in the Budget Law and is reviewed and revised annually. Any reforms in CSDF governance that may be accepted and applied one year, may be discontinued the next. As such, advocacy for any reform may have to be repeated year after year. It is critical that effective and participatory CSDF governance processes and rules be developed carefully and that they are given a level permanence that eliminates yearly revisions. The Advocacy Coalition is focusing on a four-part advocacy strategy
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Position Profile & Announcement Country
    POSITION PROFILE & ANNOUNCEMENT COUNTRY DIRECTOR, LIBERIA EFL Associates Heart to Heart International Position Profile: Country Manager, Liberia Heart to Heart International invites nominations and applications for the position of Country Director, Liberia (“Director”). Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Director will oversee program implementation of the Ebola Treatment Unit in Kakata, Margibi County, Liberia. This opportunity is contingent on the award of the USAID grant supporting the effort. CULTURE & MISSION Heart to Heart International (“HHI”) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3), non-governmental (NGO) health and humanitarian organization that is focused on engaging its staff and volunteers in meaningful service to those in need around the world. Since its founding in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth more than $1.2 billion to more than 150 countries, including the United States. HHI responds to crises and natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. HHI broadens access to healthcare with medical education opportunities and laboratory standards training around the U.S. and in Haiti, and also works with U.S. safety-net clinics to increase their capacity by providing medical equipment, supplies and volunteers that are vital to operations. HHI’s core mission is to help meet the needs of those suffering from the effects of natural and man-made disasters and those suffering from poverty, while directly engaging volunteers from all walks of life to find a renewed sense of purpose in their own lives. It is this inclusive invitation to serve the poor that provides a transformational, life-altering experience to not only the people in need, but those volunteers helping to meet the need.
    [Show full text]
  • Velleye Town, Gorwoma Clan, Kakata District, Margibi County
    - - - _______ ____r w SIERRA LEONE <~rni rX25m * U-0 Ul'--- LOCATION: VELLEYE TOWN, GORWOMA CLAN, KAKATA DISTRICT, MARGIBI COUNTY ~ILOCA1IOI t -Mt.--'." SHEET U DESCRIPTIQN Of DRAWING 01 COVER SHEET 02 FLOOR PLANRECEPTION ENLARGEMENT PLAN & SECTC 03 ELEVATIONS, DOORS and WINDOWS SCHEDULES 04 SECTIONS and WALLS DETAILS - IMPLEMENTORS 05 FOUNDATION PLAN and DETAILS 06 ROOF FRAMING PLAN and TRUSS DEkILS & SECTION 0 7 TOILET PLAN and SECTION 0 8 SUPLEMENTARY PLUMBING PLAN E S IG N ED BY -- 4 5CHEMATICSITE PLAN (1ARCRE) I REV. **l REVISION DESCRIPTION DATE ACE PLANNING & CONSULTING GROUP MONROVIA ,LIBERIA Scale: NTS. COVER SHEET Designed: te:Aprdt. 05 Drav^ ' Projecl:COMMUNITY HEALTH CLINIC checked Financed-WOR L D BANK / LACE Approved MOHor.j toenCtion: VARIE S Dwg. "4,. Jz, i1LL 111 hum Iu.- __-t 1- JIImS 1f 1L1 II I JL ' --- p i-ir tr -r U i * 11s11e11111 EIGHT (B) ROOMS CLINIC A CE PLANNINGQCOSULTING 14 BENSON ST. P. O.0BOX 1310 MON. LI We, 0sino0W SCALE ~ PERSPECTIVE DATE'._ DRAW PERSPECTIVE PROJECT.PROPOSED RURAL CLINIC CHEC FINANCE: APPR( FOR-.MINISTR YOF HEALTH/LACE DWGN -RAP AIL fi t'.soil stabilized bricks DE TAIL cat DETAIL, ctt*Er stabi rcedbricks I lIhk. uoi sta~bilized bicks IS 11S .4 -1 A -- back f i DETAIL tC DETAIL at *DY 3/ - - 37 -. ' '4 f FOUNDATION PLAN 4 ri~x3/I rod 4 ~stirrups if c. c. .- I I --. .1.1. -l'-- EOUND IOU MALL 4 L46 f- d -?widt a long alum mesh wir* wall tkW1?O/C (4 courseO 4 ~SECT. S-S DETAIL t t .
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    LACEEP PAYNESVILLE - KAKATA ELECTRIC LINE PROJECT LIBERIA ACCELERATED ELECTRICITY EXPANSION PROJECT (LACEEP) Public Disclosure Authorized PAYNESVILLE – KAKATA ELECTRIC CIRCUIT LINE CORRIDOR RESETTLEMENT ACTION PLAN – (RAP) Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA – CEDA 1 LACEEP PAYNESVILLE - KAKATA ELECTRIC LINE PROJECT RESETTLEMENT ACTION PLAN (RAP) REPORT PREPARED BY: CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA (CEDA) FEBRUARY 2015 CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA – CEDA 2 LACEEP PAYNESVILLE - KAKATA ELECTRIC LINE PROJECT TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction/ Background 1.2 Project Location 1.3 Overall Social Impacts 1.4 Objectives of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) 1.5 Scope of the Resettlement Action Plan 2.0 IMPACTS THAT GIVE RISE TO RESETTLEMENT 3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3.1 Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) 3.2 Project Activities 3.3 Project Schedule 4.0 LEGAL, REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK 4.1 Liberian constitution 4.2 Conservation of the Forest of Liberia Act 1953 4.3 Forestry Development Authority Act of 1976 4.4 The National Resources Law of 1979 4.5 The Wildlife and National Parks Act of 1983 4.6 The Enactment of the Forestry Law of 2000 4.7 The Public Health Act 4.8 The Environmental Protection Agency Act of 2002 4.9 The Environment Protection and Management Law 4.10 Land Act 1856 4.11 County Act 1969 4.12 Land Acquisition Act 1929 4.13 Policy Framework CENTER FOR ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA – CEDA 3 LACEEP PAYNESVILLE - KAKATA ELECTRIC LINE PROJECT 4.
    [Show full text]
  • Adult Authority, Social Conflict, and Youth Survival Strategies in Post Civil War Liberia
    ‘Listen, Politics is not for Children:’ Adult Authority, Social Conflict, and Youth Survival Strategies in Post Civil War Liberia. DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By Henryatta Louise Ballah Graduate Program in History The Ohio State University 2012 Dissertation Committee: Drs. Ousman Kobo, Advisor Antoinette Errante Ahmad Sikianga i Copyright by Henryatta Louise Ballah 2012 ii Abstract This dissertation explores the historical causes of the Liberian civil war (1989- 2003), with a keen attention to the history of Liberian youth, since the beginning of the Republic in 1847. I carefully analyzed youth engagements in social and political change throughout the country’s history, including the ways by which the civil war impacted the youth and inspired them to create new social and economic spaces for themselves. As will be demonstrated in various chapters, despite their marginalization by the state, the youth have played a crucial role in the quest for democratization in the country, especially since the 1960s. I place my analysis of the youth in deep societal structures related to Liberia’s colonial past and neo-colonial status, as well as the impact of external factors, such as the financial and military support the regime of Samuel Doe received from the United States during the cold war and the influence of other African nations. I emphasize that the socio-economic and political policies implemented by the Americo- Liberians (freed slaves from the U.S.) who settled in the country beginning in 1822, helped lay the foundation for the civil war.
    [Show full text]
  • Sierra Leone PBF Projects
    RUNO Half Yearly Reporting TEMPLATE 4.3 [LIBERIA] PROJECT HALF YEARLY PROGRESS UPDATE PERIOD COVERED: NOVEMBER 2015- MAY 2016 Programme Title: Enhancing Access to Security and Justice at the Decentralized Project No & Title: Level – Gbarnga Justice and Security Regional Hub, covering Bong, Lofa and Nimba Counties. MPTF Office Project ID: 00076699 - PBF/LBR/B-1 Justice & Security Recipient Organization(s)1: UNDP The Liberian Judiciary; Ministry of Justice and its law enforcement agencies Implementing Partners including the Liberia National Police, Bureau for Immigration and Naturalization, (Government, UN agencies, Solicitor General’s Office, Bureau for Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Probation NGOs etc): Services; SGBV Crimes Unit; Independent National Commission on Human Rights Location: Liberia Total Approved Budget :2 UNDP: UNOPS: Preliminary data on funds UNDP: $3,334,127 % of funds committed / UNDP: 100% committed: 3 UNOPS: $4,080,000 total approved budget: UNOPS: Expenditure4: UNDP : US$ 3205316 % of expenditure / total UNDP: 96% UNOPS : US$ ……. budget: (Delivery rate) UNOPS: Project Approval Date: 11th December 2010 Possible delay in Project Start Date: February 2012 operational closure date (Number of months) Expected Operational 30th December 2016 Project Closure Date: Enhanced access to justice and security at regional and county level in preparation Project Outcomes: for UNMIL transition PBF Focus Area 1.1 Security Sector Reform; 1.2 Rule of Law 1 Please note that where there are multiple agencies, only one consolidated project report should be submitted. 2 Approved budget is the amount transferred to Recipient Organisations. 3 Funds committed are defined as the commitments made through legal contracts for services and works according to the financial regulations and procedures of the Recipient Organisations.
    [Show full text]
  • TRC of Liberia Final Report Volum Ii
    REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA FINAL REPORT VOLUME II: CONSOLIDATED FINAL REPORT This volume constitutes the final and complete report of the TRC of Liberia containing findings, determinations and recommendations to the government and people of Liberia Volume II: Consolidated Final Report Table of Contents List of Abbreviations <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<............. i Acknowledgements <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<... iii Final Statement from the Commission <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<............... v Quotations <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. 1 1.0 Executive Summary <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2 1.1 Mandate of the TRC <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 2 1.2 Background of the Founding of Liberia <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<... 3 1.3 History of the Conflict <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<................ 4 1.4 Findings and Determinations <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 6 1.5 Recommendations <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<... 12 1.5.1 To the People of Liberia <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. 12 1.5.2 To the Government of Liberia <<<<<<<<<<. <<<<<<. 12 1.5.3 To the International Community <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. 13 2.0 Introduction <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. 14 2.1 The Beginning <<................................................................................................... 14 2.2 Profile of Commissioners of the TRC of Liberia <<<<<<<<<<<<.. 14 2.3 Profile of International Technical Advisory Committee <<<<<<<<<. 18 2.4 Secretariat and Specialized Staff <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. 20 2.5 Commissioners, Specialists, Senior Staff, and Administration <<<<<<.. 21 2.5.1 Commissioners <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<. 22 2.5.2 International Technical Advisory
    [Show full text]
  • LIBERIA War in Lofa County Does Not Justify Killing, Torture and Abduction
    LIBERIA War in Lofa County does not justify killing, torture and abduction “One of the ATU [Anti-Terrorist Unit] told the others ‘He is going to give us information on the rebel business’. They took me to Gbatala. I saw many holes in which prisoners were held. I could hear them crying, calling for help and lamenting that they were hungry and they were dying.” Testimony of a young man detained at Gbatala military base in August 2000. Introduction The continuation of hostilities in Liberia cannot be used as a justification for killing, torture and abduction. Unarmed civilians are again the main victims of fighting in Liberia – a country still bearing the scars of its seven-year civil war when massive human rights abuses were committed by all sides with impunity. Since mid-2000, dozens of civilians have allegedly been extrajudicially executed and more than 100 civilians, including women, have been tortured by the Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) and other Liberian security forces. People have been tortured while held incommunicado, especially at the military base in Gbatala, central Liberia, and the ATU cells behind the Executive Mansion, the office of the presidency in Monrovia, the capital. Women and young girls have been raped by the security forces. All these victims were suspected of backing the armed incursions by Liberian armed opposition groups from Guinea into Lofa County, the northern region of Liberia bordering with Guinea and Sierra Leone. The security forces have mostly targeted members of the Mandingo ethnic group whom they associate with ULIMO-K 1 , a predominantly Mandingo warring faction in the 1989-1996 Liberian civil war, accused by the Liberian government of being responsible for the armed incursions into Lofa County in 1999, notably in April and August of that year and since July 2000.
    [Show full text]
  • Project Appraisal Document
    Document of The World Bank FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Public Disclosure Authorized Report No: PAD1618 INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION PROJECT APPRAISAL DOCUMENT ON A PROPOSED CREDIT Public Disclosure Authorized IN THE AMOUNT OF SDR 1.5 MILLION (US$2 MILLION EQUIVALENT) AND A PROPOSED GRANT FROM THE STRATEGIC CLIMATE FUND SCALING UP RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF US$25 MILLION TO THE Public Disclosure Authorized REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA FOR A RENEWABLE ENERGY ACCESS PROJECT December 15, 2015 ENERGY AND EXTRACTIVES GLOBAL PRACTICE AFRICA REGION Public Disclosure Authorized This document has a restricted distribution and may be used by recipients only in the performance of their official duties. Its contents may not otherwise be disclosed without World Bank authorization. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (Exchange Rate Effective October 31, 2015) Currency Unit = Liberian Dollars LRD = US$1 US$1 = SDR 0.71588623 FISCAL YEAR July 1 – June 30 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AFD Agence Française de Développement AfDB African Development Bank AFREA Africa Renewable Energy and Access Program ARAP Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan AWPB Annual Work Plan and Budget CESMP Contractor Environmental and Social Management Plan CoA Chart of Accounts CPS Country Partnership Strategy CIF Cost, insurance and freight CQS Consultants’ Qualifications DA Designated Account EU European Union EHSG General Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMAP Energy Sector
    [Show full text]
  • LIBERIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Liberia Is a Constitutional Republic
    LIBERIA EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Liberia is a constitutional republic with a bicameral National Assembly. In November Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of the Unity Party won a second term in multiparty presidential elections, which domestic and international observers considered generally free and fair. Security forces reported to civilian authorities. Among the most serious human rights abuses were those tied to justice: judicial inefficiency and corruption, lengthy pretrial detention, denial of due process, and harsh prison conditions. Violence against women and children, including rape and domestic violence, and child labor also were serious problems. Other important human rights abuses included unlawful deprivation of life; mob killings; reported ritualistic killings and trial by ordeal; police abuse, harassment, and intimidation of detainees and others; arbitrary arrest and detention; official corruption; domestic human trafficking; and racial and ethnic discrimination. Impunity was a serious problem despite government attempts to prosecute and punish officials. Section 1. Respect for the Integrity of the Person, Including Freedom from: a. Arbitrary or Unlawful Deprivation of Life The government or its agents did not commit any politically motivated killings; however, there were reports that the government or its agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. For example, Harris Williams, an Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldier, allegedly killed Henry Freeman, a Liberia National Police (LNP) officer, on July 5 in a suspected personal dispute. The soldier was arrested and his case was pending at year’s end. There were reports of ritualistic killings in which body parts used in indigenous rituals were removed from the victim. The number of such killings was difficult to ascertain since police sometimes described such deaths as homicides, accidents, or suicides, even when body parts were removed.
    [Show full text]
  • LIBERIA MARKET PRICE MONITOR a Monthly Price Analysis of Food and Other Essential Commodities
    BULLETIN 27 July 2012 LIBERIA MARKET PRICE MONITOR A monthly price analysis of food and other essential commodities INTRODUCTION This 27th edition of the Liberia Market Price Monitor1 summarizes the price changes for commonly consumed staple foods as well as other essential non‐food commodities that have potential of being exchanged for food between May and July 2012. The Liberia Market Price Monitor aims to inform stakeholders on the changes in food price over time, at different locations and in different seasons; and on how prices of staples change relative to other local commodities that are key sources of income for vulnerable households. Highlights • Currently, retail prices of the basic staple, rice are substantially higher (22 percent) than the same period in 2011 in most parts of the country, though relatively stable since April 2012; • The refugee hosting county of Grand Gedeh continues to witness huge increases in prices of basic commodities including that of rice that rose up by 6 percent between May and July 2012. Palm oil and gasoline prices were up by 17 and 23 percent higher than the same period of last year. • World rice prices remain firm with a slight drop in July 2012, mainly attributed to good export availability and stable demand, though continued stock uncertainties may lead to global price volatility; • Meanwhile, the cereal market is already signaling the impact of the ongoing drought in USA heightening renewed threats of another round of global rise in food prices; • Casual laborers continue to experience decline in their food purchasing power as a result of the relatively high prices of imported rice with the worst affected county being Grand Gedeh due to double pressure on wage rate by the refugees; • Food security situation of the vulnerable households in parts of southeastern Liberia—mainly Grand Gedeh remains precarious as the region awaits the harvest season in the coming two months.
    [Show full text]
  • FOOD SECURITY REPORT Lofa County Voinjama, Kolahun & Foya
    FOOD SECURITY REPORT Lofa County Voinjama, Kolahun & Foya Districts March 2005 Funded by ECHO ACF LIBERIA Food Security Department TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In March 2005, the food security assessment conducted by ACF in the TABLE OF CONTENTS ______________________________________ 2 districts of Foya, Kolahun and Voinjama in North Lofa County shows that EXECUTIVE SUMMARY______________________________________ 2 the food security situation of the population remains precarious. INTRODUCTION ____________________________________________ 4 A gradual return of the population is observed in the majority of the I. OBJECTIVES __________________________________________ 4 communities assessed. Yet the official repatriation process is slow and should be made more effective. II. METHODOLOGY ______________________________________ 4 KEY FINDINGS: FOYA, KOLAHUN, VOINJAMA DISTRICTS ________ 5 The survey shows that, on average, 43% of the previous population have returned in their communities. Since the repatriation process was long to I. POPULATION AND DEMOGRAPHY ___________________________ 5 start, 97% of the “official returnees”1 surveyed came back to their place of II. INFRASTRUCTURES AND ACCESSIBILITY ____________________ 8 origin without benefiting from any assistance. As of end of March 2005, a 1. Housing ___________________________________________ 8 total number of 3,255 refugees have been repatriated in Lofa County while 2. Water and Sanitation _________________________________ 8 the repatriation process of IDPs had not started. 3. Health_____________________________________________ 9 4. Education__________________________________________ 9 There is a clear risk that many displaced will be repatriated after the 5. Market ___________________________________________ 10 farming season for 2005 and that the food insecurity of the population 6. Accessibility _______________________________________ 10 increases. III. LOCAL ECONOMY ___________________________________ 11 The gradual increase in the population raises concerns regarding the 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Iv. Liberia's Rural Finance and Agricultural Marketing
    IV. LIBERIA’S RURAL FINANCE AND AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SUB-SECTORS By Chet Aeschliman, FAO–RAF Rural Finance and Marketing Officer with contributions from Alfonso J. Wesseh, National Rural Finance and Marketing, Consultant, FAO Liberia 2007 IV. Liberia’s rural finance and agricultural marketing sub-sectors 142 CAAS-Lib Sub-Sector Reports Volume 2.2 ACRONYMS ACDB Agricultural Cooperative Development Bank of Liberia ACDI Agricultural Cooperative Development International of the United States ADB African Development Bank AFRACA African Rural & Agricultural Credit Association The United States Government’s "African Growth & Opportunity Act" programme AGOA to promote African exports to the USA BIVAC A private firm certifying the quality of exports from Liberia BNF Bureau of National Fisheries CARE Cooperative for American Relief Everywhere, an international NGO CARI Central Agricultural Research Institute of Liberia (Gbarnga, Bong Country) CBL Central Bank of Liberia CBO Community-based organizations CDA Cooperative Development Authority CLUSA Cooperative League of the United States CRS Catholic Relief Services, an international NGO CU Credit union, i.e. a savings and credit cooperative or association EAC A Liberian company formerly owning part of the LBDI ECOWAS The Economic Community of West African States EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAOR The FAO Representative or the entire Representation in Liberia FFA Farmers’ field school FX Foreign exchange GOL Government of Liberia IAS International
    [Show full text]