In a remarkable turnaround story for forest-dependent communities in Southeastern Liberia, more than 450 villages across four counties have collectively generated over 2.2 million Liberian Dollars in income (over USD10,000) within just eleven months, thanks to transformative livelihood support delivered through a community-based project funded by the Embassy of Sweden, UNDP Liberia, and UN-FAO.
These gains stem from the Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management (CBFM) project, a partnership-driven initiative supporting Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority (FDA) in strengthening governance of community forests and protected areas.
In collaboration with local organization Partners in Development (PADEV), the project delivered hands-on, site-based training in climate-smart agriculture, Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and small enterprise development, benefiting farmers, fishers, hunters, miners, women, youth, and other forest users.
“The results are truly transformative,” said a project facilitator. “From improved livelihoods to sustainable land use practices, we’re witnessing communities take charge of their economic future while protecting their forest ecosystems.”
Key project zones include communities surrounding the Grebo-Krahn and Sapo National Parks, as well as the Konobo, Sarbo, Putipo, and Gbeapo authorized forest communities.
These areas are home to vulnerable populations whose livelihoods are directly tied to forest resources.
A large portion of the gains—L$2 million, or over 90% of the income—was saved and circulated through just ten VSLAs, demonstrating the growing capacity of communities to generate and manage income.
The remainder came from profits on local produce and small businesses, including cowpea and hot pepper sales, handicraft items, and merchandise run by 28 women entrepreneurs who received startup grants.
The training in climate-smart agriculture has been especially impactful. Local farmers, reliant on slash-and-burn techniques, are now embracing regenerative practices that not only enhance crop yield but also help combat climate change and deforestation.
Going forward, farmers will continue crop rotation and establish seed multiplication hubs, strengthening food security and economic sustainability.
Plans are already underway to expand this success to other enterprise groups, including beekeepers and smallholder farmers, ensuring this momentum is shared widely across project areas.
This story is a living example of how community empowerment, sustainable practices, and smart partnerships can drive inclusive growth and resilience in Liberia’s most forest-dependent regions.
Source: UNDP Liberia
