“Liberia at a Crossroads: The Political Economy of Key Policy and Institutional Reforms in the Land Sector” By: Katelyn Baldwin, Michael Geertson, Ali Kaba 2014 World Bank Conference on Land and Poverty

Introduction to Liberia “This is a post-war country. People are easily excitable. If we go back to war, it will be because of conflict over land.” –one civil society land activist who stayed in Liberia during the war

Dual Land Tenure Systems Statutory SystemCustomary System Who? Originally, Americo-Liberian settlers. Today, largely urban- based individuals. Who? Indigenous populations largely based in rural areas. What? Codified laws written down on paper. What? Not necessarily written. More often passed down orally from generation to generation. Where? Urban, peri-urban, and rural coastal areas. Where? Interior. Most common land rights? Privately held land deeds determine ownership Most common land rights? Membership in a lineage or clan determine ownership; largely communal.

Overview of Political Economy Analysis (PEA) and Methodology  PEA: Thinking politically, responding practically  Methodology: Qualitative interviews, data “triangulation”

Drivers of Change - Overview  Agents  Structures  Institutions

Drivers of Change to Land Reform in Liberia  Elite political and economic interests  Divisive dualism in land tenure systems  Exclusive decision-making  Limited capacity  Culture of impunity “There is a serious integrity deficiency in our country.” -one government official

Land Rights Legislation “Rural people do not purchase the land…they sit on it, think they own it, but do not utilize it for the greater benefit of the country.” -one interviewee’s perception “There will be a battle in passing the land rights law because many people are fearful of rural power over land.” -one traditional authority

New Land Agency “With the new land agency, there is an opportunity to create a new slate, and an opportunity to design land systems that is very unique for a country. It is rare that a country is willing to start over.” – one USAID contractor

Recommendations: Cost-Effective, Less Political Interventions 1) Deeds registration and automation 2) National mapping 3) Land surveyors 4) Land dispute resolution “Land reform in this country will be a challenge. Our history is one of political domination and land expropriation. Not all will be in favor of customary rights.” -one government official

Key Takeaways  PEA helps donors better understand constraints to reform  Land reform is a long-term process and investment  Small gains are important and build momentum

Questions/Comments? Katelyn Baldwin Manager, Chemonics International Telephone: