Senior government officials, development partners, local leaders, and community members have commended the achievements of the Community-Based Forestry and Protected Area Management (CBFM) Project following a Joint Steering Committee Monitoring Mission to Salayea District, Lofa County.

The mission was undertaken by members of the CBFM Project Steering Committee, chaired by the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office and comprising representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Swedish Embassy, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Local Government, and other key stakeholders. The visit brought together partners to assess implementation progress, validate project achievements, engage directly with beneficiary communities, and identify lessons to inform future programming in community forestry, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihood development. With the project scheduled to conclude on 31 August 2026, the monitoring mission provided an opportunity for partners to witness firsthand the impact of investments aimed at strengthening community forest governance while improving livelihoods in rural communities.

Communities at the Center of Development

A major highlight of the mission was a community dialogue held at the Salayea Town Hall, where local leaders, Community Forest Management Bodies, women’s groups, youth representatives, and project beneficiaries discussed the project's impact and shared recommendations for sustaining its gains.

Speaking during the engagement, Deputy Minister for Regional Development, Research and Extension, Moses R. Gbanyan, emphasized the importance of community-driven development and sustainable natural resource management in advancing rural transformation and resilience.

The Sweden Embassy Head of Development Cooperation, Ms. Kerstin Jonsson Cissé noted that she is encouraged by the progress achieved through the CBFM Project and the strong partnerships that have made it possible. “Hearing community members speak of the forest as a business and a source of sustainable livelihoods reflects a powerful shift in mindset. Sweden is proud to support initiatives that strengthen community leadership, improve livelihoods, and promote the sustainable management of Liberia’s natural resources”, she added. 

Meanwhile, Louis Kuukpen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting community forestry initiatives and strengthening partnerships that deliver sustainable development outcomes.

“What we are witnessing in Salayea is a powerful example of how community-led natural resource management can deliver tangible development results,” Kuukpen said. “When communities are empowered to manage their forests sustainably while benefiting from alternative livelihood opportunities, we create a pathway that supports both conservation and economic growth.”

He stressed that environmental protection and economic development can reinforce one another when local communities are equipped with the right knowledge, skills, and opportunities.

“The success of this initiative demonstrates that conservation and development are not competing priorities. They are mutually reinforcing. By investing in people, strengthening local institutions, and promoting sustainable livelihoods, we are helping communities become active custodians of Liberia's rich natural resources,” he added.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, praised the strong collaboration among government institutions, UN agencies, development partners, and communities, describing the project as a model for integrated and people-centered development.

“The progress we have witnessed today demonstrates what can be achieved when communities are placed at the center of development efforts,” Umutoni said. “This project is not only helping to protect Liberia’s forests and biodiversity, but it is also creating opportunities for families to improve their livelihoods, strengthen food security, and build resilience for the future.”

She particularly lauded the increased participation and leadership of women in project-supported activities.

“It is encouraging to see women taking leading roles in agriculture, livestock production, aquaculture, and community governance structures,” she noted. “Their active participation is helping to transform households and communities while ensuring that the benefits of development are shared more broadly.”

Assistant FAO Representative for Programme, Musa Sanoe, highlighted the importance of sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management in strengthening food security and creating economic opportunities for rural families.

Officials from the Ministry of Local Government also underscored the importance of local governance structures in ensuring the sustainability of development gains beyond the project period.

Beneficiaries Speak of Transformation

Community members expressed gratitude for the support provided through the CBFM Project, citing improvements in livelihood opportunities, stronger community governance systems, and increased understanding of sustainable natural resource management.

Yassah Mulbah, a leader of the women's group, described how the project interventions have strengthened vegetable and poultry production, fish farming, cocoa cultivation, beekeeping, and goat rearing.

“Before this project, many women depended largely on subsistence farming with very little income. Today, we are producing vegetables, raising poultry, managing fishponds, and engaging in other activities that are helping us support our families and pay school fees for our children,” Yassah said. “The project has increased our confidence and shown us that women can play a bigger role in community development and economic growth.”

She added that the skills and support received through the project have empowered women to become active contributors to household incomes and community decision-making.

Beneficiary farmer James B. Kokalo said the project has significantly improved livelihoods through practical training, skills development, and support for income-generating activities.

“The training we received changed the way we farm and manage our businesses,” Kokalo explained. “We have learned better farming techniques, record keeping, and how to work together as a group. As a result, our production has improved and we are earning more income than before.”

He noted that the project has provided sustainable alternatives for community members seeking to improve their economic well-being while protecting the environment.

“Today, people have alternatives. We can produce food, raise animals, and run small businesses. This has improved our lives and given us hope for the future,” he added.

Field Visits Showcase Progress

The Steering Committee visited several project-supported livelihood interventions, providing members with the opportunity to interact directly with beneficiaries and assess implementation progress.

At an integrated vegetable and poultry production site, the delegation observed activities that were estimated to be approximately 80–90 percent complete. Beneficiaries demonstrated how integrated farming approaches help increase productivity, improve household nutrition, and generate income.

Martha Gbegbeh, a member of the vegetable production group, highlighted the impact of the initiative on household welfare.

“What we grow here feeds our families, and the surplus is sold at the market,” she said. “The income may seem small, but it helps us buy other household necessities and meet our children’s needs.”

The delegation also visited the Telemai community fishpond, where members reviewed aquaculture operations and pond management practices. The site was assessed to be approximately 50–60 percent complete.

Samuel K. Zelee, a member of the fishpond management committee, described the project as a transformative experience.

“Fish farming was something many of us had never practiced before,” he said. “Now we have acquired new skills and can produce fish for our community. We believe this can become a sustainable source of food and income if we continue receiving technical guidance and market support.”

In Beyan Town, the mission visited a small-ruminant production site where beneficiaries showcased goat farming and livestock management activities.

Peter G. Karngar, a beneficiary of the initiative, said livestock production has become an important asset for participating households.

“The goats have become a source of security for our families,” Karngar said. “They can be sold when there is an emergency, help us pay school fees, and support other household expenses. We appreciate the support and hope these activities can continue after the project ends.”

Across all sites, Steering Committee members observed strong community participation, increasing local ownership, and growing confidence among beneficiaries managing project-supported enterprises.

Strong Results and Lessons Learned

The mission found that Community Forest Management structures have become increasingly organized and active in promoting sustainable forest governance. Beneficiary communities demonstrated strong ownership of livelihood interventions and a growing commitment to environmental stewardship.

The project has contributed to improved household income diversification, enhanced food security, stronger community resilience, and increased awareness of biodiversity conservation. Women and youth have emerged as key drivers of many of the supported enterprises, highlighting the project’s contribution to inclusive development.

While commending the progress achieved, stakeholders identified several areas requiring continued attention, including access to markets, post-project technical support, and ongoing institutional backing for community forest governance structures.

Steering Committee Endorses Findings

The mission concluded with a debriefing and Steering Committee meeting in Gbarnga, where participating institutions reviewed field observations, discussed implementation progress, and agreed on key actions for the project’s remaining period.

Following presentations and discussions, the Steering Committee expressed satisfaction with the overall implementation progress and formally endorsed the mission findings.

Members highlighted the importance of sustaining community institutions beyond project closure, strengthening local ownership of livelihood initiatives, and documenting lessons learned to inform future programming in community forestry and biodiversity conservation.

Looking Beyond Project Closure

As the project enters its final implementation phase, stakeholders have renewed calls for sustained investment in community forestry and community-led enterprises.

UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni emphasized the importance of ensuring that community institutions and livelihoods continue to thrive after project completion.

"Development is most successful when communities themselves can sustain and build upon project achievements," she said. "As we approach the final phase of this initiative, it is important that we focus on strengthening local ownership, supporting community institutions, and creating linkages that will allow these enterprises to thrive well into the future."

She reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to supporting Liberia's development priorities through initiatives that protect natural resources while creating economic opportunities.

Likewise, Louis Kuukpen stressed the need to sustain the gains achieved through the project beyond August 2026.

“As we move toward project closure, our focus must be on ensuring that community structures remain strong, local enterprises continue to grow, and the knowledge and systems established through this project are maintained,” he said. “The ultimate measure of success will be the ability of communities to continue benefiting from these investments long after the project has ended.”

He added that the Salayea experience provides valuable lessons for scaling up similar approaches across Liberia.

“The achievements we have seen in Salayea affirm that empowering communities is one of the most effective ways to protect forests, conserve biodiversity, and improve livelihoods,” Kuukpen noted. “The lessons from this project provide a strong foundation for scaling up similar approaches across Liberia and advancing the country's sustainable development ambitions.”

Speaking on behalf of community beneficiaries, Yassah Mulbah expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia, UNDP, FAO, FDA, the Embassy of Sweden, and all project partners.

“This project has not only provided resources; it has given us knowledge, skills, and confidence,” she said. “We are committed to protecting our forests and continuing the livelihood activities that have improved our lives. Our hope is that these opportunities will continue for future generations.”

The Joint Steering Committee concluded that the CBFM Project has made a significant contribution to strengthening community forest governance, improving livelihoods and income diversification, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and increasing community participation in sustainable natural resource management.

The Committee commended implementing partners, local authorities, and beneficiary communities for their dedication and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the project’s achievements continue to benefit communities long after its completion in August 2026.