MAP Decentralization

Land for Life has successfully piloted the Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) Decentralization Process in five districts across Sierra Leone. Through this initiative, District Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (DMSPs) have been established in each district to strengthen inclusive and participatory land governance at the local level.

Each DMSP brings together a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives from the Council of Paramount Chiefs, local councils, academia, persons with disabilities (PWDs), decentralized government departments, the Office of National Security (ONS), and women’s leadership groups. These diverse actors meet regularly—usually on a monthly basis, with additional emergency sessions convened when necessary—to deliberate on land governance issues, mediate land-related disputes, and promote dialogue among all key stakeholders within their districts.

Beyond the district level, the MAP initiative is also active in forty communities across twelve chiefdoms within the operational districts. At the chiefdom level, Chiefdom Multi-Actor Platforms (CMAPs) have been established to further decentralize the process and bring decision-making closer to the communities. Chiefdom MAP members play a critical role in mediating land conflicts, fostering collaboration between local authorities and community members, and promoting peaceful coexistence within their chiefdoms.

Through the MAP Decentralization Process, Land for Life continues to build trust, accountability, and inclusivity in land governance. These platforms have become beacons of peace and cooperation, helping to bridge the gap between traditional and formal governance systems while ensuring that community voices are heard and respected in all land-related decision-making processes.