LAND FOR LIFE AND ITS PARTNERS HOLD QUARTERLY CONSORTIUM MEETING

Land for Life (LfL) and its partners from the four operational areas—Pujehun, Kenema, Tonkolili, and Port Loko—gathered in Kenema on the 7th and 8th, of February 2025 for a strategic meeting. The purpose of the meeting was threefold: to review the accomplishments of 2024, draw a sustainability plan and to establish clear strategies for 2025 implementation.

Mr. Abu Brima, the Governance Coach and Board Chairman of Land for Life, expressed gratitude to partners for their commitments in 2024, acknowledging their contributions to the project. However, he emphasized that more work remains to be done in 2025 as the project is gradually winding down. Mr. Brima highlighted the importance of ensuring the sustainability of the Multi-Actor Partnership in Sierra Leone, an initiative currently led by Land for Life. He stressed that this sustainability should be a daily focus for all partners involved, underscoring the need for continued collaboration and dedication to achieve long-term impact

Berns Komba Lebbie, the National Coordinator for Land for Life, led the team in an outcome harvesting exercise to evaluate activities undertaken since January 2024. He encouraged partners to engage in deeper reflection on the major outcomes achieved during this period. Representatives from the four districts shared insights into the activities they had implemented in their respective areas.

A key highlight was the participatory land mapping initiative in Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District. This effort is particularly significant due to ongoing concerns from Malen landowners, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the general public about the exact parcels of land acquired by Socfin Agricultural Company. The mapping aims to provide clarity and transparency for families in the chiefdom regarding land ownership and usage.

The initiative comes in the context of past tensions, including the loss of lives and restrictions on CSOs entering Malen or holding meetings there, as communities sought to uncover the truth and advocate for justice. The participatory survey is expected to culminate in the production of a detailed map of family lands in Malen Chiefdom, which will serve as a critical tool for resolving land disputes and promoting accountability.

The work of Land for Life and its partners primarily focuses on advocating for the land rights of vulnerable individuals and communities. A significant aspect of this work involves the transformation of District Facilitators into Para-Legals, who collaborate with members of the District Multi-Stakeholder Platform to mediate land conflicts between communities and individuals. This approach has yielded a high success rate in achieving peaceful resolutions, with tangible evidence of positive outcomes in the communities.

To further enhance their effectiveness, the District Facilitators/Para-Legals received training during the meeting on the use of case recording and follow-up tools and procedures. This training aims to improve their ability to mediate cases systematically and ensure proper documentation and follow-up. By the end of the project lifecycle in 2026, the goal is to have mediated 40 cases across the four districts, further solidifying the impact of these efforts.

However, the sustainability of the Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) beyond its current funding stream remains a critical challenge. To address this, several strategies were discussed to strengthen resource mobilization and ensure the platform’s long-term viability. Key ideas included:

1. Raising Own-Source Revenue: Exploring ways for the platform to generate its own income, such as through membership fees, service charges, or partnerships with local businesses.
2. Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and capabilities of platform members to improve their effectiveness in advocacy, mediation, and resource mobilization.
3. Strengthening Collaboration: Fostering stronger partnerships with civil society organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and other stakeholders to leverage collective resources and expertise.

These actions are essential to ensure that the MAP can continue its vital work in advocating for land rights and mediating conflicts, even after the current funding period ends. By focusing on sustainability and resource mobilization, the platform aims to maintain its impact and support vulnerable communities in the long term.