FAO Regional Office for Africa

FAO, FDA, Partners Held Forest and Farm Facility Conference

14  March 2014, Monrovia- A one-day working session for the validation of the baseline survey of the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF) took place in Monrovia with forest sector partners from Liberia and Rome, Italy participating.

Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Liberia through the Forestry Development Authority (FDA), the gathering also brought together farmers, officials of government, representatives of civil society organizations as well as international partners.

The working session discussed and solicited inputs for strengthening smallholder, women, community and Indigenous peoples’ organizations for business/livelihoods and policy engagement. The validation exercise further considered the finalization of data collected during the baseline survey and the conclusion of identification of priority areas of the FFF in Liberia.

The Forest and Farm Facility (FFF), as a five-year initiative, was established to enhance the organization and capacity of local people so they can engage in local, national, and regional level policy dialogues and decision-making processes, which influence the future of forests and farms.

Meanwhile, a delegation of forestry experts - comprising FFF Manager Jeffrey Campbell, the Facility’s Forestry Officer Sophie Grouwels, and Duncan Macqueen who is the Principal Researcher of the Forestry Team - was in the country to assess activities of the Facility.

While in the Country, the delegation who visited farmers and producers in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount County, met with key stakeholders around enhancing the work of the Facility in Liberia for improving the livelihoods of smallholder beneficiaries including women.

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This media release was issued by FAO Liberia, 3rd Floor – H & G Plaza - Mamba Point – Monrovia.