Liberia at a crossroads: The political economy of key institutional and policy reforms in the land sector
Katelyn Baldwin, Michael Geertson & Ali Kaba
Our paper applies a political economy analysis lens to two key ongoing policy and institutional reforms in Liberia: (1) passage of land rights legislation, and (2) creation of a new land agency. By considering the existing political landscape and economics of decision-making, and identifying anticipated opposition, support, and impediments to reform, we enable Liberians and development practitioners to prioritize reforms based on likelihood of success. This allows for the strategic investment of aid dollars in interventions that strengthen property rights and land-related institutions, and, helps keep Liberia moving away from conflict and toward equitable and inclusive economic growth. Our methodology includes literature review, key informant interviews at the local and national level, focus group discussions, and the latest in political economy analysis techniques developed by international donors. We determine that while these reforms are essential long-term initiatives to strengthen Liberiaas land governance system, they are likely to face delays because they are top-down, maximalist approaches to change that threaten vested interests and require complex technical and political processes in a country with limited resources and capacity. We conclude with a presentation of a series of less political reforms that we argue are opportunities for immediate donor investment and short-term impact.
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