PROGRAM: Liberia
TITLE AND NUMBER: Successful Transition from Relief to Recovery Through a Community Reintegration Program, 669-002
STATUS: Continuing
PLANNED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $0
PROPOSED FY 2002 OBLIGATION AND FUNDING SOURCE: $0
INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1997 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2000

Summary: The devastation of the civil crisis affected every fabric of the Liberian society. Academic and health institutions were either vandalized or massively looted. The fluid security situation that existed in other parts of the country necessitated the migration of Liberians into neighboring countries as refugees and the massive influx of people into Monrovia as internally displaced persons. The gradual improvement in the security situation (following the presidential election and subsequent installation of a constitutional Government) facilitated the repatriation of Liberian refugees from neighboring countries and the return of the internally displaced to their original places of residence. The focus of USAID's assistance was accordingly shifted from emergency humanitarian relief to rehabilitation, recovery and ultimately sustainable development. Rural revitalization primarily through investments in community-based micro-projects is crucial to peace, stability, and recovery. Support for the resettlement, reintegration, and economic recovery will continue to be the main thrust of USAID programs for FY 2001 and the medium term thereafter.

In FY 2001 and FY 2002 USAID will not obligate funds for this activity.

Key Results: The results achieved under this strategic objective include: (1) resettlement of 672,000 internally displaced persons; (2) repatriation of 250,000 refugees from Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Ghana and Nigeria; (3) renovation of 120 health facilities and 88 schools; (4) provision of vocational skills to more than 9,000 war affected youths; (5) distribution of 2,856.6 metric tons of seed rice benefiting over 123,000 farm families; (6) distribution of more than 600,000 pieces of assorted farming tools to 135,000 farm families; (7) 75% increase in rice production above the 1997 harvest; and (8) coverage above the expected level for the 2000 National Immunization Days for the eradication of Polio in Liberia.

Performance and Prospects: The activities in support of this strategic objective are crucial to the recovery process and will facilitate the return of former combatants, refugees, and the internally displaced to their villages. The Mission is confident that it will continue to make significant progress in facilitating the recovery process. Rehabilitation assistance will focus on sustaining conditions for resettlement and building the capacity of local organizations to help deliver assistance, working primarily through international PVOs and NGOs. The Government of Liberia's budget constraints will also virtually eliminate the possibility that it will be able to absorb the cost of providing assistance for these activities in the near future.

Possible Adjustment to Plans: This Strategic Objective ended in September 2000. There are therefore no anticipated adjustments planned.

Other Donor Programs: The European Union is carrying out primary health care services and food security initiatives in the southeastern region of Liberia. Additionally, the European Union and the United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) are supporting the National Drug Service to ensure the availability of essential drugs in public health institutions. UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) are providing vaccines and supplies for the Expanded Program for Immunization as well as technical and logistical support to the Ministry of Health for health services revitalization. Other major bilateral and multilateral donors include the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Donor activities include assistance to develop fiscal and monetary policies, food aid, food security, community-based projects, and public works activities.

Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: Grantees and contractors included: Africare, Catholic Relief Services, Center's for Disease Control, International Foundation for Education and Self Help, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran World Service, Opportunities Industrialization Center, Phelps-Stokes Fund, Save the Children Fund, United Nations Children's Fund, United Nations Development Program, World Health Organization, United Methodist Relief Organization, and World Vision International.

FY 2002 Performance Tables

Performance Measures:

Indicator Information: