The Land for Life Initiative is a joint endeavor of civil society partners in four African countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Liberia and Sierra Leone), supported by the German NGO Welthungerhilfe (WHH), the Civil Society Academy (CSA) and the German Ministry for Economic Collaboration and Development (BMZ).

The Initiative aims to contribute to the formulation and implementation of policies on land governance and agricultural investments that are consistent with international standards and in particular the human right to adequate food. Given the complexity and high relevance of land tenure and agricultural investments in the fight against hunger and poverty, it is vital to establish processes and platforms that bring together all relevant stakeholders. The Initiative thus promotes multi-actor dialogue and collaboration; fostering notably the meaningful participation of local communities and their representatives.

The Land for Life-initiative is financially supported by the German NGO Welthungerhilfe and the German Ministry for Economic Collaboration and Development (BMZ). It is linked to processes and organizations in other African countries where similar dialogue processes are being facilitated.

In Sierra Leone, five legally established non-profit national civil society organizations partner as a Consortium to roll out the Land for Life-Initiative. The Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) is acting as Consortium Lead. The other four organizations are: United for the Protection of Human Rights (UPHR), Community Empowerment for Poverty Alleviation (CEPA), Partners Initiative for Conflict Transformation (PICOT), and Sierra Leone Network on the Right to Food (SiLNoRF).

The five national civil society organizations have interlacing organizational mandates and thematic focuses that are contextually relevant to the campaign for responsible land governance reform in the country. Especially the coordinating organization – NMJD; but also, the other four organizations, have experiences in contributing to policy reform and engaging communities on human rights issues, including land governance and people’s right to adequate food through responsible agricultural investment.

NMJD also host a Secretariat headed by a Coordinator, supported by M&E/Coms officer. The Secretariat provides administrative support to the Consortium partners, each focusing their intervention in one district of the country.

The Land for Life-Initiative in Sierra Leone is supported through an international team, composed of Welthungerhilfe staff based in Germany and trainers from the Civil Society Academy. The international support team also facilitates learning and exchange across countries and organizations. At country level, NMJD’s Executive Director acts as the National Convener of the civil society Consortium and works closely with Welthungerhilfe’s Country Directors to provide leadership for the Initiative.