Liberia: Tools distributed to 65,000 families

Liberia: Tools distributed to 65,000 families

Monrovia (ICRC) – Anxious to play an active role in helping Liberians return to villages they once fled to escape fighting, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has distributed tools to more than 65,000 families living in 1,300 villages.

Returnees in Lofa, Gbarpolu, Nimba, River Gee and Maryland counties received machetes, shovels, nails, hammers, hoes, axes, wheelbarrows and saws. "People were extremely happy to have the tools they need to begin farming again," said Sarah Wilson, the organization's relief coordinator in the country. A villager added that "for a Liberian, to be in the jungle without a machete is like being a businessman in an office without a pen."

The ICRC has placed the tools in the care of committees made up of village chiefs, elders and women's representatives. They will ensure that everyone in the community has access to them. Sarah Wilson pointed out that this approach was aimed at increasing responsibility and cohesion within the communities. The ICRC will be returning to verify that all families do have access to the tools.

Rural families need to clear brush from their lands and rebuild their houses before the planting season. The next step will come with the distribution of 1,430 tonnes of rice, bean and vegetable seed to these communities in March and April, before the end of the planting season. Last year, the ICRC distributed tools and seed to 30,000 families in Liberia.

© Scoop Media