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.