Sub-Saharan Africa - Liberia
The Liberian-Swedish Access-Driven Rural Development Project (LISA) builds on more than a decade of innovative work to improve rural mobility and access in Liberia. Implemented by Cowater International through a Technical Assistance (TA) mandate, the project supports the Ministry of Public Works in developing low-cost, community-managed transport infrastructure that connects remote villages to markets, schools, and health services.
In many parts of Liberia, small villages and farms remain isolated because conventional road networks do not reach them. Recognizing this gap, the Liberian Swedish Feeder Roads Programme (LSFRP) began testing an alternative model — Village Access Roads (VARs) — designed for motorcycles and three-wheelers that can be built and maintained locally. Between 2009 and 2023, LSFRP rehabilitated hundreds of kilometres of feeder roads and constructed 200 km of VARs, transforming mobility for rural households.
Launched in March 2025, LISA continues this pioneering approach with a target of 195 km of new VARs across Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties. Cowater’s technical assistance team works closely with the Ministry of Public Works to design and implement the infrastructure while ensuring that communities are at the centre of the process. The team’s work includes surveying and selecting rural footpaths, establishing community maintenance structures, developing engineering designs and construction plans, and training local contractors, consultants, and government officials in sustainable road management practices.
LISA has also launched a monthly newsletter that shares project updates, lessons learned, and stories from the field with donors, ministries, project partners, and local authorities.
👉 Read the latest LISA Newsletter
Through this initiative, Cowater and its partners are helping rural communities take ownership of their infrastructure, creating sustainable, low-cost transport solutions that connect people and opportunities across Liberia.
