Liberia

1. Liberia Programme 2007 Civil Society Assessment

   In 2007 Search for Common Ground (SFCG), with support from DFID, conducted a civil society survey to gauge local organizations' capacity and their needs for support. The findings of this research are informing SFCG's ongoing partnerships and engagement with Liberian civil society organisations at the national and county level to make them more relevant and effective, with sustainable long-term results.

   Download Liberia 2007 Civil Society Assessment Key Findings

2. Liberia Programme 2007 Media Mapping Assessment

   In early 2007, SFCG undertook a 'media mapping' assessment to better understand existing communication practices around government policies. The research was national in scope and encompassed all media channels: radio, print and television. A number of methods including key informant interviews and surveys were employed to understand how individuals and communities are receiving public information and what they know about major government policies, and specifically the Poverty Reduction Strategy, Government Economic Management Assistance Plan, and the Youth Policy. SFCG has shared these findings with Liberian government ministries and other stakeholders, and is now working with them to develop strategies to address the challenges identified.

   Download Liberia 2007 Media Mapping Assessment Key Findings

3. Liberia Programme 2006 External Evaluation

   The purpose of this independent ex-post evaluation was to assess SFCG's overall program in Liberia covering the period of September 2003 - July 2006. The evaluation had two main objectives:

   • To assess the extent to which SFCG's program in Liberia strengthened local capacities for peace in the eight communities targeted by the Next Steps in Peace program
   • To critically examine SFCG's understanding and approach to partnership as it affects its abilities to engage and the effectiveness of its engagement.

   Based on the key findings (see link below), the evaluation team outlined five recommendations to strengthen SFCG's Liberia program with regards to media, outreach and partnership building.

   • TDS should look for activities that make use of the credibility gained through the media program.
   • The Media Program needs to move closer to the Outreach Program. Perhaps more effort needs to be made within the organization to merge the two and explain the underlying strategy of synergy between outreach and media, and to clarify the mission of TDS as a peacebuilding media outlet.
   • Everyone likes the radio dramas, but it is unclear how to measure the impact on peacebuilding. TDS should include more measurement and evaluation in their ongoing work.
   • In post-war Liberia, the focus of programming has naturally shifted from conflict-resolution to governance issues. TDS needs to continuously assess how to continue the mandate of focusing on peacebuilding and on conflict resolution themes and stories.
   • Regarding an exit strategy for SFCG, the organization should consider creating both a training program for media practitioners and a local media organization. The two organizations could fruitfully partner.

   Download Liberia 2006 Evaluation Key Findings

4. 1999 - Media and Conflict Programme Evaluation

   An external USIP (United States Institute of Peace) evaluation of Talking Drum Studio's radio programming in Monrovia, Liberia, was conducted by Amr Abdalla and Nancy Torrey. TDS's goal is to use media to promote and support peacebuilding efforts and conflict resolution in a post-civil war environment. Key findings include:

   • Talking Drum Studio is a leader and a laboratory for the development of a new type of media project in conflict situations: Intended Outcomes Media
   • The case studies conducted during the research mission reveal the direct causal effect that TDS staff and programs have had on making Liberia a safer and better place for its own people and for their neighbors
   • Due to the great desire in Liberia for increased TDS programming, it is recommended that TDS focus some of its resources on finding ways to expand its reach to existing and additional audiences

   Download Liberia 1999 Evaluation