Overview

The needs are enormous in Liberia, with much of the population living below the national poverty line. Negative impacts of the civil crisis that ended in 2003 persist on many sectors of the country, presenting citizens with limited positive options to navigate challenges. Liberia’s economy remains struggling with its poverty headcount ratio at $1.90 a day. The country largely depends on foreign aid.

The underlying factors contributing to the country’s low human capital outcomes are multiple and complex. They include weak institutions, ineffective service delivery, demographic pressures, and low and inefficient social spending. In addition, poor coordination among government agencies responsible for human capital development often results in unresponsive or suboptimal service delivery. 

Minimum attention to the agricultural sector leads to food insecurity, and poor nutritional practices at household level is a major factor hampering infant nutrition and growth.