The New African Research and Development Agency (NARDA) is a consortium of Liberian Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that are engaged in the provision of health, education, agriculture, social and community development services. Founded in 1987, NARDAemerged out of a concern for the decelerating level of support to existing local development NGOs. The organization serves as an umbrella organization that represents the interests of the Liberian NGO community liaising with other ngo networks, the Government of Liberia and the international community. The focus of the organization is on helping to rebuild the institutional capacities of local NGOs and thus, improve their ability to work with communities in ways that empower them.

The NARDA network includes 30 active full-member NGOs and three County Networks (Grand Bassa, Bong and Nimba) comprising of more than 15 rural community-based organizations. NARDA is in principle a non-implementing agency so as not to compete with its members. However, its broad participation in issues relating to rural development requires actively engaging community action groups, and mentoring and coaching member ngos to work with communities in rural Liberia.

After a number of consultations and joint learning sessions with member NGOs, partners and associates over the past 19 years, NARDA has resolved to further develop its own capacity as a learning institution, helping local NGOs sift through the ever-changing social, political and economic landscape for clues that will provide a better understanding of the new operating environment. This rethinking of purpose allows NARDA and its member NGOs to properly prepare for and confront challenges associated with post-war recovery and development.

 This Directory is an attempt at creating a database of NARDA members that could serve as a baseline that bundles the experience harnessed over the years and at the same time presents the hopes and aspirations of the non-state sector for Liberia’s national recovery and development. We shall make it as dynamic and flexible as possible. It shall be regularly updated and improved upon. We trust that it is a useful document for those who wish to work in building the capacity of the ngo sector in Liberia.