PROJECT BACKGROUND

The EPA is Liberia's principal authority for environmental management. It coordinates, monitors, supervises, and consults with relevant stakeholders and sector Ministries, Agencies, and Commissions (MACs) on all activities related to protecting the environment and sustainable use of its natural resources.

The Government of Liberia (GoL), through the EPA and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and with funding from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), received funding for the project “Enhancing Resilience of Vulnerable Coastal Communities in Sinoe County of Liberia (ERVCCS).” EPA is the project's Executing Entity. It is financed by a GEF Trust Fund grant and co-financed by UNDP and the GoL.

Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to conduct detailed market studies within the target communities of Grand Cape Mount County to:

• Assess the current state of financial services (formal and informal) used by the population.
• Identify key barriers to accessing financial services (gender-based, geographic, socio-economic).
• Map existing providers and products in the local financial ecosystem.
• Understand the financial behaviors, needs, and preferences of community members.
• Recommend strategies to improve access, inclusion, and utilization of financial services