Enhanced Resiliency and Living Conditions for Vulnerable Communities Addressing Economic, Health, and Food Security Challenges due to Impacts of COVID-19 in Sierra Leone

The surge in COVID-19 cases in Sierra Leone at the onset of 2021, accompanied by necessary movement restrictions to contain the spread of the virus, exacerbated existing challenges, notably food insecurity, and disrupted livelihoods for those reliant on unstable income sources. This situation disproportionately affected women, youth, and individuals already living in poverty, leading to further income reductions. Border communities, heavily reliant on cross-border trade with neighboring countries, faced significant economic downturns due to travel restrictions and border closures. This strain underscores the urgent need to prioritize interventions that ensure the safety and well-being of communities affected by crises. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen the human security of these communities, not just for alleviating their immediate needs but also for their ability to withstand and recover from present and future challenges.

The programme aims to strengthen the capacity of the government and enhance community resilience to prevent and mitigate health, food, and economic insecurity. To this end, the specific objectives are: (i) improve the capacities of vulnerable communities to prevent and respond to crises, including skills and tools to control emerging public health risks; (ii) enhance livelihood skills and opportunities in the agricultural and fisheries sector that enable more sustainable food security and income; and (iii) build the capacity of the fisheries sector to meet the food and nutritional needs of vulnerable communities through strengthened governance and trade environment.

KEY MATERIALS 
Programme Summary