Improving Mining Sector Governance and Resilient Livelihoods in Sierra Leone through the Human Security Approach

Farming has historically been the primary source of income and livelihood for residents of Sierra Leone. However, mining activities in the country have intensified water contamination and increased land degradation and acquisition, making land either unsuitable or unavailable for crop cultivation. This has resulted in a shift from farming to petty trading, transport service, charcoal production, and employment within mining companies. Facing deepening poverty levels, the local population has grown frustrated with mining activities that do not appear to benefit communities, which has led to protests and other actions, particularly by youth. In this context, it is imperative to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes through building economic resilience, expanding alternative livelihoods, and ensuring the actions of mining companies preserve the local environment and bring benefits to local communities for current and future generations.

The programme aims to promote the use of the human security approach as a tool to improve mining sector governance and strengthen the resilience of mining communities. Specifically, the programme: (i) contributes to a diverse, resilient local economy through climate-smart agriculture practices, enhancing economic and food security; (ii) supports inclusive decision-making and social cohesion in mining communities, empowering the population through understanding their rights related to the mining sector; and (iii) strengthens national mining governance through human security to promote transparency, accountability, and compliance with environmental regulations.

KEY MATERIALS
Programme Summary