The workshop in Sierra Leone’s Kono District brought together Paramount Chiefs, Village Development Committees, Peace Mothers, local leaders, development officers, and representatives from UNDP and FAO to assess the impact of a human security-focused project. Participants also discussed how this approach could be integrated into the country’s decentralization efforts through the Wan Fambul Framework (WFF).
Over the past four years, the project has supported communities in Soa, Gbense, and Kamara chiefdoms by addressing critical issues such as food insecurity, poverty, environmental challenges, and conflict. Funded by the UN Human Security Trust Fund, the initiative placed local people at the center of development, ensuring that communities are actively shaping their own futures.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Hon. Tamba Lamina, emphasized that human security extends beyond the absence of conflict, encompassing everyday challenges like food, health, livelihoods, and peaceful coexistence. He praised the project for bringing hope and opportunity to one of Sierra Leone’s most remote and fragile regions. The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office also commended the resilience of the Kono people and highlighted the role of community-led structures such as the Chiefdom Coordination Group in sustaining project outcomes.
The project has delivered numerous lasting results for communities, including the organization of over 400 young people into youth-led cooperatives and skills groups, the expansion of financial inclusion through 30 Village Savings and Loan Associations, and the training of women and youth in entrepreneurship and livelihood skills. Investments in water, sanitation, and farmer-based organizations have improved health and food security, while the establishment of Police Partnership Board offices has contributed to reduced domestic violence and enhanced safety.
Minister Lamina noted that a key strength of the project is the ownership it has fostered among local leaders, women, and youth, who are now active drivers of development rather than passive recipients. This participatory approach aligns with Sierra Leone’s 2020 Decentralization Policy, which advocates for communities identifying their priorities and leading their own development.
Implemented by UNDP and FAO in partnership with local organizations including SEND Sierra Leone, NMJD, and Fambul Tok, the project demonstrated effective collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners to build resilience and ensure inclusivity.
UNDP and FAO stressed that the success in Kono offers a scalable model for nationwide application. By fostering trust, empowering women, and supporting local entrepreneurship, the project has shown how a human security approach can drive sustainable, community-led development.
As the initiative concludes, stakeholders agreed on the importance of expanding the foundations laid in Kono. With increased resources and partnerships, the progress achieved can be extended to other communities, advancing Sierra Leone’s vision for inclusive, people-centered development.
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