By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
Solidaridad West Africa recently brought together over 50 stakeholders, including Village Area Land Committees (VALC) and Chiefdom Land Committees (CLC), for a review of findings from a needs assessment aimed at enhancing land governance in the Bo and Kenema districts.
The one-day session was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security training hall in Kenema, where participants examined the work of an independent consultant. The assessment focuses on improving the understanding of land governance, particularly among women, and promoting sustainable land management practices in the Kakua and Nongowa chiefdoms. This initiative aligns with the Sierra Leone Land Administration Project (SLLAP), led by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank.
Andrew Kojo Morrison, the Country Representative of Solidaridad Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in the initiative. “Our partnership with FAO and the World Bank under SLLAP is a vital step toward inclusive land governance. By engaging directly with traditional authorities, we ensure that land committees understand the laws governing their responsibilities,” he stated. Morrison further highlighted that the initiative aims to transform rural land management by elevating women’s voices in decision-making and building sustainable local capacity. The validated findings from the assessment will guide improvements in the operational functions of the committees and foster a more efficient land administration system in Sierra Leone.
A representative from local authorities expressed support for the initiative, underscoring its significance. “If land issues are not addressed properly, they can lead to serious disputes within our communities,” he explained. He urged Solidaridad and FAO to continue supporting the government in training VALC and CLC members across all districts, emphasizing that understanding their roles and responsibilities is crucial for establishing effective land governance and preventing conflicts.
Consultant Kadija Jalloh, who conducted the study, outlined its objectives and asserted that it aims to determine whether land committee members possess the necessary tools and understanding of key policies, including the Gender and Women’s Empowerment Act and the Customary Land Rights Act. She stressed the importance of this knowledge for effectively addressing land governance issues.
“It is essential for committee members to be well-versed in these national policies, as they will need to reference them when dealing with land-related matters,” she concluded, emphasizing the collective effort towards sustainable land governance in Sierra Leone.
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