A recent gathering in Kenema brought together over 50 stakeholders, including Village Area Land Committees (VALC) and Chiefdom Land Committees (CLC), to discuss ways to improve land governance in Sierra Leone. The session focused on reviewing findings from a needs assessment aimed at enhancing land management practices, particularly in the Bo and Kenema districts.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security training hall, featured insights from an independent consultant. The assessment highlighted the importance of land governance education, especially for women, and promoted sustainable land management practices in the Kakua and Nongowa chiefdoms.

This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize land administration, ensuring that traditional authorities and land committees are well-informed about relevant laws and policies. By engaging directly with these groups, stakeholders aim to improve decision-making processes and prevent land-related conflicts.

Andrew Kojo Morrison, Country Representative of Solidaridad Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving effective land governance. He highlighted the initiative’s role in ensuring that land committees understand their legal responsibilities and contribute to a more transparent land administration system.

A local authority representative supported the initiative, noting that unresolved land issues often lead to disputes. He called for continued training and support to equip land committees with the necessary knowledge to handle land matters effectively.

Consultant Kadija Jalloh, who conducted the study, stressed that land committee members must be familiar with key policies such as the Gender and Women’s Empowerment Act and the Customary Land Rights Act. Understanding these policies, she explained, is essential for addressing governance challenges and ensuring fair land management practices.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to promote sustainable land governance and strengthen local capacity in Sierra Leone.