The World Bank recently approved an $18.34 million grant to help Sierra Leone enhance biodiversity and tackle climate change. This funding comes from the Least Developed Countries Fund as part of the Global Environment Facility. It aims to boost ongoing efforts under the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) to support Nature-Based Solutions.
The grant will focus on improving landscape management, conserving biodiversity, and boosting climate-smart agricultural practices. It emphasizes research and community engagement, which are vital for food security in vulnerable areas. Abdu Muwonge, the World Bank’s Country Manager for Sierra Leone, mentioned that the funding aims to strengthen the nation’s ability to adapt to climate challenges, promoting sustainable farming and a resilient food system.
This grant marks a significant step in the government’s partnership with the World Bank to address pressing development issues in Sierra Leone. Launching in 2022, the FSRP project has a total funding pool of $1.17 billion. It’s designed to improve food security across eight countries in West Africa, including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Mali, among others.
With this new funding, Sierra Leone’s portion of the FSRP now totals $153.34 million. Adetunji Oredipe, a Senior Agriculture Economist at the World Bank, highlighted that this financial boost will accelerate the country’s shift towards sustainable agriculture, benefiting more communities and reinforcing the food sector.
Historically, Sierra Leone has faced challenges with agriculture and food security, largely due to climate-related issues. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global food prices have increased due to climate change, impacting vulnerable populations. A recent study showed that climate change could push an additional 132 million people into extreme poverty by 2030 if no significant action is taken.
This effort aligns with Sierra Leone’s national priorities, such as the 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution and the National Adaptation Plan. Engaging local communities and utilizing innovative farming techniques will be essential in these efforts, ensuring that farmers are equipped to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
