FSRP Unconditional Cash Transfer Provides Lifeline to 12,000 Vulnerable Households in Sierra Leone

In response to the economic grappling posed by global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the government of Sierra Leone, with the unwavering support of the World Bank, has launched the Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) within the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS). This initiative aimed to support vulnerable households in Sierra Leone to cushion the impact of these crises and building resilience within the country's food system.
In February 2023, the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP), through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NaCSA to implement the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) component of the project. This decision was driven by NaCSA's proven expertise in managing cash transfer programs.
The CERC, under the FSRP, is an Emergency Cash Transfer (ECT) targeting 12,000 extremely poor individuals residing in flood-prone areas across 12 districts: BO, Kenema, Bonthe, Kailahun, Pujehun, Moyamba, Tonkolili, Port Loko, Karene, Falaba, Koinadugu, and Kambia.
Each beneficiary receives a sum of NLe2,600 to mitigate the impact of these crises. The project encourages beneficiaries to engage in small-scale businesses that can provide their households with food, medicine, and school fees for their children.
In Telu Bongor, a beneficiary community in Bo District, Mohamed Sannoh, 28, lost his entire livelihood to COVID-19. He used to purchase goods from the Luma Market, but the crisis restrictions discouraged gatherings. As a result, his meager savings, which could have been substantial now, were depleted. Upon receiving this life-saving aid, Mohamed burst into tears. He expressed his gratitude, stating that the money received would serve as seed capital for his business. Mohamed extended his heartfelt appreciation to the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone for revitalizing his household.
Nyanda Koita, 30, a resident of Boima Community in Moyamba District, was devastated by a covid 19 that left her a widow with two children. Her husband was her sole source of income. This tragedy forced Nyanda to relocate to the city of area of Moyamba. "Since I lost my husband, our lives have become miserable," she lamented. "We currently survive by begging, and that is not a sustainable way to live for me and my children." When Nyanda received NLe2,600 from FSRP through NaSCA, she decided to start vegetable farming using two plots. As her crops flourished, she expanded her cultivation.
With this newfound financial support, Mohamed, Nyanda, and many others could now envision a brighter future for themselves and their families. Mohamed could dream of restarting his small business, of providing for his loved ones with dignity and stability. Nyanda could envision nurturing her children and providing them with the education they deserve.
“We are deeply grateful to the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone for this timely assistance," they exclaimed, their voices filled with emotion. "These supports have given us the hope we needed to rebuild our lives and contribute to my community."
Mohamed's and Nyanda's stories are not just their own; they are shared narratives of resilience and hope, echoing through the streets of Moyamba, Bo and beyond. The World Bank's Food Systems Resilience Program, through its NSL1.2 billion unconditional cash transfers, is empowering vulnerable communities to withstand the storms of global shocks and emerge stronger, ready to build a more prosperous future for themselves and their families.