'Improving subnational disaster management in Sierra Leone': Evaluating Local Disaster Management in Sierra Leone (EVALDIS) Final Report 2023 No. 1.

Abstract

The EVALDIS Final Report No. 1 represents a comprehensive assessment of the challenges confronting provincial, district and local disaster management across the country and is designed to contribute valuable research based and evidenced recommendations that can help to shape the NDMA’s thinking and direction towards developing stronger regional capacities across the country in 2023. Research was conducted by a team from the internationally acclaimed Bournemouth University Disaster Management Centre (BUDMC), led by Professor Lee Miles, during 2022. EVALDIS constitutes one of the most extensive, contemporary studies undertaken in recent years. The Report draws on data collected from stakeholder interviews and Focus Groups as well as peer/participant observations in disaster management meetings at the national, provincial, district and local levels. At all stages, the research has involved cooperation with Sierra Leone’s disaster management institutions, the participation of local communities and incorporates peer- review feedback on the findings presented in the EVALDIS Final Report. Through the application of innovative Bournemouth University led research techniques, focusing primarily on identifying ‘resolvable single points of failure’ (SPOF), refined in conjunction with the NDMA, this Final Report highlights that: • There is an overwhelming consensus that the development of the NDMA’s provincial and district capacities, including the appointment of NDMA Provincial and District Officers, and the creation of NDMA Provincial and District Offices is a welcome development. • However, there remain 12 notable areas where SPOF exist that are likely to lead to the breakdown of part or all of this evolving subnational component of Sierra Leone’s disaster management system. This includes aspects of disaster risk reduction, response and recovery. • These 12 SPOF areas are clearly and commonly identifiable by all three participating constituencies of national stakeholders, representatives of local communities and provincial disaster management officers, and verified through participating interactions. Thus, there is a firm basis for concerted future subnational action and initiatives. There is a remarkably high level of consistency and consensus shared by all three participating constituencies that the top SPOF areas are resolvable and fixable over the short to medium terms (within 5 years), provided appropriate recommendations and immediate action points are implemented to address them. • There is resoundingly strong agreement that key initiatives such as the development of Facilitators Guides to increase the knowledge, skills and competencies of the NDMA Provincial and District Officers (and offices) represent important initiatives for the future. The EVALDIS Final Report calls for the NDMA to further develop an integrated NDMA regional strategy/document that can further underpin the development of the NDMA's provincial and district capacities during 2023-24. The Strategy would be wise to recognise and consider the 51 notable, resolvable SPOF identified in the EVALDIS Final Report, and implement most(if not all) of the 62 specific evidenced-based recommendations and immediate action points that are aimed at improving subnational disaster management in Sierra Leone now and in the future.