By Yusufu S. Bangura
Participants present during the workshop Minister of Lands (M), FAO Country Rep (R)
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with GIZ and the German government, has organized a two-day workshop on enhancing inclusivity for sustainable land tenure governance in Sierra Leone.
The event, held at the New Brookfields Hotel, commenced on March 18, 2025, and is set to conclude on March 19, 2025.
FAO Country Representative, Saeed A. Bancie, highlighted that since 2014, FAO has been providing technical support for land governance reforms in Sierra Leone.
He commended the country for making remarkable progress in policies and legal frameworks, positioning it as a leading nation in Africa in recognizing and safeguarding the land rights of both men and women.
Bancie emphasized that this progress aligns with the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT), which promote transparency, equality, and participation in land governance.
He noted that the workshop serves as a platform to foster dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders.
“Land is more than just an economic asset; it is the foundation of our lives, our culture, our food security, and our traditional knowledge. However, we face emerging challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and unregulated investments that threaten sustainable land governance,” he stated.
Despite those challenges, Bancie expressed optimism about opportunities arising from the new land laws, the establishment of the National Land Commission, the Presidential Initiative: Feed Salone, and farmer-led investments.
He said the workshop allows stakeholders to learn from local Multi-Stakeholder Platforms and the Technical Working Group chaired by the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Country Planning.
Minister of Land, Housing, and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesie, described land as one of Sierra Leone’s most valuable resources, directly impacting food security, investment, environmental protection, and social stability.
He praised the country’s progress in land reform, particularly the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act, both enacted in 2022.
“These landmark laws reflect our commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusivity in land tenure, ensuring that customary landowners, women, and local communities have stronger rights and protections,” he said.
Dr. Senesie acknowledged the VGGT Technical Working Group (TWG) for its role in facilitating national dialogue on land tenure, promoting women’s land rights, and ensuring gender equity in land access. However, he stressed that effective implementation of these laws requires collaboration between the government, traditional authorities, civil society, and the private sector.
He called for strengthening local land governance structures, including the new Chiefdom and Village Land Committees, and building the capacity of stakeholders at all levels.
“While the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act set a strong legal foundation, their implementation requires continuous collaboration and capacity-building,” he emphasized.
Dr. Senesie urged participants to contribute actively, noting that their engagement is crucial in establishing a more inclusive and transparent land governance system in Sierra Leone.
“We must unite to build a land governance system that promotes sustainability and ensures that no individual is excluded,” he concluded.
