Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration for Land Governance in Sierra Leone 

Building on the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT), Sierra Leone has, in recent years, introduced new and reformed land laws. At both the national and district levels, impactful multi-stakeholder structures have been established to ensure land rights are managed inclusively, fairly, and with reduced conflict potential. In March 2025, a two-day workshop brought together over 70 representatives from government, civil society, traditional authorities, and international organizations. The goal: to reflect on and scale existing structures, exchange knowledge, and strengthen collaboration across national, district, and local levels.

The workshop was organized by MLHCP, the National Land Commission, and FAO, with support from Partnerships2030, Welthungerhilfe, and local organizations such as Land for Life and Green Scenery. Throughout presentations, discussions, and working groups, participants highlighted the progress made so far—including the establishment of nine district-level multi-stakeholder platforms and a nationally active VGGT working group. At the same time, further potential was identified, particularly in strengthening linkages between local, district, and national levels, and in integrating new structures like the National Land Commission and the National Council of Paramount Chiefs. 

Dr. Turad Senesie, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, underscored the importance of collaboration: “The power in the group dynamics should not be underestimated, and the essence is to use land to promote development.” 

The participants agreed on concrete next steps to enhance cooperation—a vital contribution to implementing the new land laws and promoting justice, inclusion, and conflict prevention in land governance. The workshop received wide media coverage across TV, radio, and print, with reports praising the commitment of stakeholders and the leadership shown by government institutions. 

The conclusion was clear: Sierra Leone’s multi-stakeholder approach is working—and ready for the next phase of development. Key success factors include the strong involvement of relevant stakeholders at all levels, the technical expertise and dedication of the Ministry and National Land Commission, the effective work of implementing organizations such as Land for Life and Green Scenery, and the long-standing, trust-based collaboration with FAO, Welthungerhilfe, and local partners. The willingness of traditional authorities to actively engage has also played a crucial role.