Investigating the effectiveness of disaster risk management and climate change adaptation: from good intentions to proven interventions in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone ranks 18th globally in vulnerability to climate-related hazards, with the poor and marginalised populations in informal settlements disproportionately impacted. Socio-economic inequality and unequal resource distribution affect recovery efforts. This study critically investigates the effectiveness of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) policies in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Utilising a qualitative design, the research used mixed data collection methods, including a literature review, policy analysis, stakeholder interviews, and community hazard, vulnerability, and capacity mapping. Data triangulation was employed to reduce bias and strengthen result validity by integrating diverse data sources. The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing all contributing factors in order to ensure effective DRM and CCA policy implementation, reduce vulnerability, and enhance resilience to hazards in Sierra Leone. These factors encompass the legislative framework, stakeholder coordination and collaboration, institutional structure and capacity building, comprehensive community engagement, funding, sectoral integration of DRM and CCA, data availability, management, and accessibility, disaster risk communication and information sharing, policy enforcement and compliance, establishment of a judicial system, research and technology, risk assessment, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, as well as corruption, political influence, instability, attitudinal and behavioural change, and urban planning. These elements are interconnected and mutually influential, collectively shaping the effectiveness of DRM and CCA efforts. A fragmented approach would undermine the effectiveness of policy implementation. Therefore, the NDMA, NCCS, and relevant stakeholders must adopt a comprehensive strategy that strengthens policy, legislative, and institutional frameworks. This includes implementing robust disaster risk assessments, early warning systems (EWS), and monitoring; promoting collaborative planning and policy development; ensuring comprehensive community inclusion, engagement, and capacity building; establishing adequate financial mechanisms, insurance, and incentives; supporting community-led resilience initiatives; and enhancing research, data management, and disaster risk communication. Integrating these elements is essential to achieving effective DRM and CCA policy outcomes in Freetown, Sierra Leone.