DROUGHT DYNAMICS, VULNERABILITY AND ADAPTATION PRIORITIES IN SIERRA LEONE: AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Drought is an important but comparatively under-recognized climate risk in Sierra Leone. Although the country receives relatively high annual rainfall, substantial spatial and temporal variability in precipitation, prolonged dry spells, increasing temperatures, and dependence on rain fed livelihoods can create significant agricultural, hydrological, environmental, and socio - economic consequences. This study presents an integrated evidence assessment of drought dynamics, vulnerability, sectoral impacts, adaptation priorities, and the policy and institutional context in Sierra Leone. Rather than presenting a new national drought-index dataset or a newly calculated vulnerability index, the study synthesizes findings from published research, institutional assessments, climate risk projections, vulnerability assessments, and national policy documents. The assessment is organized around the relationship between drought hazard, exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. Existing evidence indicates considerable geographical and temporal variability in drought characteristics, with comparatively lower rainfall and greater dependence on climate-sensitive livelihoods making parts of northern and north-eastern Sierra Leone important areas for targeted drought preparedness.