09/05/2026
Christian Aid Ends 4-Day Monitoring Visit in Kono District
Christian Aid Sierra Leone has yesterday, Friday 8th May 2026 concluded a four-day monitoring and assessment visit to NMJD operational communities in Kono district, eastern region of Sierra Leone. The Christian Aid team visited Gbukuma and Bandasuma communities in Gbense and Fiama Chiefdoms respectively. The purpose of the visit was to assess the progress or otherwise towards the implementation of the project titled: “Providing Alternatives to Conflict in Cattle Settlement Communities”, which NMJD and its partners are implementing in Kono district. The project is funded by the Irish Aid through Christian Aid Sierra Leone under the Ireland Civil Society Partnership (ICSP).
During interactions with the Christian Aid monitoring team, the community people appreciated the project and emphasized the importance of the ongoing regular dialogue in a serene and conducive environment where hitherto protagonists would sit together and discuss issues affected them and their communities, unlike before when such a platform did not exist.
As outcomes of the project interventions, the local communities said the development and enforcement of the bylaws to regulate the relationship between cattle rearers and crop farmers has enhanced peaceful co-existence and significantly reduced hostilities and conflicts between the two groups of farmers. Other key project achievements include the engagement of the two farmer groups in trade transactions, operating joint savings groups, women-led farming collaborations, use of cow dung as organic fertilizer, and the increased awareness on the importance of community safety.
The women also told the monitoring team that the income they are generating from their farming activities is crucial towards meeting their daily family needs, especially their health, education and food needs. According to these women, this is happening because of the reigning peace between the herders and crop farmers, as well as the redress and conflict resolution mechanisms contained in the community bylaws.
Also, the Christian monitoring team engaged beneficiaries of the YouLead project which NMJD is implementing in Kono district. This project, which focuses on youth empowerment, is funded by the European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone through Christian Aid Ireland.
The Christian Aid team engaged the direct beneficiaries and stakeholders of the project, and they collectively identified the challenges faced in the project implementation and the opportunities available to them. The objective of this engagement was to strengthen coordination between implementing partners, local authorities, and community members to ensure effective project delivery.