Sierra Leone's match for Inclusive Energy Transition Plan for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems Underway

Proposed event flyer

The Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security, under the theme "Developing a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Plan for Sierra Leone in the Context of Climate Resilience and Sustainable Food Systems," will be convening the 1st National Dialogue Conference aimed to develop an Energy Transition Plan that promotes a just and inclusive transition to renewable energy sources while ensuring climate resilience and sustainable food systems.

The event will take place at the Freetown City Council and commence with a keynote address by His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, under the auspices of Alhaji Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, the Chairman of PI-CREF.

Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and President Bio Big 5 Agenda - A Lasting Legacy for Sierra Leone 

Dr. Yumkella's appointment as Chairman of the Special Initiative for Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and Food Security underscores his expertise and commitment to tackling the urgent environmental and agricultural concerns facing Sierra Leone.

His extensive knowledge and visionary leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the formulation and execution of innovative strategies aimed at achieving sustainable development goals.

Dr Yumkella and his team for the past weeks now have held several briefing and working sessions with various government ministries, agencies and international development partners, including the MCC, the World Bank Group, the UN country team, the Office of the Vice President, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture.

All these discussions were focused on enhancing collaboration and policy coherence in the energy, sustainable food, systems, and climate resilience space. 

The partners will actively participate in this weekend's national dialogue conference.

Addressing Climate Change and Renewable Energy:

President Julius Maada Bio emphasises the critical need for Sierra Leone to address climate change and transition towards renewable energy sources, highlighting the adverse effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, including the increased frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and deforestation. 

Recognising the situation's urgency, President Bio, during this dialogue, is expected to stress the importance of adopting renewable energy solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for Sierra Leone.

Why is a Sustainable Food System Significant for President Bio Agenda?

President Bio, already aware of these mitigating factors, has always underscored the significance of sustainable food systems in climate change. 

He acknowledges that climate change poses significant challenges to food security, particularly in developing nations like Sierra Leone that heavily rely on agriculture. 

The President, during this dialogue, is also expected to emphasise the need to create resilient and sustainable food systems that adapt to changing climatic conditions.

By implementing climate-smart agriculture practices and promoting sustainable farming techniques, Sierra Leone can enhance its food security while minimising the environmental impact.

President Bio and Yumkella’s Energy Transition Plan:

The National Dialogue this weekend will bring together stakeholders from government agencies, international development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, and local communities. The objective is to develop an Energy Transition Plan that aligns with Sierra Leone's climate resilience and sustainable food systems goals. The plan aimed to address the following key areas:

1. Renewable Energy Development: 

The plan will be focused on promoting the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. This shift would reduce Sierra Leone's carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

2. Access to Clean Energy: 

Recognising the importance of energy access for socio-economic development, the plan aimed to ensure equitable access to clean energy for all Sierra Leoneans. This would involve expanding the reach of renewable energy infrastructure and promoting off-grid solutions in rural and underserved areas.

3. Climate Resilience: 

The Energy Transition Plan incorporated strategies to enhance Sierra Leone's climate resilience. This included measures such as integrating climate change considerations into infrastructure development, promoting sustainable land management practices, and strengthening early warning systems for natural disasters.

4. Sustainable Food Systems: 

The plan recognised the interlinkages between energy and food systems. It emphasised the promotion of climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable fishing practices to enhance food security and minimise environmental impacts.

In conclusion, the National Dialogue organised under the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security in Sierra Leone will mark a significant and historic step towards developing a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition Plan. 

With a focus on climate resilience and sustainable food systems, the plan aims to steer Sierra Leone towards a future powered by renewable energy sources while addressing the challenges posed by climate change. 

Through collaborative efforts and the involvement of diverse stakeholders, Sierra Leone can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous nation in the face of global environmental challenges.

©: Alhaji K. Tarawally (Laj-K) Ph.D. Candidate (EUCLID, CAR), M.A. IRD (SIU, Germany), MSc IRD (UoR, UK), BA Hons. (FBC, SL)✍️