Multi-dimensional poverty affects around two-thirds of the population, with rural areas worst hit. The recent COVID-19 crisis weakened the State by reducing economic activities and widening political divides. The country has high unemployment rates. Staple food prices are rising and food insecurity now threatens some 4.7 million people.
In addition, Sierra Leone is the third most vulnerable country to the consequences of climate change, due to its high dependence on agriculture and natural resources and environmental degradation. Extreme rainfall and rising sea levels increasingly threaten coastal areas with flooding and erosion.
In 2018, the adult literacy rate in Sierra Leone was 43.21%. Progress has been made with improved access to education over the past decade, but certain groups, including children with disabilities, remain mostly excluded. In Sierra Leone, people with disabilities face physical, social and economic barriers that make it difficult to access education, skills development and employment.
Number of HI staff: 24
Programme opened in: 1996
