Exploring the Impact of decentralization on service delivery in rural Sierra Leone: A Case Study of Kailahun District
Sr No:
Page No:
23-34
Language:
English
Authors:
Mohamed Kaifala Jimmy*1, Dr Morrison Kenie Lahai2, Dr. Edward Hinga Foday3
Affiliation:
1*Institute of geography and development studies Njala university, Njala, Eastern Technical University, Kenema., 2School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, 3Faculty of Engineeering And Innovation, Eastern Technical University
Received:
2026-05-15
Accepted:
2026-06-30
Published Date:
2026-07-15
Abstract:
Service-delivery in the course of implementing decentralization around the rural districts of Sierra Leone has been neglected in for far too long; and little studies regarding this have been done in Sierra Leone. This study was undertaken to investigate and come out with detailed analysis with accounts of service delivery in rural communities around the country (Sierra Leone). The objectives of this study were to examine the delivery of the services in the decentralisation dispensation: the provision of educational, healthcare and safe drinking water supply services to rural communities.
Data was collected from 400 respondents randomly selected from households in communities that were purposive selected. structured questionnaire was used to collect data from households and semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from key informants. Data was analysed using R-version.
Result revealed that there are limited provisions of these services to the people in the rural communities; and which makes accessibility to the services very difficult for community people who suffer the consequences. Result further reveal that service delivery was not uniform across chiefdoms in the district.
It recommended that government should improve on the provision of infrastructure in the rural communities on the one hand, instituting mechanisms for effective monitoring to enhance maintenance and sustainability towards improvement.
Keywords:
service delivery.