International Research and Academic scholar society

IRASS Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Issue-7(July), Volume-3 2026

1. Examinig Decentralization and Its Implementation Challenges: A Case fo...
13

Gabriel Timothy Ndanema*1, Morrison K. Lahai2, Emmanuel Conteh3
1*M.Phil Candidate, Institute of Geography and Development Studies, School Of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, 2School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, 3Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences Milton Margai Technical University
1-8
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21094881

Decentralization in Sierra Leone has been affected by several challenges. However, limited studies have specifically focused on identifying these challenges in detail. This study was therefore undertaken to identify the main obstacles affecting decentralization implementation. The objectives of the study were to examine the obstacles to decentralization policy implementation, assess the role of decentralization in rural development, and determine the impact of decentralization on rural development. Data were collected from 410 respondents using stratified random sampling techniques, while a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain quantitative and qualitative responses. A key informant guide was also used to collect information from selected key informants. The data were analyzed using the “R” a widely used statistical tool for data analysis. The results revealed that inadequate funding, political interference, weak accountability mechanisms, incomplete devolution of functions and resources, and poor coordination between central government and local councils are the major obstacles affecting decentralization implementation in Sierra Leone. The findings further showed that lack of skilled personnel and late disbursement of funds continue to undermine effective decentralization implementation. To address these challenges, the study recommends that the government establish a transparent and legally protected intergovernmental framework that guarantees adequate fiscal transfers, strengthens accountability and oversight systems, and promotes regular collaboration with clearly defined roles among all levels of governance. These measures would enhance the effectiveness of local councils in delivering public services.

2. Decentralization in Sierra Leone: A Critical Realist study of District...
5

Andrew Lokorma Karim*
MPhil candidate: Institution of Geography and Development Studies, Njala University, Njala Campus
9-22
http://doi.org/10.67564/irassjahss.v3.i7.0254

This study examines the policy and institutional foundations of decentralisation in Sierra Leone, focusing on the relationship between district councils and chiefdom councils. It finds that despite successive decentralisation reforms, the role of Chiefdom Councils remains poorly defined, resulting in overlapping responsibilities, weak coordination, and ineffective implementation of the principle of subsidiarity. Using Critical Realism and qualitative policy analysis, the study reviews the historical evolution of decentralised governance and analyses the Local Government Acts of 2004 and 2022 together with the National Decentralisation Policies of 2010 and 2021. The findings reveal that while district councils are legally recognised as the primary local government authorities, chiefdom councils continue to perform important governance functions without adequate legal authority or institutional integration. The study concludes that sustainable decentralisation requires constitutional and legislative reforms to clarify institutional roles, strengthen collaboration between local governance institutions, and formally integrate chiefdom councils into Sierra Leone's decentralised governance framework while maintaining democratic accountability.

3. Exploring the Impact of decentralization on service delivery in rural...
5

Mohamed Kaifala Jimmy*1, Dr Morrison Kenie Lahai2, Dr. Edward Hinga Foday3
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
23-34
http://doi.org/10.67564/irassjahss.v3.i7.0255

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.

4. The Role of Decentralization in Rural development; Evidence from Moyam...
5

Gabriel Timothy Ndanema*1, Dr Morrison Kenie Lahai2, Emmanuel Conteh3
1*M.Phil Candidate, Institute of Geography and Development Studies, School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, 2School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, 3Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences Milton Margai Technical University
35-43
http://doi.org/10.67564/irassjahss.v3.i7.0256

Decentralization has become a significant governance reform strategy in post conflict Sierra Leone. However, results from the implementation has been mixed. This study was therefore undertaken to determine the role of decentralization in rural development. The objectives of the study were to identify the role of decentralization in rural development, determine the challenges associated with the implementation process, and to determine what changes have been observed in rural development as a result of decentralization implementation. Data were collected from 410 respondents using stratified random sampling techniques, while a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to obtain quantitative and qualitative responses. A key informant guide was also used to collect information from selected key informants. The data were analyzed using the “R” a widely used statistical tool for data analysis. The results of the study revealed that while decentralization has made some gains in promoting gender equality and service delivery, economic opportunity, poverty reduction and rural water supply remain below average undermining the effectiveness of decentralization implementation in Sierra Leone. To address these challenges, the study recommends that the government establish a transparent and legally protected intergovernmental framework that guarantees adequate fiscal transfers, strengthens accountability and oversight systems, and promotes regular collaboration with clearly defined roles among all levels of governance. These measures would enhance the effectiveness of local councils in delivering public services.

5. Determinants of Fertility, Child Marriage, and Family Planning Use amo...
4

Victoria Nancy Blango*1, Herbert Borbor Sama Kandeh1
1*Institute of Geography and Development Studies, School of Environmental Sciences, Njala University, PMB, Freetown, Sierra Leone
44-51
http://doi.org/10.67564/IRASSJAHSS.v3.i7.0258

Background: Sierra Leone has one of the highest fertility rates in West Africa (TFR=4.2). Understanding fertility determinants in urban settings is essential for targeted programming. This study examined demographic, educational, religious, marital, household, and socioeconomic factors associated with fertility and family planning (FP) use among married women in Bo City, Sierra Leone, with comparisons to other West African countries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,500 married women aged 15-49 years in Bo City (February 2025). Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, and binary logistic regression were employed. Outcomes included children ever born (CEB), age-specific fertility rate (ASFR), total fertility rate (TFR), contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR), unmet need, desired children, child marriage, polygamy, and household arrangement. Comparisons were made with Demographic and Health Survey data from Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea. Results: Mean CEB was 2.16, mean desired children was 4.03, yielding a desired–achieved gap of 1.87 children. TFR was 4.67. Overall CPR was 61.6%, the highest in West Africa. Child marriage (18%) and polygamy (14.3%) were the lowest in West Africa. Female secondary+ enrollment (71%) was the highest in West Africa. Muslim women had higher fertility (CEB: 2.33 vs 1.96) and lower CPR (57.0% vs 68.0%) than Christian women. Adolescent fertility (125 per 1,000) was among the highest in West Africa. In adjusted analyses, bank access (AOR=1.85), healthcare decision-making autonomy (spouse alone vs self alone: AOR=0.31), and media access (AOR=1.21 per media type) were the strongest independent predictors of FP use. Conclusions: Bo City presents a paradoxical profile: the highest CPR, lowest child marriage, and highest female education in West Africa, yet TFR remains elevated (4.7), and adolescent fertility is among the region's worst. This suggests that high CPR is recent and adolescents are being left behind. Faith-based engagement, school-based sexuality education, and youth-friendly services are urgently needed.





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