Sierra Leone Contingent Emergency Response Project

pipeline

Sierra Leone is highly susceptible to recurrent natural, social, economic, and health-related shocks that undermine development gains, intensify macroeconomic instability, and constrain sustained growth. The country faces multiple rapid- and slow-onset hazards including floods, landslides, coastal erosion, tropical storms, pest infestations, droughts, and rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change and compounded by high exposure in densely populated, low-lying, and hilly areas, particularly in the Western Area and coastal zones of the Northern and Southern Provinces. Despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, Sierra Leone ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries globally.The proposed Sierra Leone Country Emergency Response Project (CERP) aims to strengthen national preparedness, response capacity, and early recovery from climate- and disaster-related shocks. The project will provide scalable, flexible financing to enable the Government of Sierra Leone to respond rapidly to emergencies while strengthening institutional systems for disaster risk management and climate resilience. The operation will support immediate response to eligible crises and invest in capacity building to reduce vulnerability to future shocks, particularly for poor and vulnerable populations. As per positive list in the approved Project Implementation Manual, CERP will support the following activities: 1. Enhanced Emergency Response: Upon activation of the CERP, immediate crisis response activities will be supported based on the nature of the emergency. These include rapid impact assessments, activation of inter‑pillar coordination, provision of emergency food assistance, distribution of essential non‑food items and temporary shelters, supply of animal feed, and provision of seeds and agricultural inputs, in line with NDMA SOPs.2. Emergency Livelihood Support to Households: The CERP will provide time‑bound emergency livelihood support through cash transfers and cash‑for‑work programs. Assistance will help affected households meet basic needs, support income‑generating activities, restore livelihoods, and repair community infrastructure. Cash support will be delivered through existing social and emergency transfer systems, including temporary top‑ups and short‑term inclusion of newly eligible households, and complemented by financial inclusion and basic financial literacy support.3. Provision of Essential Services and Supplies: Support will ensure continued delivery of critical services and supplies during emergencies, including water, medicines, medical and veterinary supplies, and other emergency items. Procurement will be sourced locally or internationally as needed to enable rapid response.4. Technical Assistance: Technical assistance will strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and recovery by supporting systems, mobilizing specialized expertise, and providing just‑in‑time support for implementation, procurement, and recovery planning.