This monograph offers an in-depth analysis of how people in Sierra Leone sustain their lives amidst fragile political, social, and economic conditions. Written with both academics and policymakers in mind, it blends theoretical frameworks such as Sen's Capability Approach and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework with empirical data from Sierra Leone to explain the realities of everyday survival. In doing so, it introduces the Livelihood System Integrated Model (LSIM), a novel analytical contribution that demonstrates how the concerted efforts of an entire systemspanning households, communities, markets, and institutionscan collectively support a more coordinated and resilient livelihood architecture. LSIM provides readers with a fresh lens through which to understand the dynamic interactions that shape livelihood outcomes, thereby enriching existing knowledge and offering a practical pathway for strengthening Sierra Leone's development planning.

Chapters address the dominance of informality in the economy, the challenges of poverty, inequality, and climate change, and the structural weaknesses in governance, education, and healthcare. These are not abstract concerns but lived realities that directly affect resilience, food security, and the prospects of inclusive growth. By situating these issues within the LSIM framework, the book shows how systemic coordinationrather than isolated interventionscan enhance the effectiveness of livelihood strategies and improve long-term developmental prospects.

By exploring key themes such as globalisation, gender inequality, social capital, and the critical role of education and policy reform, the book sets out to solve the pressing problem of how fragile states can transform livelihood systems into sustainable pathways for development. Its central argument is that Sierra Leone's future prosperity depends on recognising and strengthening informal and diverse livelihood strategies, while simultaneously reforming institutions, investing in human capital, and adopting inclusive, climate-smart policies. The LSIM approach reinforces this argument by illustrating how integrated, system-wide efforts can generate more coherent and sustainable outcomes than fragmented policy responses.

As such, this volume will be of interest to researchers and students in development economics and African studies, as well as policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working on livelihoods, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth in fragile and low-income economies.

Explores how livelihoods shape resilience and equity in Sierra Leone's development policy and practice Integrates theory and evidence to guide inclusive strategies for agriculture, informality, and climate adaptation Connects livelihood research with practical solutions for policymakers, NGOs, and development agencies

Autorentext

Emerson Abraham Jackson, hailing from Goderich, Freetown, Sierra Leone, is an experienced central banker and economist whose career seamlessly integrates rigorous scholarship with applied macroeconomic policy management expertise. He holds a PhD in Economic Livelihood Diversification from the University of Birmingham and is a scholar-member of the Royal Economic Society (UK) and the Econometric Society. Currently serving as Special Economic Assistant in the Governor s Office at the Bank of Sierra Leone, he contributes to high-level economic research, policy design, and strategic governance. He previously served as an interim board member of the Sierra Leone Commercial Bank (2017 2018), advancing governance reforms and systemic risk management. A strong advocate of evidence-based and inclusive policymaking, he has presented his work internationally. He also lectures part-time at IPAM, University of Sierra Leone, mentoring emerging economists with intellectual rigour, integrity, and commitment to national development.

Inhalt

Chapter 1: General Introduction.- Chapter 2: Boosting Smallholder Agriculture.- Chapter 3: Mining and Extractive Livelihoods.- Chapter 4: Informal and Household Sectors.- Chapter 5: The Blue Economy.- Chapter 6: Trade, Markets and Regional Integration.- Chapter 7: Labour Markets and Employment Dynamics.- Chapter 8: Financial Inclusion and Access to Finance.- Chapter 9: Infrastructure, Technology, and Innovation for Development.- Chapter 10: Governance, Institutions, and Policy Effectiveness for Sustainable Development.- Chapter 11: Environmental Sustainability and Natural Resource Governance in Sierra Leone.- Chapter 12: Social Development, Inclusion, and Human Wellbeing.- Chapter 13: Macroeconomic Policy, Resilience, and Future Pathways for Sierra Leone.- Chapter 14: Towards a Unified Livelihood Systems Perspective.