The Government of Sierra Leone re-introduced decentralization in post-conflict Sierra Leone in 2004 with the aim to consolidate and deepen democracy, improve transparency and accountability in governance, and improve the quality of basic services delivered at the local level. The outcome of the De-amalgamation in 2017 caused the establishment of three new Councils including the Falaba District Cou
ncil which is located in the Northern Province with a population of about 265,289 . The District has 18 Wards and 13 chiefdoms namely, Folosaba Kamba, Dembelia Musaia, Dembelia Sinkunia, Sulima, Kabelia, Kamandugu Yiraia, Morifindugu, Mongo, Barawa Wollay, Nyedu, Delmandugu, Kulor Saradu and Neya Chiefdoms. The Falaba District Council has Mongo Bendugu town as the District administrative headquarters. Though the district council is doing its best in its service delivery efforts, it is beset with challenges such as inadequate office accommodation; inadequate and obsolete vehicles and office equipment; lack of power supply systems and internet facilities for office running; weak internal revenue mobilization capacity due in part, to inadequate revenue staff, lack of logistics, inadequate investments and ineffective tax collection systems; and above all, inadequate staff capacity in the operating systems in most of its functional areas. Each chiefdom is administered by a Chiefdom Council headed by a Paramount/Regent Chief. The Chiefdom Councils cooperate with the Falaba District Council to create the required peace, stability and social harmony which are important pre-requisites for the promotion of good governance, development and the smooth and effective delivery of services. Geographically, the district is bounded by the Republic of Guinea in the Northeast, Kono District in the East and Koinadugu District to its West. The district lies within the semi equatorial zone and has a subtropical climate, experiencing two seasons (rainy and dry seasons). It also has abundant fertile land which complements the favourable climatic conditions to promote subsistence crop farming and livestock rearing as major economic activities of the people. According to the 2015 Census report, 75-90% of the population derives its livelihood mainly from agriculture. The comparative advantages of the district in agriculture are rice farming, livestock (Cattle, Goats, and Sheep) rearing and vegetable growing. Small scale trading and mining are the other livelihoods that sustain a sizable proportion of the population in the district. Despite the huge economic potentials in agriculture, commerce and small scale mining, poverty levels are relatively high in the district with the majority of the population failing to meet their basic needs. This is due to several factors, key among which are poor knowledge, lack of access to farm inputs and the use of rudimentary farming technology by farmers thus limiting their productivity; lack of storage and processing facilities for agricultural produce which increase post-harvest losses; poor road network and conditions which constrain accessibility of the population to farms, markets and other service centres; and inadequate and poor market facilities as converging points for farmers and traders to sell their goods. The socio-economic standing of the district is further undermined by a complete absence of vibrant private sector that can complement the development efforts of the council by mobilizing local energies and potentials for investment, employment creation, engendered production, and local economic development. This weak strength of the private sector invariably undermines the Councils’ ability to raise revenue and promote local economic development. Mission
The quality of life of the people of Falaba needs to be improved by providing essential and quality social, infrastructural and economic services while sustainably utilizing the environment through good governance, collaboration, broader participation, transparency and accountability. Vision
Enhancing people of Falaba being well educated, enjoying good health, living in a secure environment, being self-sufficient in food, being prosperous and economically empowered.
