In the cocoa-growing areas of Kono, Kenema, and Kailahun district, many farming families, especially women and young people, face serious...
Driving Community Action to Achieve Zero Hunger and Build Resilient Livelihoods
Food insecurity remains a critical challenge in Sierra Leone, undermining the health, safety, and development of children and their families. As of August 2022, 48% of the population was experiencing moderate food insecurity, and 11% faced severe shortages (World Bank, 2022). Limited access to food and income forces vulnerable households, especially women and girls, into harmful coping strategies, including early sexual activity and transactional sex during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
ChildFund is working to change this reality. Our programs directly address hunger and poverty by improving food production, boosting incomes, and building resilience. We help families grow more food, access markets, and strengthen their ability to provide for themselves without relying on risky coping mechanisms.
We take an integrated, community-driven approach, recognizing that financial stability and food security are deeply interconnected, tailoring our interventions to meet families’ and young people’s evolving needs.
Our Impact
2,398
youth are currently participating in ChildFund’s livelihood and food security programs, helping them build skills, increase access to food, and improve their income opportunities.
30 +
Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) have been formed and supported, strengthening farmers' ability to work collectively, access markets, and advocate for their needs.
1,200
farmers have been supported with training and resources to engage in sustainable livelihood activities, boosting food production and raising income levels.
100
farmers have received essential farm inputs, including seeds and farming equipment, over the past five years, enabling them to increase crop yields and improve food security.
4,500 +
community members have been trained and supported to participate in Village Savings and Loan Association activities, promoting
191
Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) have been established, providing safe and sustainable financial services in rural communities where access to formal banking is limited.
500
parents have been supported with small ruminants and poultry over the past five years, helping to diversify household incomes and improve family nutrition.
116 +
caregivers have been trained and supported to start and grow small businesses, increasing their financial independence.
Facts and figures from 2024 data.
Our Approach
ChildFund tackles the underlying issues of food insecurity through a multifaceted strategy, aiming to create lasting solutions rather than temporary relief. Our programs are designed to equip families with the tools, skills, and resources they need to build sustainable livelihoods. We focus on
We support smallholder farmers to boost food production, improve agricultural practices, and strengthen value chains such as cassava, cocoa, and cashew. Through partnerships like Trading Organic, we help farmers access better markets, increase incomes, and build environmentally-resilient livelihoods.Learn More.
We offer vocational and technical skills development for youth and adults, preparing them for employment and entrepreneurship. Our programs link participants to training centers and apprenticeships that align with market demands, helping them compete in Sierra Leone’s evolving economy. Learn More.
We strengthen household financial resilience through VSLAs, enabling families to save money, access small loans, invest in businesses, and build a financial cushion to protect against economic shocks.
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We provide targeted cash support to vulnerable families to meet immediate needs while investing in longer-term income-generating activities. We also train and mentor youth and caregivers in business skills, helping them launch and grow small enterprises. Learn More
Featured Project
VSLAs are Boosting Financial Inclusion for Women in Kailahun District
Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) are helping transform rural communities by offering safe, accessible, and sustainable financial services where formal banks are out of reach. To date, ChildFund has helped communities in Bombali, Kailahun, Falaba, and Koinadugu establish 191 VSLAs, giving community members, especially women, the opportunity to save money regularly, access small loans, and support one another financially.
Members contribute to a group fund, borrow to grow small businesses or pay school fees, and repay with interest that is later shared among the group.
VSLAs are also spaces where women build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and make decisions that improve their families’ well-being. By promoting savings and entrepreneurship, these groups are increasing household income, supporting children’s education, and helping families manage emergencies. In Kailahun, one VSLA is showing what is possible when women have access to finances. Watch this video to see how it works.
Women Leading Agriculture
Most importantly, farmers now understand financial literacy, comparing loan interest rates and choosing better banking options. The project’s connection to the private sector has opened new doors for selling produce.
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