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Review
. 2022;9(1):22.
doi: 10.1186/s40677-022-00224-3. Epub 2022 Nov 3.

A state-of-the-art examination of disaster management in Sierra Leone: the implementation drawbacks, research gaps, advances, and prospects

Bashiru Turay  1   2 , Sheku Gbetuwa  3   4
Affiliations
Review

A state-of-the-art examination of disaster management in Sierra Leone: the implementation drawbacks, research gaps, advances, and prospects

Bashiru Turay et al. Geoenvironmental Disasters. 2022.

Abstract

Unfolding events have shown that Sierra Leone is enduring various disasters at a worrying rate. While progress is being made in disaster management, activities that degrade the fragile ecosystem, exacerbated by climate change, poverty, and bad governance, remain growing concerns. Amid these concerns, there is inadequate information to take appropriate actions. The authors wish to provide a solution by examining 35 publications from various scholarly and grey literature and raw data sources, following a critical review process designed to expose the implementation drawbacks, research gaps, advances, and prospects in disaster management in Sierra Leone. The study results show that lapses in data management, fewer professionals, and inefficiencies in communication are the most pressing considerations for improving disaster management in the country. Inadequate funds to implement management plans remain pervasive. Following these findings, we recommend that all first responders be routinely exposed to international tabletop exercises and simulated disaster response training to help them build their capacities and learn from other countries. Students in the relevant disciplines should be encouraged to participate in these exercises to facilitate early learning. Also, management initiatives should consider gender equity, the situations of the disabled, and other vulnerable groups at all levels of planning and implementation of activities. Future studies should assess the influence of social media on disaster management research and practice in the country.

Keywords: Climate change; Disaster management; Government; Hazards; Risks; Sierra Leone.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Disasters investigated by studies on this topic as drawn from the sample. Source Authors
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The national disaster management agency framework. Source Authors' illustration
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The disaster management drawbacks as drawn from the study. Source Authors
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Authors' recommendations for disaster management. Source Authors
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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