Contested Terrain of Sustainable Development Paradigm in Sierra Leone

Abstract

It is surprising sometimes to note that the term Sustainable Development [SD] as used by people in everyday language is not as well understood by people and therefore, needed some level of contestation on their delivery to ensure nations are able to protect the environment, while at the same time ensuring citizens have decent standard of living without resorting to any form of destruction to the earth’s surface. In this article, efforts were explored through qualitative study to address concerns around SD agenda in a country like Sierra Leone where lots of concerns around natural disaster has made it possible for those in authority to take proactive actions in setting up strategies to protect the environment. The outcome of the study shows highlights of concerns around infringement of Human Rights freedom and poverty, whole at the same time, people are ready to be consulted as a way of expressing their views about the direction of SD agendas and its immense benefits to communities and the country as a whole.