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Abstract Sierra Leone’s Kush epidemic has been declared a national emergency, yet little systematic evidence exists on who uses the synthetic drug, why they start, and what it takes to help them stop.

Abstract The Government of Sierra Leone’s Wan Fambul Framework (WFF) is a national program designed to enhance citizen participation in development planning. This report assesses the village-level development planning program run by the Fambul Tok NGO (the FT intervention), with an eye towards informing the scale-up of a similar initiative within the national WFF.

Abstract How should governments in sub-Saharan Africa boost their own-source revenue? In this research note I explore the decision of policymakers to expand property taxation into rural areas in the context of developing countries.

Abstract This rapid study explores the role of traditional leaders in COVID-19 response efforts in Kono District, Sierra Leone. Traditional leaders form a key part of Sierra Leone’s governance infrastructure and throughout the pandemic there has been much discussion regarding the kind of role traditional leaders are playing, and how they are incorporated in the response.

Executive Summary Sierra Leone was one of the last countries in the world to be affected by the pandemic but has faced a series of institutional and operational challenges that have slowed down response efforts to COVID-19.