The Kono district was significantly affected by the 10 - year conflict in Sierra Leone. Safe drinking water is still limited, deep pits dug in the search for diamonds have posed serious environmental and health risks and women have experienced gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to land. They have been indeed financially dependent on men.
On the other side, the Kono district also has the most productive mineral (diamonds and gold) sectors in the country. Yet revenues generated through the extractive sector have not been sufficiently invested in local development.
Therefore, a joint programme in Kono has been working to promote public-private partnerships to ensure more sustainable governance of natural resources. At the same time, the program is devised to create economic opportunities for young people and women around agriculture, trade and production activities.

The programme supports diversification in multiple sectors, offering potential for job and business opportunities. Strategic public-private partnerships have been established with regional and local businesses and councils. These will promote job creation and income generation for youth and women. The programme also provides seed capital and facilitates access to financial service providers for youth start-ups.
The total programme budget corresponds to $3million and 50% is funded by the SDG-F.

UN agencies: UNDP and FAO

National partners: Government ministries, local authorities, NGOs and SMEs