Assessing sustainable livelihood diversification in Goderich, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Jackson, Emerson ORCID: 0000-0002-2802-6152 (2025). Assessing sustainable livelihood diversification in Goderich, Freetown, Sierra Leone. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis provides a thorough examination of the application of the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) in Goderich, Sierra Leone, highlighting its importance in addressing the livelihood challenges faced by peri-urban communities in the Global South. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data to explore the complexities of livelihood diversification and resilience within the framework of socio-economic and environmental constraints. This study enhances our understanding of how local populations manage risks, disturbances, and resource constraints to sustain their livelihoods. It incorporates livelihood solutions into the broad theoretical frameworks of urban political ecology, sustainable development, and rural-urban dynamics.
The results emphasise the potential of personalised interventions to enhance existing community programs, address urgent needs, and foster long-term sustainability. Significant findings reveal that strategies for diversifying livelihoods, informed by the Sustainable Livelihood Framework and diversification theory, effectively mitigate risks and enhance resilience, particularly in response to global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The study emphasises the significance of governance frameworks, social capital, and natural resources in influencing livelihood results, promoting policies that amalgamate local viewpoints with global sustainability initiatives.
This thesis contributes to the academic discourse by contextualising the SLF within the intricate interactions of environmental, economic, and social factors. It offers evidence-based recommendations for enhancing livelihood resilience and sustainability in marginalised situations, significantly contributing to academic knowledge and practical policies. The findings are intended to inform development policies that are designed to improve the socio-economic well-being of at-risk regions, including Goderich, by reducing vulnerability and promoting equity.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):