In the chiefdom of Sanda Magbolontor, communities are regenerating their environment to build climate resilience

In the heart of Sanda Magbolontor chiefdom in Sierra Leone, communities are taking decisive action against environmental degradation to strengthen resilience against climate impacts. Years of charcoal burning, timber trade, and unsafe mining have stripped the land of its forests, resulting in poor crop yields and acute water scarcity, pushing vulnerable families — particularly widows with children —deeper into poverty. In response, the locally led Wanwod Development Organization launched the “Cut One, Plant Two” initiative, a grassroots effort to combat deforestation while promoting sustainable agriculture. 

A Locally Led Vision for Change 

At the forefront of this movement is King Komrabai Dumbuya, founder and Executive Director of Wanwod Development Organization. Reflecting on his early experiences, he shares: “Growing up in Gbonkoh Village, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of deforestation, unsafe mining practices, wildfire, and gender inequalities. These experiences forged a personal commitment to create sustainable change, leading to the founding of Wanwod Development Organization.” 

Understanding that climate-smart agriculture is key to ensuring food security and economic stability, the initiative has established a 20-acre demonstration farm featuring climate-resilient crops, particularly cashew nuts. Cashew trees were chosen for their resilience to changing climatic conditions, ability to grow in degraded soils, and high economic value. The African cashew market is expanding, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities for local farmers.  

Farmers are trained in grafting, soil conservation, and pest management to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. “It is clear that agriculture, done right, is the best means the world has today to simultaneously tackle food security, the climate crisis, inequality, and environmental extinction,” King Komrabai emphasizes. 

Empowering Farmers, Strengthening Communities 

A cornerstone of the initiative is the Farmers’ Business Schools program, which equips local farmers with technical knowledge on climate adaptation, agroforestry, and business development. With over 117 farmers trained — 70% of them women and 25 youth-led organizations — the program has strengthened climate resilience and boosted livelihoods. 

“Through our training, farmers not only improve their agricultural practices but also gain the skills to navigate market systems,” explains King Komrabai. “We ensure that our programs are practical, inclusive, and rooted in community needs.” 

The project also incorporates a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, enabling 35 local trainers to cascade their expertise to over 2,000 farmers. These trainers act as community champions, ensuring that knowledge-sharing continues long after formal training sessions end. 

Gender-Inclusive and Locally Driven Solutions 

Wanwod Development emphasizes local ownership and gender-sensitive strategies to maximize impact. “The project is 100% indigenously owned and led. As members of this community, we deeply understand its needs, traditions, and customs,” says King Komrabai. 

With women comprising 70% of training participants, the initiative actively works to close the gender gap in agriculture. “Women’s participation is essential to sustainable development. Our programs incorporate gender-sensitive training to ensure that women’s needs and interests are prioritized,” he adds. 

Scaling for Long-Term Impact 

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to reach 23,731 residents by 2035. Key components of this ambitious initiative include:  

• Cashew Production Expansion: Establishing 25 acres of climate-resilient cashew plantations to bolster food security and economic stability. 

• Youth Empowerment: Providing year-round training and mentorship programs in cashew agribusiness to create employment opportunities for young entrepreneurs. 

• Gender-Inclusive Processing Cooperative: Setting up processing hubs to empower women and introduce value-added products like organic cashew apple juice. 

• Market and Value Addition: Securing direct off-take agreements to improve market access and ensure sustainability. 

A Model for Locally Led Adaptation 

Sanda Magbolontor’s initiative aligns with globally recognized Locally Led Adaptation (LLA) principles, including addressing structural inequalities, and investing in local capabilities. By integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific innovation, the community is leading by example in climate resilience. 

King Komrabai sums up the project’s impact: “This is more than just a development initiative—it’s a movement towards a self-sufficient, climate-resilient future for our people.”