Political Economy Context Analysis in Fragile and Conflict Affected Settings (Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Myanmar and Cambodia)
Bodhi conducted a political economy analysis (PEA) of Sierra Leone to understand the political and economic processes in the country, focusing on the distribution and contestation of power and resources. The analysis aimed to generate insights into the underlying interests, incentives, and institutions that enable or prevent change, and how values and ideas impact political behaviour and public policy. The study was based on a desk review and primary data from participatory PEA exercises in three communities, including 16 focus groups and 18 key informant interviews (KIIs) with community and national stakeholders. The report identified tribal politics, political mistrust, and patronage politics as significant features of Sierra Leone's political economy. Decentralisation efforts have been hindered by multiple chains of command, overlapping mandates, and tensions between the central and local authorities, impacting governance and social accountability. The analysis also highlighted the challenges faced by civil society, including weak organisation, dependency on donor support, and limited engagement with the government. In the health sector, the report noted the lack of formal accountability mechanisms, low awareness of rights and entitlements, and barriers to social accountability, particularly for women and persons with disabilities. The study provided recommendations for improving social accountability, including awareness-raising campaigns, capacity building for health workers, and the establishment of accountability focal points. This comprehensive PEA of Sierra Leone aimed to inform programming and strategy development, addressing the complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors that shape the country's development trajectory.
