Despite the large diamond deposits in Kono and Moyamba districts, these resources’ mismanagement has contributed to perpetuating inequality and poverty. Although the government has taken bold steps to regulate the mining sector, populations still fear the loss of productive agricultural land with little compensation, limited community development, and few alternative livelihood options.
Through an 18-month GIZ-funded project, Search builds confidence and accountability in the mining sector in Kono and Moyamba districts. Since January 2020, we strengthen community organizations’ capacity to mobilize communities, authorities, and mining companies for collaborative decision-making that meets citizens’ needs. We also work with local media to improve access to information on mining policies and legislation.
With our CBO partners, we bring communities, authorities, and mining companies together to discuss their needs and concerns within their respective groups and make recommendations for improved mining governance and service delivery. At the community level, these discussions are documented in Community Action Plans (CAPs), which are then reviewed by the authorities and mining companies to understand the communities’ challenges better. Finally, our town hall activities bring together all stakeholders to collaboratively consolidate the action plans.
Our media teams draw from the town hall meetings to create meaningful radio content that addresses communities’ current issues. “Bush Wahala” radio drama series, known as “Problem in the Bush,” promotes popular education by simplifying complex information about fair land rights and mining policies in everyday languages. Our program also contributes to shifting social norms and behaviors and raising awareness on important issues such as transparency, governance, and accountability.
Finally, participatory theater provides another platform for even the most remote communities to express themselves on the issues that concern them directly. By combining entertainment and education, our performances increase understanding of mining legislation and local governance processes while emphasizing citizen participation and collaboration with mining industry stakeholders.
