31/05/2026
NWRMA Capacitates Sierra Leone’s Citizen Scientists
Citizen science is one of the newest approaches to water monitoring in the world. It is the integration of locals along riverine areas in water resources management with the sole aim to monitor the resources with real-time information at a less cost. In 2021, Sierra Leone, through the Agency, employed this strategy as part of its application of the integrated water resources management principle, by integrating citizen scientists as part of the monitoring of water resources of Sierra Leone, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. As part of the integration process and to yield the required result of supporting the Agency in its monitoring strive, the Agency has ever since engaged in the development of the capacities of ninety-eight (98) citizen scientists in monitoring and reporting procedures across the Rokel and Taia River Basins.
Last week, the Agency embarked on sharpening the knowledge of these scientists by conducting trainings in their various localities in monitoring procedures and data collection, presentation of monitoring infographics and improvement on how to enhance collaboration between the Agency and participating communities. The process aimed at strengthening monitoring capacity, improve data quality, and sustain volunteer participation in the national hydrological monitoring network.