In the heart of sub-Sahara Africa lies Sierra Leone, a nation with just about eight million people, richly blessed with natural resources yet marred with persistent economic challenges, social problems, political gymnastics, manipulations and intrigues since independence. Post-independent political leaders did very little to develop the nation and its people. Eventually, the country became caught in a web of financial challenges, which have been synchronized and calibrated in our modern age. The political gymnastics of the 1960s and 70s led to decades of political instability, civil conflict, and economic mismanagement of state resources, vices that are still prevalent in our society today. The scars of the past have been deepened to undermine the fabric of society. The legacy of these tumultuous times continues to hunt the nation, perpetuating cycles of poverty and vulnerability among citizens.
Be it as it may, and without reproach or prejudice, the stark reality is that in Sierra Leone today, almost every individual or household lives hand-to-mouth in a moribund economy, a narrative of citizens persistent struggle and resilience to make ends meet, irrespective of President Bio’s promises of better days and the end of austerity. The employed and unemployed, businessmen or ordinary men alike, live hand-to-mouth to make ends meet in the struggle for survival. To be fitted as the fittest in the system, you have to trust the process asd be a part of the process or system, otherwise, you languish outside the system. Sometimes citizens feel trapped by their jobs with no end, especially, when salaries are delayed or pay cheques don’t come on time, the stressful experience is an economic distress to citizens living in a hand-to-mouth economy.
In 2018, Sierra Leoneans were made to believe President Bio was the panacea to the Country’s problems, with over 500 promises to transform the country from austerity to better days and development.
However, seven years on, nothing seems to change, and the roof continues to leak more than ever; as the struggle for existence and survival of the fittest continues unabated, an economic burden on citizens, who suffer tax pain, high cost of living, rising inflation, unprecedented tariffs in basic social amenities, like electricity and water consumption, transportation cost and above all high mobile tariff for regular calls and data usage among others.
The economic situation in the country has made citizens live hand-to-mouth, a spectacular economic phenomenon in Sierra Leone that impelled individuals, households and families to grapple to make ends meet with daily uncertainties and adversities engendered by a complex interplay of unprecedented economic reforms, high inflation, high cost of living, limited economic opportunities, unemployment and underemployment, socio-political dynamics, and global economic forces all having negative impact on human cost of living, experienced by millions of citizens across the nation.
The concept of living ‘hand-to-mouth’ encapsulates a financial situation in which individuals or households struggle to survive or make ends meet due to a lack of minimal savings. Above all, they consume all of their disposable income. This financial situation is not limited to the poor but affects a significant portion of the population, and individuals resort to unconventional means of survival.
Experts say living hand to mouth in a moribund economy like ours is challenging and heart-rendering in the face of adversity and persistent struggle for sustenance. This is evidenced in the past six or seven years of President Bio’s governance since 2018, with Sierra Leoneans hoping that the days of austerity are over.
As the going gets tough and the tough get going, citizens have learned to master the art of living by which they managed to weather the storm and turn every setback into a comeback with resilience. The resilience of citizens in the face of hardship indicates that in the struggle for existence lies the notion of hand-to-mouth living.
Experts, political economists, and commentators have alluded that the period after 2018 was unprecedented for citizens due to many events that impacted the country’s political and economic landscape. To many, it was an era of economic hardship when citizens struggled to barely survive due to harsh realities and economic reforms. Those who survived the immediate past have stories to tell amid the promises of better days.
Sierra Leone’s New Direction journey since 2018 was heralded with aspirations of progress and prosperity, where life would be better for households. Still, eventually, individuals and households struggle to meet their basic needs with little or no financial security or savings. The average Sierra Leonean lives precariously, relying on daily income to put food on the table and sustain his family. This existence is characterized by a perpetual struggle for survival, which brings new challenges and uncertainties each day.
One of the primary drivers of hand-to-mouth living in Sierra Leone is the lack of sustainable employment opportunities, with an economy heavily reliant on agriculture, mining, and the informal sector. Formal or permanent employment avenues are limited, leaving many people in low-paying and unstable jobs. Those employed receive a pittance, especially those in civil or public services, which is insufficient to meet the cost of goods and services or the cost of living. The high inflation rates on basic goods, especially rice and staple food, and the high cost of services like transportation, electricity, and water supply, among others, exacerbate this vulnerability, leaving individuals vulnerable to the slightest economic shocks or disruptions.
Moreover, systemic issues such as corruption, weak governance, and inadequate infrastructure further compound Sierra Leoneans’ challenges. The mismanagement of public resources and the diversion of funds for development projects undermine efforts to alleviate poverty and promote inclusive growth. Consequently, essential services such as healthcare, education, and access to clean water remain inaccessible to many, perpetuating cycles of deprivation and marginalization.
The impact of hand-to-mouth living extends beyond mere economic deprivation, permeating into everyday life’s social and psychological dimensions. Families are forced to make difficult choices between essential needs, often sacrificing long-term investments in education and healthcare for immediate survival. This perpetuates intergenerational poverty, as children born into such circumstances face limited opportunities for upward mobility and socioeconomic advancement.
Furthermore, the prevalence of hand-to-mouth economics contributes to social instability and undermines community cohesion. Desperation and competition for scarce resources can fuel tensions and conflicts within neighbourhoods and families. In such environments, trust erodes, and the social fabric frays, hindering collective efforts towards progress and development.
Despite these daunting challenges, the resilience and resourcefulness of the Sierra Leonean people shine through amidst adversity. Communities unite to support one another through mutual aid networks, informal savings groups, and traditional solidarity mechanisms. This spirit of resilience, deeply rooted in Sierra Leonean culture, is a beacon of hope amid the darkness of economic hardship.
Moreover, efforts to address the root causes of hand-to-mouth economics are underway, albeit at a gradual pace. Initiatives promoting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing access to education and healthcare, and strengthening governance and accountability mechanisms are gradually gaining traction. International partnerships and development assistance complement domestic efforts, providing much-needed resources and expertise to catalyse positive change.
In conclusion, hand-to-mouth economics in Sierra Leone represents a poignant narrative of struggle and resilience in adversity. It is a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by historical legacies, socio-political dynamics, and global economic forces. While the challenges are daunting, the indomitable spirit of the Sierra Leonean people, coupled with concerted efforts towards inclusive and sustainable development, offers hope for a brighter future where hand-to-mouth existence becomes a relic of the past.
The burden of proof is upon President Bio, who must up his game to enhance socio-economic development because it is under his administration that the roof has leaked more than ever. President Bio must stand tall to leave footprints on the sand of history. He must ensure that he is remembered for certain socio-economic development, which should not be limited to Free Quality Education; there is more to it than the eyes can see.
