Due to rural-urban migration as a consequence of the civil conflict, water demand in the city of Freetown now far exceeds the supply. This aggravated by climate change is responsible for the perennial water shortage that now affects many parts of the city.

Water supply and demand data are necessary to assess the impacts on water resources supply and demand caused by changes in the hydrological regime due to climate change. Population estimates are also required to assess future changes in supply and demand due to rural-urban migration.

Any increase in the frequency or intensity of extreme weather events would pose a threat. Heat waves, flooding, storms, and drought can cause deaths and injuries, famine, the displacement of populations, disease outbreak, and psychological disorders.