Sierra Leone’s Food Crises

Despite the end of the civil war in 2002, Sierra Leone has had food crises for years. Sierra Leone has a long history of food deficits, mainly due to civil strife, economic uncertainties, and infrastructure difficulties. Seventy-eight per cent of Sierra Leone’s population is food insecure, with a score of 31.3 in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Sierra Leone has a level of hunger that is “serious“, and food insecurity results from a combination of socio-political, economic and environmental factors. The period between 1991 and 2002 saw the country’s infrastructure, including its agricultural system, affected by the decade-long civil war, leading to severe disruptions in food production. Millions were displaced by this conflict, damaging farmlands and leaving them fallow, thereby reducing the agricultural sector’s output. However, post-war recovery efforts have been slow in the agriculture sector, plagued by weak government support, limited infrastructure and lack of access to modern farming technologies.

Also, food insecurity in Sierra Leone has worsened because the country depends on food imports, especially rice. In 2022, Sierra Leone imported $161M in Rice, becoming the world’s 55th largest importer of rice. In the same year, rice was the most imported product in Sierra Leone. This makes it vulnerable to shifts in the world market and rising prices for essential food items, which fuel inflation in the domestic market. Besides, production in the agricultural sector has been pushed under stress by climate change as rainfall is unpredictable, and floods and drought affect crop production.

Agriculture is the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy. It accounts for approximately 60.7% of the GDP. The agricultural sector’s output, which is of great importance to the economy, has remained low, and productivity levels have not been able to feed the population. Among the staples, rice, being a dietary focus in Sierra Leone, has been particularly limited in the area of production. The country’s annual rice production is significantly lower than its demand. Additionally, the lack of infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, has further hindered agricultural productivity. Farmers often face difficulties transporting their produce to markets, leading to significant post-harvest losses. Moreover, the absence of adequate irrigation systems means that farming is largely rain-fed, making it highly vulnerable to climatic variations.

Food scarcity in Sierra Leone has not only led to hunger and malnutrition but could be a significant driver of social unrest. In Sierra Leone, social unrest, including protests and riots, has often been linked to economic hardships, with food scarcity being a central issue. For example, in the aftermath of the Civil War, food shortages and the high cost of living were among the primary grievances that led to widespread dissatisfaction with the government. The inability of the populace to afford necessities, including food, has the potential to destabilise the country as large segments of the population struggle to survive. The correlation between food insecurity and social unrest underscores the importance of addressing food shortages not just as a matter of social welfare but also as a critical factor in maintaining peace and stability.

In response to the persistent food insecurity in Sierra Leone, President Bio launched the “Feed Salone” initiative in October 2023, which aims to revitalise the agricultural sector and achieve food security. The initiative represents a bold and ambitious plan to address the structural challenges in agriculture and reduce the country’s dependence on food imports. The “Feed Salone” initiative focuses on several key areas: increasing agricultural investment, promoting modern farming techniques, strengthening agricultural value chains, and empowering marginalised groups such as women and youth. One of the central goals of the initiative is to increase rice production to meet domestic demand and reduce the need for imports. This involves improving access to quality seeds, fertilisers, and farming equipment and enhancing infrastructure such as roads and storage facilities.

Moreover, the Feed Salone initiative emphasises sustainability and climate resilience. Recognising the impact of climate change on agriculture, it seeks to promote environmentally friendly farming practices that can withstand climatic variations. This includes developing irrigation systems, soil conservation techniques, and introducing drought-resistant crop varieties. Despite its ambitious goals, the “Feed Salone” initiative faces significant challenges. One of the key obstacles is the need for detailed implementation plans and effective coordination among stakeholders. Ensuring that smallholder farmers have access to the necessary resources, including financing and training, will be crucial for the initiative’s success. Additionally, improving market access for farmers domestically and internationally will be essential for boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce.

Food security in Sierra Leone remains a pressing issue, with historical and structural challenges continuing to hinder the country’s ability to produce enough food to meet the needs of its population. The “Feed Salone” initiative, focusing on increasing agricultural output and promoting sustainability, offers a promising pathway towards achieving food security. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, strong stakeholder collaboration, and a commitment to overcoming the numerous challenges plaguing the agricultural sector for decades. If these challenges can be addressed, Sierra Leone has the potential to achieve food security and transform its agricultural sector into a driver of economic growth and social stability.