The rainy season started in late March in the east and abundant rains have been recorded over the whole country since early May, allowing the planting of maize, millet and sorghum. Rice, which was planted in April and May, is growing satisfactorily, but the output is expected to remain below normal due to lack of seeds, tools and other agricultural inputs, and renewed insecurity which is causing population displacements in some areas. About 206 000 people have fled to neighbouring Liberia and Guinea since the beginning of the year. Rehabilitation activities are underway, following marked improvement in the security situation. Trade and economic activities have resumed in Freetown and the food supply situation is improving.
Overall, the food supply situation remains very precarious. FAO estimates Sierra Leone�s cereal import requirement for 1998 at about 260 000 tonnes, including 80 000 tonnes of food aid. A UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for the period June-December 1998 is under preparation.