FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - SIERRA LEONE* (6 November)

Following below-normal rains from late July to mid-August, precipitation improved in late August, decreased in early September but again improved in mid and late September. In October, below-normal rains were recorded during the first dekad, but became particularly abundant countrywide during the second and third dekads, benefiting rice crops, the main staple. However, a reduced harvest is anticipated as planted areas are likely to be significantly below last year’s level due to a resurgence of civil strife in early May, the critical planting period. Due to insecurity, input distribution and relief operations were suspended or seriously disrupted, notably in the north. The security situation improved from June/July but remains tense and fighting along the border with Guinea and Liberia recently intensified. The villages of Kaseri, Tumbu and Kichum were particularly affected, resulting in new waves of population displacement. Attacks were reported in Batkanu, North East of Port Loko, and in villages North East of Yele. Villages along the border and refugee camps in Guinea remained inaccessible to humanitarian agencies due to insecurity. A new ceasefire, starting on 10 November, has recently been agreed by Government and Revolutionary United Front and should allow the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone to deploy freely countrywide and the disarmament process, launched by the Lome agreement in July 1999 but halted by fighting in May 2000, to resume

With the rainy season, the food supply situation has deteriorated as many areas are inaccessible due to transport problems. In addition to the Internally Displaced Persons already registered, new IDPs have been registered in the south and the west following the upsurge of fighting in May and more recently in October. About half a million persons had been displaced and are being hosted by local communities in government controlled areas, while it is estimated that 1 million persons have been affected by the war in rebel controlled areas. More than 400 000 Sierra Leonean refugees remain in neighbouring West African countries, mostly in Guinea and Liberia. Despite the hostilities, WFP and NGOs continue food distributions. More than 22 000 returning refugees from Guinea and people who fled fighting in Kambia District returned home. Some are receiving food aid in Lungi, north of Freetown. The country will continue to be dependent on external food aid in 2001.

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