FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/01 - SIERRA LEONE* (27 March)

Seasonably dry conditions prevail. A reduced rice crop has been harvested in 2000 as planted areas were significantly below the previous 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. Fighting along the border with Guinea and Liberia intensified in late 2000, resulting in new waves of population displacement. About 3 500 refugees arrived in eastern Sierra Leone, fleeing fighting in the "Parrot's Beak" region of southwestern Guinea. The returnees from Liberia are arriving into Daru and Zimmi, while those from Guinea are arriving through Kono to Kenema. Returnees also arrived by boat from Conakry.

Reflecting a reduced crop and transport problems, the food supply situation will remain tight in 2001. In addition to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) already registered, new IDPs have been registered in the south and west following the upsurge of fighting in May and October. 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. WFP plans to distribute more than 50 000 tonnes of food aid to an estimated 544 000 beneficiaries during 2001. The government launched a resettlement plan in Freetown, Port Loko, Kenema and Pejehun districts which have been declared safe for people to return to. IDPs returning to their areas of origin will receive a two-month resettlement ration. It has been estimated that up to 25 000 IDPs in the camps could be resettled, but there appears to be considerable reluctance of some IDPs to move to their places of origin due to the lack of local infrastructure there.

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