FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - SIERRA LEONE* (6 November)

Following somewhat reduced precipitation in early to mid-September, rains increased in late September and remained abundant and above average during the entire month of October. Rice production is expected to be above last year’s level reflecting increased plantings by returning farmers and improved conditions for distribution of inputs.

The security situation is reported to be calm. Disarmament and demobilization activities continue in Bo district. The food supply situation remains tight. About 400 000 IDPs and returnees are in various camps but mostly in the main towns and in Tonkili and Port Loko districts. The improvement of the security situation facilitated access to vulnerable populations. WFP planned to distribute more than 50 000 tonnes of food to an estimated 544 000 people during 2001. NGOs planned also to distribute around 37 000 tonnes in the same period. The country continues to rely heavily on international food assistance