FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - SIERRA LEONE (5 February)

SIERRA LEONE* (5 February)

Cereal production in 2001 is estimated to be higher than the previous year’s harvest, reflecting increased plantings by returning refugees and farmers previously displaced, as well as improved conditions for the distribution of agricultural inputs.

The security situation is reported to be relatively calm. On 18 January the President declared the end of the disarmament process and announced the lifting of the curfew which had been in force for four years.

In an effort to continue helping the country, a UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal was launched on 26 November 2001 by the UN Secretary General. The agricultural component of the Appeal includes five projects proposed by FAO with the aim of facilitating the transition from dependence on food aid to self-reliance in food production and enhanced food security.