FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 - SIERRA LEONE* (3 September)

Cereal production in 1998 is expected to be lower than in 1997. The planted area is estimated to be substantially lower than last year, due to continuing insecurity in the rural areas and population displacements which occurred during the growing season. An acute shortage of rice seed in the country has further limited crop production. Flooding occurred in Kambia and Mambolo, destroying rice fields following heavy rainfall in mid-August.

There are currently an estimated 100 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), plus some 160 000 refugees in neighbouring Guinea. The security situation has deteriorated significantly since the beginning of the year, especially in the rural areas not yet under the control of ECOMOG forces.

The price of rice has increased sharply over the last few months, partly because of the government�s decision not to provide any foreign exchange to commercial rice importers. Pockets of acute food shortage are located in the northeastern and central parts of the country. Due to several years of civil strife and insecurity in the country, the overall food supply situation remains very precarious and large-scale assistance is needed. Sierra Leone�s cereal import requirement for 1998 is estimated at about 260 000 tonnes, including 80 000 tonnes of food aid.

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