SIERRA LEONE* (21 August) Rains were abundant and widespread in June and July, decreased in late July and the first dekad of August, but resumed in the second dekad. Millet and sorghum in the north and rice in secure areas are growing satisfactorily. Cumulative rainfall as of end of July was about normal. Cereal output in 1995, estimated at 340 000 tons, was about 60 percent of production before the civil war. Rice, which represents 80 percent of cereal output, was most affected.

The security situation is improving following the cease fire after the elections. Some displaced persons have already returned, notably in Makeni and Bo regions. The main roads towards the east and the north (Segbwema, Bo, Kenema, and Makeni) have been reopened and food is being delivered in these areas. However, the security situation is still not very stable and ceasefire violations continue to occur in many areas. It is currently estimated that 654 000 people require emergency food assistance within a total of 1.6 million internally displaced people.

Multisectoral needs assessment surveys have been organized by the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, with the assistance of UN agencies and NGOs. FAO assessed the impact of the civil war on the farm population in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, Kabala and Bonthe and confirmed that conflict- affected farmers received seeds, planting materials and tools through the MANR/FAO Emergency Assistance Programme with the help of NGOs.