FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - November 1997:

SIERRA LEONE

CURRENT SITUATION

The political upheaval of 25 May 1997 aggravated an already precarious food situation caused by seven years of civil strife. Following limited but widespread precipitation in June and July, rains increased from mid- August to mid- September. The analysis of vegetation coverage (NDVI) using satellite imagery shows a normal to above normal vegetation during this period.

Rice, which is the main cereal, is currently being harvested in the secure areas, but insecurity disrupted the planting of the main crops which normally takes place in April to June. People will increasingly rely on cassava, as this crop can remain stored in the ground and requires low inputs and maintenance. Contrary to previous expectations resulting from the return to peace, planted areas are likely to have been reduced. For all planted crops, the reduction of farming activities at a critical period in the crop growing cycle will sharply reduce yields and total production. Thus, prospects for 1997 food production have deteriorated and the country will continue to rely heavily on food aid. The price of foodstuff is still very high in Freetown and the supply of food and water is deteriorating. An acute fuel shortage is also reported and severely affects all economic activities. Only a limited number of shops and markets have re-opened since the upheaval. Assessments by various humanitarian agencies show that the food and agricultural situation is deteriorating due to population displacements, poor infrastructure and reduced economic activity due to insecurity. Food stocks in the country are reported to be very low. The displaced persons are currently estimated to be around 92 000. There are also thousands of refugees in neighbouring countries, notably in Guinea. Their number is not clearly established as they are located in the same areas as Liberian refugees. Latest estimates put the total number of Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees in Guinea at 545 000. The food supply situation is tightening in the main towns, following the embargo imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to reverse the 25 May coup. Although humanitarian supplies are to be exempt from the embargo, the poor and vulnerable are expected to be badly affected by the decrease of trade activities that will probably result from the embargo. There are increasing reports of malnutrition throughout the country. Limited food distributions to vulnerable people in Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Makeni are underway for about 26 000 persons. Despite the looting, by early September 12 300 tons of relief food was estimated to be available in Sierra Leone and 11 000 tons of relief food is also prepositioned in Conakry. The national cereal balance sheet constructed in early 1997 following an FAO/GIEWS Crop and Food Assessment Mission in December 1996 had estimated a cereal import requirement for 1997 at 260 000 tons. Commercial imports were estimated at 179 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 81 000 tons. It is estimated that from January to late August two-thirds, i.e. about 120 000 tons, of commercial imports have been received. As of late September, reports from donors indicate that about 104 000 tons of food aid had been pledged for Sierra Leone, of which 95 000 tons have been delivered so far (although part of this amount might be allocated to Sierra Leonean refugees in neighbouring countries). Therefore, assuming that no additional commercial imports are possible up to the end of the year, only 224 000 tons will be received in 1997, leaving an uncovered gap of 36 000 tons. The revised balance sheet shows that cereal consumption is likely to decrease from 114 kg/pers/year to 100 kg/pers/year, due to reduced cereal production and imports. Sierra Leone’s cereal import requirement for 1998 is estimated at about 300 000 tons, of which 180 000 tons would be expected as commercial imports without the embargo. If the embargo stops commercial imports, virtually all the cereal consumption requirement would need to be provided as food aid.