Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone is a small but densely populated country on the North Atlantic coast of West Africa, ranked 185th out of 193 countries in the 2024 Human Development Index.

The economic effects of the Ukraine crisis, alongside global inflation, have further worsened food and nutrition security, exacerbating macroeconomic instability and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in an already food-deficit country. 

Sharp increases in fuel and fertilizer prices have driven up the costs of transport, food and other essential goods, reducing household purchasing power and deepening poverty.

While there has been progress in reducing stunting (impaired growth due to malnutrition) over the past decade, the national prevalence remains high at 26.2 percent – classified as a serious public health concern by the World Health Organization. Stunting continues to undermine human capital development and Sierra Leone’s long-term economic growth.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Sierra Leone’s economy, employing over 60 percent of the population. However, the sector is dominated by smallholder farmers relying on subsistence practices, with limited access to improved seeds, fertilizers and modern techniques. Declining soil fertility and erratic weather patterns further reduce yields, threatening food production.

Climate change poses a severe risk to food security and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas where most people reside. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall and sea-level rises increase the frequency of droughts, floods and coastal erosion. Sierra Leone has faced repeated climate shocks, including devastating floods in 2022 and 2023, displacing thousands and damaging crops.

The World Food Programme provides food, cash transfers, nutrition support and capacity strengthening, with a focus on empowering women smallholder farmers and improving school meal programmes. Enhancing national preparedness for climate shocks and strengthening food-security monitoring remain key priorities.