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 2025 Human Development Index.

Food insecurity has been exacerbated by global inflation, the economic effects of the Ukraine crisis, and the lingering impacts of COVID‑19.

Agriculture employs over 60 percent of the population, largely smallholder farmers relying on subsistence and rain‑fed practices. 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 increases the frequency of floods, droughts, and coastal erosion, threatening livelihoods and food production. Sierra Leone has faced repeated climate shocks, including devastating floods in 2022, 2023, and 2024 displacing thousands and damaging crops.

A large proportion of the population experiences food insecurity. Limited access to improved agricultural inputs and technologies constrains productivity. Rising food, fuel, and fertilizer prices reduce household purchasing power.

Child stunting (impaired growth due to malnutrition) remains high and is classified as a serious public health concern.

The World Food Programme provides food, cash transfers, nutrition support and capacity strengthening, with a focus on empowering women smallholder farmers and improving school meals programme. Key priorities include enhancing national readiness for climate-related emergencies and reinforcing food and nutrition security by developing sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening local food systems.