By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — August 21, 2025: The number of people facing acute food insecurity in Sierra Leone has dropped significantly in 2025, according to the latest Cadre Harmonisé analysis released by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Approximately 1.2 million people, 14 percent of the analysed population, are estimated to be acutely food insecure during the June to August lean season, marking a notable improvement from the nearly 1.6 million affected during the same period in 2024.
The report highlights that over 103,000 individuals are currently experiencing Emergency-level food insecurity (CH Phase 4), while the majority fall under Crisis-level conditions (CH Phase 3). Despite the ongoing challenges, including rainfall deficits that have impacted the start of the 2025 cropping season, the overall food security situation has improved due to a combination of economic and agricultural factors.
A key driver of this progress is the sharp decline in inflation. Statistics Sierra Leone reports that the annual inflation rate dropped to 7.1 percent in June 2025, down from 31.6 percent a year earlier. This decrease follows a peak of 54.6 percent in October 2023 and is attributed to tighter monetary policies, a more stable national currency, and easing global commodity prices.
Additionally, the country’s above-average cereal output in 2024—estimated at 1.6 million tonnes, or 16 percent above the five-year average—has played a crucial role in stabilizing food availability. Government initiatives under the 2024–2028 Feed Salone programme have supported farmers through increased access to mechanization, improved seed varieties, and reforms aimed at transitioning input distribution to private sector-led systems.
However, challenges remain. The 2025 cropping season has been affected by below-average rainfall between mid-May and July, particularly in northern and eastern regions, which may impact yields. While forecasts suggest near-average rainfall in the western and southernmost parts of the country, recovery of crop conditions will depend on continued support and favorable weather.
As Sierra Leone navigates the lean season, the reduction in acute food insecurity offers a glimmer of hope. Yet, experts caution that sustained efforts are needed to build resilience, especially in vulnerable communities still grappling with emergency-level conditions.
The FAO and its partners continue to monitor the situation closely and urge stakeholders to maintain momentum in agricultural support and economic stabilization to prevent future setbacks.