Agriculture in Sierra Leone

Pumpkin From Georma Vegetable Gardens

 

Agriculture, livestock, and forestry are significant economic sectors in Sierra Leone, accounting for more than 60 percent of GDP. Two-thirds of the population is involved in some form of agriculture. 

In 2004, AYM conducted a feasibility study in Sierra Leone to determine the strategies for the first chapter of the Movement.  In addition to other research, the feasibility study concluded that the most significant areas of opportunity in the private sector of Sierra Leone are agriculture and tourism.

Much of the land in Sierra Leone is very fertile, yet foodstuffs are one of the country’s main imported goods. There is a strong need to introduce new vegetables and fruits to Sierra Leone, especially short-duration and high nutrition varieties. Routine planting will yield continuous produce and improve the population’s overall health.

Sierra Leone Youth Vegetable Gardens Program

In launching the Sierra Leone Youth Vegetable Gardens program in 2007, AYM opened three agriculture sites.  The sites grew new crops like lettuce, carrots, cabbage, onions, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, green beans, and a wide variety of other vegetables and herbs.  The three sites – Mattru Jong, Georma (Jong), and Mobimbi (Imperi) – make up the foundation of AYM’s agricultural program. AYM uses the best practices method to create a comprehensive guide to starting and maintaining new garden projects to spread the programs across Bonthe District 2016.

According to the World Bank, nearly 53% of the population lives on less than $1.25 a day.

Facts About Sierra Leone And Agriculture 

Rice production has increased by 35%, and cassava and sweet potato production by 34%, while palm oil, coffee, and cocoa have also seen an upswing. [UN Africa Renewal].  Local rice production alone contributes to 75% of agricultural GDP [Report for Food and Agricultural Organisation]

• Country: Sierra Leone
• Capital: Freetown
• Area: 71,740 sq km
• Land use: arable land: 7.95%; permanent crops: 1.05%; other: 91% (2005)
• Major industries: diamond mining, small-scale manufacturing (beverages, textiles, cigarettes, footwear), petroleum refining, small commercial ship repair
• Agricultural products: rice, coffee, cocoa, palm kernels, palm oil, peanuts, poultry, cattle, sheep, pigs, fish