Sierra Leone: Agriculture and Ebola
Ebola’s Impact on the Agricultural Sector of Sierra Leone
This work has been produced by the following members:
Michael Beatty – Group Leader studying West Africa and Special Industry Topics
Background on Agriculture in Sierra Leone
Individuals in Sierra Leone are primarily employed in the agricultural sector of the economy, as it constitutes two thirds of the labour force. Agriculture is the dominant occupation for many Sierra Leoneans, since the majority of the population lives on small farms, which easily facilitates an involvement in the sector. As a result, 50% of the country’s GDP is dependent upon agricultural work and farming.
The country mainly deals with the farming of coffee, cocoa, rice, palm kernels, piassava, and kola nuts. Rice is the country’s most staple crop, as it is grown by 80% of farmers. In 2001, Sierra Leone generated $7.5 million in agricultural exports. While the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) note that a lack of investment, poor access to credit, weak infrastructure, and non-existent agricultural support services pose difficulties in agricultural developments, a recent UN report outlines that currently, the country is in a sound position and is successfully on its way to reaching self sufficiency in food production.
Ebola’s Impact on Agriculture in Sierra Leone
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food Security has outlined that two of the regions in Sierra Leone that are at the epicenter of the recent Ebola outbreak, both collectively account for 18% of the country’s domestic rice production. This poses serious problems, since rice production and exportation is such an essential part of the country’s economy. Additionally, due to quarantines, a number of farms have been abandoned which further lowers the ability to raise crops and contribute to the country’s economic stability. Due to fears of contracting the virus, many farmers have also chosen to distance themselves from farming areas and markets at the expense of their own employment in the agricultural sector. Ultimately, the disruptions within the sector will result in food shortages, which will consequently cause inflation in food prices.
The World Bank already notes that as a result of such changes, rice prices have risen by 30% in Ebola affected areas. Engaging in a more international outlook, the world’s global cocoa supply is being threatened by the reduction of farming in various Western African countries. This is especially concerning since West Africa produces 70% of the world’s inventory of cocoa. The lack of productivity in the agricultural sector as a result of the Ebola crisis is extremely problematic when looking at the possibility of an increasing fiscal gap. While the majority of international aid is currently supporting health care infrastructure through providing medical care workers or medical supplies, attention must be paid to the future affects and economic toll of the virus’ affects on various aspects of Sierra Leone’s economic market.
