This summary note is an excerpt from the chapter on Sierra Leone that will appear in the peer-reviewed IFPRI monograph, West African Agriculture and Climate Change: A Comprehensive Analysis.

The research, produced in collaboration with scientists from the countries studied, is based on scenarios from economic global climate change models, and takes into account estimates of each country’s economic and population growth. Each study includes a set of policy recommendations.

ESECURITE ALIMENTAIRE ET SANITAIRE : DES DEFIS IMMENSES POUR LE PROCHAIN GOUVERNEMENT

The cholera epidemic in Sierra Leone is the worst in at least 15 years, affecting 12 of 13 districts. Western Area, Port Loko, and Kambia are worst affected. Despite seasonal rains, the number of people infected with cholera will likely decrease from the approximately 15,834 cases reported in early September, due to divers assistance provided by local partners. Though urgent medical and behavior changing support is needed to save lives, the cholera epidemic has not yet significantly impacted food security. (September 2012)

FREETOWN, 17 octobre 2012 (IRIN) - Alors qu'elle tente d'apaiser son bébé soigné pour malnutrition dans une clinique d'un bidonville de Freetown, une Sierra-Léonaise indique n'avoir jamais entendu parler de l'allaitement exclusif, mais dit respecter le « banfa » - un principe traditionnel selon lequel une femme ne doit pas avoir de relations sexuelles durant la période d'allaitement afin de ne pas mettre la santé de son enfant en danger.

The cholera epidemic in Sierra Leone is the worst in at least 15 years, affecting 10 of 15 districts. The current, late-August caseload of approximately 12,000 is likely to worsen through the end of September with the peak of seasonal rains. Western Area, Port Loko, and Kambia are worst affected. Urgent medical and behavior-change support is needed to save lives. However, though the issue will be monitored closely, FEWS NET’s research suggests that no significant impacts on food or labor supply or distribution have been observed or are expected. (August 2012)

The women’s land rights project is being implemented by ActionAid (AA) in Guatemala, India and Sierra Leone in recognition of the hard fact that struggles for women’s land rights have not yet generated positive results for most women. With the support of the European Commission (EC) between 2010 and 2013, the project is focused on enhancing poor and excluded women’s access to and control over land as a strategy for empowerment and fighting hunger.

Minister of State for Trade and Development, Joe Costello TD, today announced €50,000 to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of former child soldiers in Sierra Leone.

The funding will allow for the expansion of Caritas’ programme to provide counselling and vocational training to former child soldiers.

Minister Costello said:

By Damon Van der Linde

LAMBAYAMA, Sierra Leone , Apr 19, 2012 (IPS) - In the eastern Sierra Leonean community of Lambayama, rice paddies are carved far into the landscape before being abruptly halted by distant hills. Aside from a paved road that draws a grey line through the green, swampy valley, it looks much as it did a century ago.

But under the sound of leaves rustling in the wind and chirping insects is the distant low hum of tilling machinery, a signal of the gradually changing way farmers are growing and selling this West African nation’s staple food.

Key Messages

• Prices stabilized after the new supply of milled rice started reaching markets in January 2012.
• Food security conditions are generally stable as prices declined and households' food stocks are restored.
• The political situation in the country is reported as tense as supporters of the ruling party clashed with supporters of opposition parties.
• The Government is investing in rural infrastructure.