Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Messages clés

• In Liberia and Sierra Leone, the main season crops are performing well thanks to regular and sufficient rainfall. Across both countries, cumulative rainfall is normal to above normal. Following a short delay and rainfall deficits in April and May in southeastern and northeastern counties in Liberia, this has been offset by good rainfall distribution during the remainder of the season. Main harvests are expected to be average in each country since no major anomalies were reported.

• Across both countries, the lean season is still ongoing in many areas. Nonetheless, markets are functioning normally and continue to maintain adequate supplies of imported rice, cassava, and local rice for purchase and consumption. Some poor households are currently relying more on own produced or purchased cassava, instead of the imported rice in Liberia. In addition to this, the harvest of cowpea and vegetables in July in the two countries and early maturing maize and sorghum in Sierra Leone are improving food availability at the household level.

• In Sierra Leone, the weak national currency continues to contribute to above-average grain prices and reduced purchasing power for some poor households. Grain prices are also above average in Liberia. The current harvest and normal labor activities will allow poor households to meet their food needs through normal livelihood strategies. Between July 2017 and January 2018, poor households are expected to face Minimal acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 1) in Liberia and Sierra Leone.