Food security remains stable with off season harvests and income earning activities

Water availability across the country during the off season (February and March) is supporting above-average off season staple food and vegetable (okra, garden eggs, onions, lettuce, spring onions and leafy vegetables) production. Typical levels of food availability and access are allowing most households in Sierra Leone to maintain typical access to food.

Market functioning and trade flows continue to improve normally across the country with the availability of harvests. Market stocks of both imported and local food commodities continue at generally typical levels. However stocks for local rice are somewhat below average due to below-average upland rice production last season in some parts of the country. Main palm fruit harvesting and processing has started at a seasonally low level gradually reducing the price of palm oil.

Normal household income through agricultural labor (land preparation for 2017/18 main upland production, processing of gari and palm oil), petty trade and sale of cocoa, coffee and cashew nuts is maintaining household purchasing power across the country. Most areas throughout Sierra Leone are expected to maintain Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity through September 2017.