Household food availability and access is expected to improve as harvests begin

Seasonal rainfall remains significantly above-average for many parts of Sierra Leone (NOAA). There have been few reports of damage or injury due to flooding, although two chiefdoms in Port Loko District (Lokomasama and Maforki) suffered some flood damage to households and rice plantations in August and September. Overall, the season is progressing normally as harvests of cassava, vegetables, sweet potato and upland rice continues around the country and main season crops get closer to harvest.

Market functioning continues to improve as food stocks increase from minor August harvests of cassava, sweet potato, okra, garden eggs, cucumber, onions, and pepper and prices gradually decrease. These decreasing prices and early crops mark the end of the lean season. Most districts will improve to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity in October as most upland and IVS harvests happen. 

Despite the main October harvests, most households in Port Loko and Kailahun Districts will remain in Stressed (IPC Phase 2) food insecurity through January 2017 due to residual EVD shocks. In addition to having some of the highest EVD rates in the country during the crisis, Port Loko’s economy suffered from the closure of two iron ore mines, while limited trade flow into and within Kailahun diminished cash crop sales which are a main livelihood in the District.

Faster rates of economic recovery in Bo and Western Area Urban and Rural districts will continue to provide income opportunities in the area of petty trading, casual labor, and regional trade. It is expected that these district will remain in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) food insecurity through at least January 2017.