Powered by IFAD

Geography, agriculture and economy

Geography

Sierra Leone, on the west coast of Africa, covers an area of about 74,000 km² and borders on Guinea and Liberia. The country is well endowed with natural resources. About 45 per cent of the people are under 15 years of age and 60 per cent are less than 50. According to the World Bank’s 2007 estimate, the country has a total population of about 5.8 million and the population is growing at an annual rate of 1.8 per cent.

The country has nine major river basins and three minor ones. Surface water is abundant. During the year a six-month rainy season with overabundant precipitation follows a six-month dry season. The country is rich in diamonds, and mining is highly developed.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a key economic activity. According to World Bank estimates for 2007 it accounts for 44 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). About 74 per cent of the land is cultivable and there is considerable potential for agricultural development. The sector currently employs 75 per cent of the country’s labour force.

Uplands account for 80 per cent of the total land area and are relatively low in fertility. The lowlands, which cover about 20 per cent of total land area, comprise fertile swamps and they have considerable agricultural potential if adequately managed. Traditionally up to 15 different crops are grown in mixed stands in one season. Rainfed upland rice is the main crop.

Economy

The country's economy suffered during the civil war, when GDP per capita was cut in half. Real economic growth rebounded strongly after the war ended in 2002. Growth in GDP was 3.8 per cent in 2000 and slightly over 7 per cent from 2004 to 2006. The country's strong recovery continued into 2006 when GDP grew by 7.4 per cent despite high oil prices. But the GDP growth rate for 2007 decreased slightly to 6.5 per cent (World Bank). Growth in recent years has been propelled by remittances and investments from the Sierra Leone expatriate communtiy, by mining investments and by foreign aid. Much growth was concentrated in the informal agricultural, fishing, mining and services sectors that make up the bulk of the economy. Post-war exports of diamonds have had a role in boostong economic reconstruction.

Source: IFAD