Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone covers about 71,700 km² along the Atlantic coast of West Africa. Its landscape includes coastal plains, inland plateaus and mountainous regions such as the Loma Mountains. The country has a tropical climate with a pronounced wet season, creating favourable conditions for agriculture, especially in lowland areas.

Before British colonisation, local communities practised subsistence farming. During colonial rule, agriculture expanded to include cash crops such as cocoa and coffee. After independence in 1961, agriculture remained the mainstay of the economy despite later challenges from civil conflict.

Today, the primary sector contributes around 50% of GDP and employs the majority of the population. Approximately 55–60% of the land is used for agriculture. Rice is the staple crop and widely cultivated. Other important crops include cassava, maize and groundnuts for domestic consumption. Cash crops such as cocoa, coffee and palm oil are grown for export. Livestock farming includes cattle, goats and poultry, though on a relatively small scale.

Forests cover roughly 40% of Sierra Leone’s territory, providing timber and supporting biodiversity.

Sierra Leone’s Atlantic coastline supports fisheries, which are vital for food supply and livelihoods.

Overall, Sierra Leone’s primary sector reflects its tropical environment: rice cultivation in lowlands, mixed farming, forest resources and coastal fisheries. Despite the importance of mining, agriculture, forestry and fishing remain central to employment and food security.

In 2023, Gerold has been 5 days in Sierra Leone, coming from Liberia, via Kenema to Freetown.