Overview
Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector is a cornerstone of the economy, employing over 65% of the labor force and contributing approximately 60% to GDP. Dominated by smallholder farmers practicing subsistence agriculture, the sector produces staple crops like rice, cassava, maize, millet, groundnuts, and sweet potatoes. Major cash crops include cocoa, coffee, and palm oil, with emerging interest in ginger, cashew, and rubber. Livestock and fisheries, though underdeveloped, are vital for nutrition and livelihoods but face issues like disease outbreaks, overfishing, and limited value addition.
The sector struggles with low productivity due to traditional farming methods, limited mechanization, poor access to quality inputs, and infrastructure deficits such as inadequate roads, storage, and processing facilities. Vulnerability to climate variability, unclear land tenure frameworks, and limited access to financing and extension services further hinder growth.
To address these challenges, the government and development partners have introduced initiatives like the National Agricultural Transformation Programme (2023–2030) to modernize the sector and boost exports, and the Feed Salone Initiative (2023) to achieve rice self-sufficiency and promote crop diversification. International organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization, International Fund for Agricultural Development, Islamic Development Bank, and World Bank, are supporting projects in irrigation, poultry development, value chain enhancement, and climate-smart agriculture.
Leading Sub-sectors
Sierra Leone’s agriculture sector offers strong export opportunities for U.S. businesses, particularly in areas that support modernization, productivity, and food security. The leading sub-sectors are farming including crop and livestock farming, fisheries and aquaculture, farm input supplies including seeds, fertilizers, machinery, and agro-processing and value addition. The country’s dependence on imported staples, such as rice and wheat, underscores its reliance on foreign suppliers. In 2024 alone, Sierra Leone imported 361,000 metric tons of rice, worth $160 million. U.S. firms specializing in agricultural inputs, machinery, grain products, and animal production support are well-positioned to address supply gaps and enhance local production capacity, especially as initiatives like the Feed Salone program drive demand for advanced agricultural technologies.
The fisheries sector, supported by extensive coastline and marine resources, offers potential in cold storage, fish processing technology, and traceability technologies to support sustainable and regulated fishing practices. Cold chain and storage solutions are critical across all sub-sectors to reduce post-harvest losses and support perishables like seafood and produce. U.S. businesses with expertise in agri-tech, equipment, and supply chain solutions have a strategic opportunity to contribute to Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation.
Opportunities
Sierra Leone’s agricultural sector offers significant potential for growth and investment. With fertile land, and favorable climate conditions, the country can expand food and cash crop production. Key investment areas include mechanized farming, irrigation, and processing crops like rice, cassava, cocoa, and oil palm. These efforts can reduce waste after harvest and create jobs. Export opportunities are growing, especially for organic cocoa, cashews, and ginger, which are in high demand globally. Support from the government and international partners has created a welcoming environment for investors.
Key opportunities include agricultural machinery, where low mechanization rates create demand for tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems, and post-harvest tools. There is also a growing need for climate-resilient seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to improve yields and adaptability. In animal production, government efforts to expand poultry and livestock farming have increased demand for animal feed, veterinary supplies, and vaccines. Additionally, Sierra Leone’s dependence on food imports provides ongoing opportunities for U.S. exports of grains, flour, and processed foods, particularly in urban areas. A key challenge is finance. Farmers, especially smallholders, are often constrained in their ability to invest in agricultural inputs by their limited access to finance and the high cost of finance.
The country’s 500-kilometer coastline and rich marine resources also provide opportunities in fishing and aquaculture. Sustainable fisheries, seafood processing, and exports of shrimp and tuna are promising areas for development. Improving infrastructure, cold storage, and regulations can enhance value and reduce losses. However, investors must prioritize environmental sustainability and engage local communities to avoid ecological harm and resistance.
To access U.S. and EU export markets, Sierra Leone needs modern facilities that meet strict health, safety, and traceability standards. Building this infrastructure is crucial for unlocking the full potential of agriculture and fisheries and competing globally.
Table: Top 10 U.S. Agricultural Exports to Sierra Leone in 2024
Commodity | Total Value (USD) | Total Volume (Metric Tons) | 10-Year Average Value (USD) | 10-Year Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$12.05 Million | 10,355 | $8.54 Million | 81% | |
$1.11 Million | 272 | $1.11 Million | -14% | |
$539,963 | 56 | $334,435 | – | |
$474,920 | 585 | $1.2 Million | – | |
$323,858 | – | $93,832 | – | |
$261,308 | 153 | $305,223 | -1% | |
$216,651 | 67 | $8.63 Million | -98% | |
$189,494 | 50 | $59,215 | 325% | |
$184,884 | 59 | $74,308 | – | |
$178,210 | 170 | $210,824 | 91% |
Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Resources
Office of Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Embassy Accra (Covers: Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo)
Website
Telephone: (011-233-302) 741-421 or 741-598
Embassy: (011-233-302) 741-000
Fax: (011-233-302) 741-478
Email: AgAccra@usda.gov
Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
Website
Email: info@maf.gov.sl
Telephone: (+232) 79 146533