Farming system in Sierra Leone

The dominant farming system in Sierra Leone is smallholder subsistence farming. This means that most farmers cultivate small plots of land primarily to feed their families, with any surplus sold locally. Key characteristics include: Crops: Staple crops like rice*, cassava, maize, and sorghum are grown. Cash crops such as cocoa, coffee, and palm oil are also cultivated, though often on a smaller scale. Methods: Traditional methods are common, often involving manual labor or animal traction. Shifting cultivation* (slash-and-burn) is practiced in some areas, though it contributes to deforestation. Challenges: Farmers face numerous challenges, including poor soil fertility, limited access to credit and modern inputs (like improved seeds and fertilizers), inadequate infrastructure (roads, storage), and the impacts of climate change* (erratic rainfall, droughts).