Sierra Leone: Fact Sheet (Sep 2013)

Sierra Leone is particularly vulnerable to the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, floods and severe storms (hail, thunder, lightning and violent winds), and their impacts on sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, water resources, as well as infrastructure and hydro-electric power production. Such climate-related hazards are having increasingly adverse effects on the country and future climate change is likely to further exacerbate the situation. 

Sierra Leone is particularly exposed to the impact of rainfall variability of and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heat waves and heavy precipitation events. Heavy rainfall following dry spells often results in extensive flooding throughout the country. The effects of these unusual temperature and rainfall patterns on agriculture, water supply and sanitation are evident in various parts of Sierra Leone. The risks on food security of strictly rain-fed rice cultivation cannot be overlooked. Shifting rainfall patterns have caused disruptions of planting seasons resulting in diminished agricultural production and poverty amongst farmers in particular.

For further information, click download below for the fact sheet.