WFP Warns of Persistent Food Insecurity in Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone May 28, 2026

The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning over the persistent food insecurity affecting Sierra Leone, reporting that an alarming 78 percent of the population struggles to access adequate food, with 13 percent facing severe shortages. The situation is particularly critical for children under five, with 26 percent experiencing stunted growth, highlighting the deep-rooted malnutrition affecting rural and low-income communities most acutely.

According to WFP’s May 2026 Country Brief, modest improvements have been recorded since 2023, yet the nation remains highly vulnerable. Chronic poverty affects more than half of the population, while economic fragility, persistent inflation, rising commodity prices, and frequent climate shocks continue to exacerbate food insecurity. Limited government fiscal capacity has further hindered efforts to address these pressing challenges. While severe food insecurity has declined significantly from 28 percent in 2023 to 13 percent by mid-2025, overall resilience remains fragile amid both domestic and external pressures.

The economic context compounds these vulnerabilities. Rice, the country’s staple food, has seen mixed price movements in early 2026. In districts such as Kailahun, local rice prices increased due to seasonal supply shortages and rising fuel costs. Imported rice rose by five percent in March compared to February, reflecting broader global market pressures. Households, already strained by elevated inflation, are facing increased difficulty in securing sufficient food. These challenges come even as Sierra Leone projects GDP growth of around 4 to 4.5 percent for 2026, buoyed by agriculture and services under the government’s Feed Salone initiative. Rising global oil prices linked to conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, threaten to drive up fuel and logistics costs, potentially slowing economic progress and deepening poverty in the near term.

Despite these hurdles, WFP continues to provide critical support across the country. Nutrition initiatives are underway, including the EU-funded Strengthened Agricultural Value Chain through Infant Nutrition for Growth project, which recently held a technical inception meeting bringing together government officials, UN agencies, and district stakeholders to reinforce systems that promote infant nutrition and overall food security. WFP’s school feeding program remains a lifeline for thousands of children. Over 1,800 metric tons of rice and vegetable oil have been delivered to schools, directly benefiting 257,000 children. Under the OPEC-funded Reenergizing School Meals Programme, kitchens have been completed in 264 schools and are expected to reach around 80,000 children once energy-efficient stoves are installed. Additionally, cash transfers totaling USD 80,823 have been distributed via mobile money to 87,514 children across 384 schools, enabling families to purchase fresh vegetables and diversify diets.

To mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on logistics, WFP has implemented measures such as smart contracting, increased reliance on its in-house fleet, and optimized transport routes. In tandem with humanitarian efforts, the agency has focused on community development through the establishment of Forest Edge Development Organizations under the EU Nature Nourishes project. Each organization receives solar power, internet connectivity, laptops, motorbikes, and training to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods, with plans for further expansion in the coming weeks.

Under its 2026–2030 Country Strategic Plan, developed in collaboration with the Sierra Leone government, WFP requires USD 148.73 million to sustain its operations. Currently, the agency faces a six-month funding gap of USD 38.53 million, with contributions coming from the European Union, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Korea, the OPEC Fund, the Government of Sierra Leone, and the UN Peacebuilding Fund.

While short-term humanitarian assistance remains essential to prevent acute hunger, experts stress that long-term solutions will be critical to address the structural drivers of food insecurity. These include bolstering climate adaptation strategies, enhancing agricultural productivity, and sustaining investments in nutrition and education. Without sustained action, Sierra Leone’s path toward food security will remain precarious, leaving millions at risk of hunger and malnutrition in the years ahead.