EnviroOne has experienced firsthand the impact of changes in climate on farm yields in Sierra Leone. Climate change related risks include erratic and intense rains, and thunderstorms, dry spells, high temperatures, and changes in length of growing season.
Key impacts on crop production in Sierra Leone range from appearance of new weed species to reduction in crop yields. For example, a 2018 study by the World Food Program found that in all five of the district studied for impact of climate changes on crop yields, decreases of up to 65% in crop yields were reported. Impacts on livestock production include reduced number of livestock, as well as the quality and quantity of pasture/fodder. Impacts on fisheries & aquaculture sector include drying out of fishponds, changes in proportion of fisheries species, and artisanal fisher men having to go father out for catches.
Reduction in agriculture production has also influenced trade flows out of and into Sierra Leone and even food prices. For example, the Motormeh landslide after a very intensive rainfall destroyed vegetable plots, which led to an increase in imports of vegetables from neighboring Guinea.
The purpose of this blog is to solicit input on experiences and potential solutions on mitigation and/or adaptation strategies that will reduce the impact of climate change on farming communities