The causes of low agricultural production in Sierra Leone

THE CAUSES OF LOW AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN SIERRA LEONE

Lack of funds

Another major factor contributing to low agricultural production in Sierra Leone is the absence of adequate financial resources to invest in the venture.  To be able to produce much, the farmer needs a lot of funds to plough large tracks of land, acquire the best seeds or seedlings, and apply fertilizer. The funds are not readily available therefore he cannot produce as much as possible.

Absence of adequate credit facilities from the banks

The banks in Sierra Leone are not too willing to extend credit facility to the farmers. This is sometimes due to the fact that they do not have the requisite guarantee or collateral. The banks think that extending credit to the farmers is a risky venture so they are reluctant to do so. This is also a problem affecting productivity in Sierra Leone.

Small size of market for their produce

The problem with the Sierra Leonean farmers is that even after producing the food, they do not have a large and ready market to sell them. This is especially so when there is a glut. Some farm produce are left on the farms because there are no buyers. Even when the buyers eventually come, they quote very ridiculous prices. No serious minded person is willing to invest in such an area of industry.  

Subsistence agriculture

Most Sierra Leoneans are still using subsistence farming methods where they produce only to feed their families. There is therefore not enough production to cater for the entire nation.

Inadequate pest control

Sierra Leonean farmers suffer from pest attacks which destroy their entire crop production. This discourages the farmers so it is difficult to enter into agriculture after so much is lost in the previous year. There are also diseases that affect livestock. Farmers can lose an entire stock of animals because of disease. When such things happen, they bring the level of agricultural production down in Sierra Leone.

Post harvest loses

Another source of low agricultural productivity in Sierra Leone is post harvest loses. There are inadequate storage facilities to store the harvest after production. So the produce gets rotten at the farm-gates during gluts. The nation is not able to process enough of it so it lost. This brings the level of agricultural productivity down.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS

1. Discuss six major contributors to low agricultural productivity in Sierra Leone

2. What factors affect agricultural productivity in your country?

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