RESTRICTED Report No. AF-20a Public Disclosure Authorized

This report was prepared for use within the Bank and its affiliated organizations. They do not accept responsibility for its accuracy or completeness. The report may not be published nor may it be quoted as representing their views.

INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION Public Disclosure Authorized

THE ECONOMY

OF

SIERRA LEONE

Volume II Public Disclosure Authorized Agriculture (A Preliminary Review)

August 6, 1964 Public Disclosure Authorized

Department of Operations Africa CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

Currency Unit: West African pount (B)

U.S. $1 = L 0. 357 (7 s. 2 d. West African) Li = U.S. $2. 80 L 1 million = U. S. $2, 800, 000 AGRICULTURE IN SIERRA LEONE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.

I. INTRODUCTION ...... 1

II. BACKGROUND ...... 1

III. PHYSICAL RESOURCES ...... 2

A. Climate ...... 2 B. Soils ...... 3 C. Vegetation ...... 3

IV. PRESENT STATUS OF AGRICULTURE ...... h A. Land Tenure ...... 4 B. Land Use ...... 5 C. Production of Export Crops ...... 6 D. Production of Crops for Local Consumption 9 E. Animal Production ...... 11

V. NA'M~ETTNG OF AGRICULTUR-iL PRODUCE ...... 13

A. External inarketing ...... , 13 B. Internal h.arketing ...... 14 C. i':arketing of Livestock Products ...... 16

VI. AGRICU'LTURAL SEtRVICES ...... 17

A. Agricultural Administration ...... 17 B. Extension Service ...... 19 C. Research ...... 19 D. Credit Facilities ...... 20

VII. AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMIENT PLANNING ...... 21

A. Planning in the Ministry of Natural Resources 21 B. AgriculturalProgram ...... 22 Cn Livestock Program ...... 23 D. Forestry Program ...... 24 E. Fisheries Program ...... 25 TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd) Page No.

VIII. POSSIBILITIES FOR PROJECT DEVELOPiMENT . . . 25

A. General Considerations .*. ... 25 B. Grain Storage ...... a 25 C. Rubber Development ...... 26 D. Tidal Swamp Reclamation ...... 27 E. Agricultural Credit Facilities ...... 27 F. SewaAjaanje/Jong Scheme ...... 28

IX. CONCLUSIONS ...... 29

ANNEXES

1. Operation of Pioneer Oil Mills: 1957-1962 2. Comparative Cost of Local Rice Production at Various Yield Levels 3. Land Ploughed Under the hIechanical Rice Cultivation Scheme for Rice Planting: 1957 - 1962 4. Rice Balance 1964 and 1969 - An Estimate 5. Proposed Tidal Swamp Reclamation for Paddy Production 6. Price Schedules of SLPHB for iajor Agricultural Export Products MAPS: hain V:atersheds and Diamond Concessions iajor Soils and Rainfall Zones AGRICULTURE IN SIEPRA LEONE

I. INTRODUCTION

1. At the request of the Government of Sierra Leone an Agricultural Economist was included in the Bank mission visiting Sierra Leone from January 31 to February 15, 196L. The findings of his preliminary review of the agricultural sector of the economy including preliminary identifica- tion of noEsible development projects in the field of agriculture are sum- marized in this agricultural complement to the report on the "Economy of Sierra Leone".

2. The limited amount of data available on the agricultural economy of Sierra Leone has made it necessary to introduce estimates which are in many cases not supported by investigations. Furthermore, because of the limited time available to the mission it has not always been possible to collate in the field the information made available from different sources. Any discrepancies or misinterpretations should thus be attributed to the preliminary character of the review.

II. BACKGROUTND

3. The economy of 5ierra Leone is predominantly rural in character. Agriculture is a major source of national income, emplovment, and a key factor in the development of the country. The country is about 28,000 square miles in size with a population density of about 75 per square mile. The population is estimated to grow at a rate of about 2.5 per cent per annum. Main urban developments are restricted to Freetown, Bo, and Kenema. These are also the principal marketing centers for agricultural produce.

4- Due to the diamond mining activities a structural shift in the development of smaller towns and centers has occurred. Previously important trading centers for agricultural cormodities, especially in parts of the Southern Province, show signs of deterioration and new trading centers, pro- viding dia.ond milers with the amenities of life, have sprung up in the mining areas. These areas appear to be endangered by deterioration of whatever little market outlets for local agricultural produce there were.

5. In spite of the developments in the mining industry,i/ agriculture rerains the basis of the economy. The majority of the population - over S0 per cent - lives on and largely from the land. There is, however, little commercial agriculture. The main activities in agriculture are for subsistence farming and petty cash sales of fruits, vegetables, palm kernels, coffee, cocoa, ginger, benniseed etc. Commercial agricultural production is often practiced by urban businessmen, medical doctors, local politicians etc., who have a reasonable capital basis and are in a position to secure additional finance. The latter dominate the poultry and pig industry and also engage in rice importation and production.

1/ Since 1961 a deterioration of diamond mining can be observed. -2-

6. Agriculture in Sierra Leone is thus revealing a somewhat paradoxical picture. The majority of its resources is utilized in a very primitive and traditional manner for subsistence farming. nowever, a few profitable lines of agricultural production attract urban entrepreneurs and modern and com- mercialized agriculture can be encountered here. Outside of this, there is hardly any plantation type exploitation nor does one find much experience of modern commercial farming of any type.

7. Conditions of soil and climate are not particularly favorable. However, the exploitation of the full potential of agriculture in Sierra Leone is far from having been reached. Even with the present state of know- ledge and experience much more could be achieved. But for this a comiprehen- sive effort will be required including economic, social, and political as- pects, to determine the priorities for economic development and to transform and exploit the available natural resources. In addition, the institutional frame-work, such as land tenure and the organization of the production proc- esses, must be adapted to the requirements of rational development0

III. PHYSICAL RESOURCES

A. Climate

8. Sierra Leone is located at the western end of the so-called "Guinean Ecuatorial Zone", a discontinuous belt stretching out over Liberia, the Ivory Coast, Eastern Ghana, lestern Nigeria, to the great equatorial forests of the Congo Basin. The rain forests occur mainly in areas with more than 70 inches of rainfall and a dry season of less than three months.

9. The average annual rainfall in Sierra Leone varies between 80 inches in the northeastern part of the country to more than 150 inches in the far southern corner bordering on Liberia (see Soils Nap). The dry period, be- ginning at the end of November and ending during LMarch, is very pronounced and would make irrigation imperative for a number of crops for continuous year-round cropping. Tree crops also suffer from the dry spells. The dry season is accompanied by a steady wind from the northeast - the Harmattan - a dry, hot and dust-carrying breeze from the Sahara. Hieavy rains occur throughout July, August, and parts of September causing flooding of the lower- lying inland swamps and the riverine grasslands. Heavy erosion occurs on exposed areas in the rolling country.

10. Wlhile the rainfall distribution is not very favorable there are hardly any fluctuations in temperature. January, February, and 1Larch appear to be the hottest months with an average temperature in the neighborhood of 82°OF; July and August show the lowest temperature averaging around 77 0F. - 3 -

B. Soils

11. The majority of the soils in Sierra Leone are, from an agricultural point of view, marginal in character. They are of lateritic origin with low fertility and frequently exposed to erosion. Reasonably fertile patches, mainly of alluvial origin such as raffia-swamps and so-called "Bolilands",J are dispersed throughout the country. Except for the coastal region, there is a conspicuous lack of large homogeneous fertile areas in the country.

12. There are three distinct regions of different soil types (see Soils Nap):

a) The northern and northeastern part of the country bordering on Guinea consist mainly of reddish brown laterite mixed with recent beach quartz sand;

b) Covering the major part of the country is the "Laterite Zone" with reddish primary laterites occasionally inter- spersed Uith sand and brown clay. The latter is of higher fertility and occurs more frequently in the southern and southeastern region;

c) Parallel to the coast there is an alluvial zone including coastal swamps (mangrove swamps) and coastal flat plains. The parent material frequently consists of brown silt, and pale grey clay interspersed with lateritic sands.

The most fertile areas are located in zones (b) and (c). Parts of zones (a) and (b) are especially exposed to the dangers of erosion.

13. Deep yellow friable forest soils occur in parts of zone (b). These are the most important for the existing production and further development of smallholder tree crops such as coffee, cocoa, oil palm, rubber, and coco- nut. The older coastal plains (zone c) in some localized areas appear to be suitable for irrigated agriculture and indications are that in this region production of banana, citrus, pineapple, and sugarcane in addition to paddy would be economically feasible provided proper systems of exploitation were applied.

C. Vegetation

1l. Poor lateritic regions in the northeastern and central parts of the country are frequently covered with lophira growth, low jungle, scrub, and grassland. The sandy and alluvial plains in this areashow savannah character. Raffia swamps are scattered throughout. The eastern and south- eastern country is partly covered with high forest and contains the majority

j Bolilands: Flat plains of grassland adjacent to the rivers on which seasonal flooding occurs during July and September. The slow moving floods bring down sediments and replenish the soils every season. Bolilands are scattered tnroughout the loiier plains of the lateritic zone. Their soils are often composed of recent beach sands ard organic sediments. The clay content appears to be low. of the natural oil palm groves, cocoa, coffee areas, and forest reservations.

15. The young coastal regions, within reach of tidal action, are covered with mangroves and tidal swamps and cleared increasinglly for rice production. Further inland but adjacent to the coast the mangrove growth is frequently interspersed with coconut trees,

IV, F 1._iT STATUS UF AGRICULTURE

A. Land Tenure

16. In Sierra Leone there are basically two different types of land tenure due to the historical development of the colony= (see para. 2 of the Economic Report) and the protectorate. Within the area of the colony freehold and leasehold as known under the British Law are possible. Farms owned by individuals can be found and the African farmers in this region do not refrain from investing in permanent improvements. Land title is accepted as a security for agricultural credit.

17. In the protectorate, and this is the major part of the country, the tribal land tenure system prevails. The land is vested in the tribe and tne paramnount chief has the responsibility of allocating land to the families of his tribe.4 This is done in accordance with a rnumber of con- siderations but is by no means left to the unlimited arbitrariness of the tribal chief. Cases are known where tribes have forced retirement of their chief because of dissatisfaction with land allocation.

18. Furthermore, tribal families who have had land in their possession for farming cannot, without reason and some comipensation, be taken off the land. If the chief enters into a land concession, the tribal members losing their usufruct rights may have a claim on the income from such concessions. Any member of the group can challenge the alienation of land to outsiders and thus rights acquired under customary law and without direct participation of the government can become highly insecure. It is a misconception to assume that the tribal chief can alienate tribal lands at his discretion to other tribes or for ownership or lease to foreign interests. De facto, however, this has been possible with government participation, especially in the form of long-term concessions. It is the Governmentts policy to retain 51 per cent of the equity in any enterprise involvinr the use of land.

1/ Now "1r,estern Area". 2/ There are at least 13 different tribes in Sierra Leone and the allocation of responsibilities relating to the use of land may vary betwjeen tribes. The group which is entitled to determine land rights, that is, the right to cultivate, fish, hunt, or gather food may be the tribe, the clan, or the extended family. In practice, however, it is often the chief of the tribe, the head of an extended family, or a council of elders, that conI- trols the land for the respective group. IHowever, irrespective of the type of controlling group the functional impact of the tribal land tenllre system on the land use practices is relatively uniform. 19. Under African conditions the existing tenure system affords the tribal members relative security and reasonable opportunities since the land tenure is not yet frozen. hoi%ever, for accelerated economic development the disadvantages are manifold. A few promising leads for ehange can already be identified. For instance, in some urban concentrations real estate is already traded very much along the lines of private ownership. There also anpears to be an increasing willingness to make tribal land available under long-term concessions to foreign interests for plantation development.

20. For the transformation of the agrarian sector as a whole, this is necessarily of limited significance. It would probably lead to undesirable misuse if an abrupt change to individual leasehold or freehold were to be intoduced. There is even now a pronounced fear in tribal regions that under such a change in land tenure the inhabitants of the colony would buy agricul- tural land and therewith dispossess exlsting tribes. Transitional forms of land tenure, therefore, will have to be found which would enable an efficient utilization of the available resources, provide proper incentives for invest- ment in improvements, and at the same time afford the rural population eco- nomic security, employment opportunities, and an appropriate participation in the economic development of the country.

21. The government in co-operation with the tribal authorities should give this problem immediate and continuous attention. F'or this purpose it would appear advisable that the government set up a land tenure council to study the problem and to make recommendationsl/ There should be an adequate representation of tribal interest on such a council. Possibilities of modern- izing land use by introducing institutional changes commensurate with existing land tenure should be investigated.

B. Land Use

22. No land use survey of the country as a whole has been carried out so far, but under the Ten-Year Plan-' an inventory of the natural resources including a land use survey had been provided for. The Economic Survey of the Colonial Territories of 1951 made an estimate as to land use. Making the necessary adjustments as to known changes in protected forests and govern- ment forest reserve the 5resent land use pattern in Sierra Leone would be approximately as follows-':

1/ This council should follow up on the land tenure survey of FAO to be completed in 196h. 2/ The existing Ten-Year Plan 1962/63 - 1971/72 is to be revised. 3/ An aerial survey has been under way for several years and is expected to be completed in 1968 including cadastral assessment and mapping. The survey is executed with the assistance of the Directorate of Overseas Surveys under U.K. Technical Assistance arrangements. -6 -

1951 1961 Square Miles % Square Miles _ _

Closed Forests (including 16,910 60.5 16,580 59.4 a large proportion of secondary forest due to shifting cultivation)

Open Savannah - Woodlands 7,847 28,1 7,850 28.1

Government Forest Reserve 831 340 1,030 3.7

Protected Forests (Local - - 125 0.h Authorities)

Swamps 25337 8.4 2,3h0 8.L

27,925 100.0 27,925 100.0

23. Most of the tree crop production is located within the closed forests. Unfortunately this land is also often used for the cultivation of upland rice. Swamp rice production is encouraged in both coastal and inland swamps. Cattle production is mainly concentrated in the open savannah region.

2KLo The Forestry Division of the ?inistry of Natural Resources estimate,i that ultimately it would be necessarv to hold about 20 per cent (roughly 5,000 square miles) in .Forest Reserves, if Sierra Leone is to satisfy its timber requirements from its own resources. The target for the next ten years is an increase of productive forests by about 1,600 square miles. This would have to come from closed forest and in some region would probably lead to land pressure unless a system of combined utilization for both forestry and agri- culture would be developed.

C. Production of Export Crops

25. 1-ith the exception of a few oil palm plantatj9ns under the direct responsibility of the Production Division of the SLPIH-- practica'ly all ex- port crops are growin by African smallholders.2 By far the most important is oil palm in natural groves which are spread over large parts of the country. VWhile the oil, due to crude harvesting and processing techniques, is of verr low quality (up to 23 per cent free fatty acid) and only used for local cor- sumlption, the export of palm kernels accounts for about £ 2.5 million p.a. or roughly one half of the total agricultural exports.

26. The existing natural groves are only partly exploited and the ex- port figures for palm kernels (from 50,CCO to 60,0co tons p.a.) are a very

Sierra Leone Produce PMarketing Board. j For export figures see the report on the "Economy of Sierra Leone". - 7 - crude yardstick of the actual annual growth. It appears that the relatively static annual harvest is determined much more by the need for cash than by yields. The hazards of harvesting high-stem trees and the subsequent collec- tion of fruit off the ground account for an inefficient exploitation of this resource.

27. The establishment of "Pioneer" oil mills in different parts of the country has not induced sufficient incentives for a more efficient exploita- tion of the natural groves. The rmaximun amount of oil produced by these mills did not exceed 570 tons (l959) and the kernels produced in all "Pioneer" oil mills accounted for not more than one ner cent of kernels exported, Annex 1 shows the operation of "Pioneer" oil mills.

28. In recent years the SLPHB has established several oil palm planta- tions (about 7,000 acres in total) to ensure supply of fresh fruit bunches for their oil mills and to adjust flvlctuations in the kernel harvest for ex- port. It is still too early to form an opinion as to the pirformance of these plantations. However, lo.ig-term yield recordings of VvAIFOPP in several natural groves mainly in the Southern and the Eastern Province were very encouraging and indicated high yield potentials which would be fully compe- titive with far eastern producers.

29. Difficulties in establishing large-scale plantation-type operations, of a size big enough to make use of efficient processing facilties, ap7ear to arise partly from the heterogeneous character of the soils. hoviever, further soil surveys may well prove the feasibility of oil palm and rubber plantations especially in the southern part of the country. Additional difficulties would be encountered in the lack of an experienced labor force since no plantations became established in Sierra Leone in the past and in tne lack of adequate transport facilities includilng roads, river transport, and harbors, especially in the most southern part of the country, where plantation operations seem to be most feasible. These handicaps would have to be overcone by a special effort of the government to attract foreign interests.

30. Next in importance for the production of export crops is cocoa. The annual production amounts to about 3,000 to ',,000 tons valued at roughly £ 700,0CO. lHost of the smallholder plantations are located around Kenema in the Eastern Province. Cocoa is a relatively new crop for Sierra Leone and farmers in and around the Kenema district are keen to expand their plantations under the assistance of the agricultural credit scheme.

31. Presently obtained yields are 2ow (around 300 lb/acre) but trials established in the Kenema region by AC.2 indicate fairly good yield potential. An FAO team is presently carrying out a soil survey of the potential cocoa soil areas in the Kenema district. Results are not yet available but are likely to show that further expansion of smallholder cocoa production on a limited scale would be feasible. The major obstacles for a more rapid ex-

1/ 1\'est African Institute for Oil Palm Research in Nigeria. 2/ I est African Cocoa Research Institute in Ghana - 8 - pansion of cocoa production are (a) shortage of extension workers capable of preparing small-scale cocoa projects, (b) limited credit facilities, and (c) more recently, difficulties in procuring planting material from Ghana.

32. The production of coffee (robusta, liberica), as measured by the SLP,I1B export figures, has shown substantial fluctuations over the years. There appear to be two major causes for this: (a) fluctuations of the actual amount harvested and (b) unrecorded trade across the border to Liberial. The latter is likely to occur in times of low; prices under the Sierra Leone export quota (3,800 tons pea.). The SLPMB has, however, tried to purchase all the coffee made available by producers and, so far, has not experienced any difficulties in disposing of coffee beyond its quota.

33. Nevertheless, there are indications that the African farmers' in- terests in coffee production is declining. Local authorities in the coffee area around Kenema estimate that more than 3/4 of the total production is derived from less than 1/5 of all fruit-bearing coffee trees. Trees remain unharvested and there is little replanting. V.;hile the production estimate for 1963 is still at a high level (4,OCO tons) it is likely that the coffee production will drop off in the not too distant future to a level below the present export quota.

34. The remaining export crops, kolanuts; ginger; groundnuts; benniseed; calabar beans; and piassava, amount to about £ 500,000 p.a. The more important of these are kola, ginger, and piassava while the production of benniseed and groundnuts has deteriorated during recent years. Nost of these crops are produced under what aprears to be a family tradition and there is very little prospect of a rapid increase in any one of them.

35. It should be mentioned that one enterprising African farmer has started his own rubber plantation and a first consigrment of rubber was ex- ported last year through the SLPHB. lVhile this should be viewed as an ex- periment, further attention to the production of rubber is indicated (see paras. 105 & 106). This would not, however, add immediately to the crops available for export.

36. The export production of agriculture accounts for about 20 per cent of total exports or roughly £ 5 million per annum. This meager result becomes even more discouraging when one considers that the annual imports of major foodstuffs (excluding beverages, tobacco etc.) averaged about £ !.6 million p.a. over the last five years. Of this about £ 1.2 million p.a. has to be spent on average for the importation of rice alone. In the early postwar years Sierra Leone used to be a rice exporting country. Except for the de- moralizing effect of the diamond boom there appears to be no reason why it should not regain at least self-sufficiency (see paras. 41 & 43 and Annex 2). Furthermore, active consideration needs to be given to the development of export crops other than those presently produced (see also Chapter VIII. C. & D.).

1/ Liberia is not a member of the International Coffee Agreement. - 9 -

D. Production of Cro s for Local Consumption

37. Only recently has the government been able to enlist the services of an expatriate agricultural statistician-1 whlo will prepare the foundations for an agricultural statistical service. Up to now no data are available on the agricultural sector of the economy except for export figures and internal sales to the iRice Department.

38. From the viewpoint of the country as a whole the most important single crop for local consum;ption is rice. It provides the staple food for the majority of the rural and the urban population. It is estimated that consumption requirements are in the neiphborhood of one pound per head per day. The country as a wjhole woujld thus need about 300,0CO tons p.a. The annual imports over recent years averaged about 30,000 tons or roughly 10 per cent of total reauirements. The amount of "Husk Rice" occurring on the local market has increased again and seems to fluctuate around 10,000 tons p.a. It would thus appear that the annual subsistence production of rice - both unland and paddy - v.ould be in the neighborhiood of some 250,000 tons. This appears high and an estimate closer to 200,000 tons might be more realistic. The remaining gap is most likely explained by an actual per capita consumption oaf less than one pound per head per day.

39. About l0,COO acres of rice are annually cultivated under the govern- ment's mechanized rice cultivation scheme (Annex 3). Even wvith the low paddy yields experienced in the past (15 - 30 bushels/acre) this could account for most of the husk rice marketed. Since the major paddy producing regions - around Kambia, hambolo, .akeni, Pujehun and a few others - are served by this scheme, a substantial part of the remaining production would have to come from upland rice. Yields of upland rice are extreraely low (about 5 - 10 bushels/ acre) and for these reasons it appears prudent to assume that the gap in rice production is in fact substantially greater than the irmport figures seem to suggest. To achieve self-sufficiency and proper dietary standards by increas- ing population over the next five years would require th-ie additional production of some 120,000 to 180,000 tons of paddy p.a. In Annex J an estimate of the additional rice production needed by 1969/70 has been attempted. Wihile these figures should be regarded as an approximate guideline only, they very clearly indicate the urgency with which Sierra Leone should attack its rice problem.

40. This problem gains in importance because of the necessity to dis- courage the production of upland rice, which, in many regions, greatly furthers erosion, 1Xhile it was the intention of the government to do so, it had to reverse its policy and make available funds for the purchase of about 3,0CO tons of upland rice in 1963/64 because of political pressure. T49 government is presently considering whether to reduce the various subsidies-/ for rice

1/ With the assistance of US AID. 2/ Estimates of annual rice production vary considerably. Local officials in Sierra Leone estimate total production at about 200,000 tons. The FAO estimate for 1962/63 is 315,CO tons for paddy alone (Monthly bulletin of Agricultural Econcmics and Statistics, Vol. 12, December 1963). The latter assumed an area under production of 630,0co acres. y/ Both production support through fertilizer and cultivation subsidies and price support. - 10 - production. It is simultaneously faced with the prospects of an increasing burden on the balance of payments for importation of staple food.

41. The natural conditions for producing rice in Sierra Leone appear to be good and there are in the Bolilands alo some 100,000 - 2C0,000 acres that may be suitable for further exploitatior-' Initially the mechanical rice cultivation scheme has contributed to an increase in rice production. The more recent innovation that plowing fees under the scheme have to be paid in advance did lead to a satisfactory payment record but, because of shortage of cash in the hands of farmers, hampered expansion of rice production under the scheme. Lack of credit facilities and especially the frustrating marketing situation (see paras. 65 - 68) has further limited expansion of production and, indeed it is suspected, led to the undesirable fluctuation of production experienced in recent years.

42. In the recent past the government has shown very little initiative in remedying the existing situation. There has been some tidal swamp recla- mation in the past. The draft development program of the Division of Agri- culture points out the possibilities of reclaiming another 65,COO acres of saline tidal swamps along the coast line (see Annex 5). It appears, however, that such reclamation works would be relatively expensivez. Improvement of low yields on existing paddy lands through the introduction of better tech- nioues may be of higher priority. An encouraging ster in this direction is the offer of the Republic of China to make available a team of exnerts to demonstrate modern techniques of rice production.

43. In addition, the government should investigate the possibilities of developing the bolilands, now remaining partially unexploited, for com- mercial rice production. Further investigations are required to examine the possibilities of a rotation of quick maturing rice followed by other crops. For the latter some water control might have to be provided, especially on the rivers Rokel and Pampana. The government has already asked the United Arab Republic to make available a cotton expert to evaluate the possibilities for cotton production in Sierra Leone. At present some cotton is grown in village gardens for the home production of country cloth.

Lii. The major obstacle to the development of the bolis would be the organization of the production process and internal marketing. It is urlikely that an efficient utilization of the land and facilities could be achieved under the existing land tenure system without introducing institutional changes. However, whatever means of increasing rice production will be found, it appears that the amount to be moved through the local markets would, with- in the next five years, increase more than fivefold and probably not much less than tenfold. This indicates that the government uill have to be pre-

1/ A soil survey of the bolilands was initiated in 1957 with the assistance of the Colonial Development and lvelfare Funds but delayed because of change in personnel. g/ The Division of Agriculture works on a cost figure of about £ 30/acre. In addition, drainage facilities in unconsolidated marine soils would be difficult and costly to maintain. - 11 - pared to provide for proper marketing, storage, and processing facilities.

145. The recent introduction of tobacco production in Sierra Leone seems to be rather promising. The Aureal Tobacco Company, a subsidiary of the British American Tobacco Company, has concluded production contracts wKith more than 4,000 African smallholders. Under the guidance and supervision of company staff, good quality tobacco is grown for local manufacture of cigarettes.

h6. The remaining production is mainly for subsistence and very little enters the market for internal consumption. Outside of paddy and upland rice the subsistence production includes maize, cassava, yam, sweet potatoes, bananas, somne citrus, plantain, mangoes, other tropical fruits and vegetables. The daily diet is further complemented by coconut, groundnuts, palm oil and palm wine. Excert for the coconuts, these crops are of limited commercial significance and the production marketed is restricted to occasional petty cash sales except for some more intensive forms of develonment in the imne- diate neighborhood of Freetown and under private ownership. The latter grow vegetables including onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and others for the markets of the capital.

E. Animal Production

47. 1hiost of Sierra Leone's 150,000 - 2CO,000 head of tsetse resistant N'Dama cattle are concentrated in the northeastern savannah areas of the Northern Province. In this region the government is implementing a cattlemen's settlement scheme and trying grass land improvenents in order to arrest nomadic movement and increase production. The Musaia research station is trying to develop a heavier beast on the basis of N!Dama stock.

48. Cattle slaughtered annually are estimated between 15,OCO and 16,000 head. The majority, about 60 per cent, are imported from Guinea. The off- take from the northeastern savannah area is estimated at about i - 6 per cent of total herd. hlost of this is routed through traditional channels, but not all reaches the markets for N'Dama cattle in liarampa, Bo, and Kenema. Sub- stantial increase in local production is only likely to occur in the long run if the government succeeds with its grassland improvement program and by gradually overcoming the traditional forms of animal husbandry which have proved in other parts of Africa to be extremely hard to tackle.

419. The production of pork is of limited significance in Sierra Leone since about 75 per cent of the population is of Moslem faith. Commercialized piggeries supply an estimated 2,000 pigs per year. Another 6,o0o pigs are kept by traditional farmers and no data are available on the annual production. However, pork products equivalent to about 13,000 pigs are annually imported mainly for the higher inc6me classes in Freetown. Substitution of pork im- ports (about £ 110,OCO p.a.) would, however, only be possible if proper pro.- cessing facilities iould be made available and adequate quality incentives would be introduced for the producer. It should, however, be recognized that the costs of pork production in Sierra Leone are still comnarative'v high and that a locally based pig industry would require rather high tariff protection in order to compete with imports from Denmark and the Netherlands - 12 - for which there appears to be little justification at this time.

50. The production of poultry and eggs has gained in importance over recent yebrs, especially since the experimental station at Newton started breeding±/ and distributing chicks of improved breeds and dissemination of knowledge of improved methods of poultry rearing and keeping. Nevertheless, the traditional farmer still provides for the bulk of the poultry meat esti- mated at about 5.8 million lbs. (live). Commercial poultry meat production is limited to the few commercial egg producers and does not account for more than 70,OCO lbs. Probably another 130,000 lbs. (liveweight equivalent) of poultry is imported annually for the high income market in Freetown.

51. The total egg production in Sierra Leone is estimated by FAQ at 123.6 million p.a. Based on a population of 2.2 million, this would give an average consumption per capita of nearly 60 eggs p.a. Even by assuming high losses due to spoilage and hidden nests, this appears high for a country in which more than 90 per cent of the population live at a subsistence level.

52. Firmer estimates are available on commercial egg production, which is in the hands of a few large producers. Annual output is estimated at about 4 million eggs.;. !1anagement practices are of a comparatively high standard. Diseases have so far been effectively controlled by the Veterinary Service. Commercial flocks are held in deep litter houses and are mainly fed with imported feed rations_3/ Locally produced chicken feed, though cheaper by about £ 10 per ton, is little in demand mainly because of low and varying quality. This appears to be due to inefficient management of the feed mill, seasonal supply of locally produced ingredients, and inaclequate storage faci- lities.

53. The development of commercial poultry farming is supported by the government through credits made available on favorable terms under the Agri- cultural Loans and Credit Fund (see para. 85). Prices received for eggs are attractive,_J/ but producers, concentrated in the near-monopoly Pig and Poultry Association, are not prepared to sell at lower prices in times of oversupply. Cold storage is limited and there is the acute danger of seasonal overproduc- tion and losses. Substantial expansion of commercial egg production would only find a potential market at considerably reduced prices. However, improved methods of poultry keeping could continue to make a valuable contribution to the nutritional standards of subsistence farmers.

1/ QNewton has now an incubator capacity of 20,000 chicks. The hatching rate is satisfactory and the plant is working close to capacity. 2/ Import of eggs has been stopped by the government in 1962. T/ Feedstuffs are mainly imported dutyfree from the United K;ingdom at prices of about £ L14.10. 0 per ton. Li/ A dozen of comnercially produced large eggs sells for Sh 6/6. - 13 -

V. 1,iARK_7T TNG OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE

A. External lIarketing

54. V.ith very few exceptions of limited importance,l/ practically all exports of agricultural produce are handled by the "Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board". SLPINB was established by ordinance as a statutory corpo- ration in 1949. It is a successor of the West African Produce Control Board, a wartime establishment to secure supply of tropical products for the UK, from which SLPHiB derived its original working capital.

155. SLPMB was given statutory powers in order to discharge its respon- sibilities of buying, storing, processing and exporting Sierra Leone produce included in its schedule. In more recent years SLPNB has added to its func- tions the production of palm oil and palm kernels (see para. 28). The latter is a development effort designed to introduce plantation operations. Accruing surpluses are used for the up-keep of oil palm nXrseries, contributions to the varicus Ulest African research institutions,.- and through the government's Development Fund for the development of agriculture in Sierra Leone.

56. The Board of SLPPIB fixes prices annually or for the crop season for crops on its schedule which, after approval by goverrment, become the minimum prices payable to producers at the buying stations (for the latest price schedule see Annex 6). About thirty "Buying Agents", appointed by SLPiNE, act as middlemen between the producers and the marketing board. The agents operate on a fixed percentage remuneration in addition to allowances for freight, insurance, bags, losses, and interest.

57. Quality inspection of export produce is carried out by the "Produce Inspection Branch of the Ministry of Natural Resources" in accordance with the "Native Produce Inspection Rules" of 1946. Quality supervision has been re- latively effective in the past and with the exception of complaints because of moldy cocoa beans in 1963 no major difficulties were experienced. It is likely, however, that international quality standards may rise and a review of present inspection rules appears desirable. Furthermore, introduction of sealing of palm kernel shipments at the point of inspection would reduce trans- port costs for SLPI;1 because such a measure would check fake transrort claims by buying agents. The produce inspection service is made available to SLPiB free of charge. While the inspection should be carried out by an independent service it is nevertheless of direct benefit to SLP'B.

58. SLPMB owns its own sv.bsidiary selling company in London. The Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Company Ltd. places all overseas sales for SLPIMB; it also makes all arrangements for shipping and in general acts as the Agent of

1/ Export of kola nuts to Gambia and piassava exports, g/ V1ith the increasing disintegration of the Vlest African Research Institutes these contributions may be allocated in future to local research. - lh -

SLPNB in LondonV' lifficulties in placing consignments have not been expe- rienced in general though SLKIiB has, at times, suffered considerable trading losses (£ 92,000 in F.Y. 1961/62) because of price fluctuations in the world markets.

59. The price policy of marketing boards has been criticized frequently as being too inflexible. It has been argued that any positive fluctuations of world market nrices are not passed on quickly enough to the producer and that the annual nrice schedules are oriented towards the lower nrice expecta- tions and thus rrovide a considerable margin for the marketing board itself. These arguments would be valid in the case of plantation operations with keen management and overseas connections. However, for an exclusively native agri- culture the advantages of stable prices and a secured market for all export production should not be discounted.

60. It has been the policy of SLPIMB in the past to accept the total production forthcoming and not to establish any export targets. At times of low world market prices this has led temporarily to trading losses. At rising world market prices export produce frequently is sold across the border to Liberia and Guinea. Lihile this is prohibited bv law for all produce included in the SLPliB schedule, it appears to be difficult to enforce this law because of the extended borders. The major benefits of this illegitimate trade seem to remain with the traders.

61, The centralized export marketing arrangement has worked reasonably satisfactorily in the past and appears to be a suitable marketing channel for the native export production in the future. However, future development of agriculture in Sierra Leone (see for instance Daras. 113 - 116) will to some extent depend on the introduction of plantation operations including participation of foreign interests. For this type of cormmercialized agri- culture the existing export marketing arrangement may not prove to be the appropriate. The Government of Sierra Leone should be prepared to consider exempting from SLPHB control the export of all types of crops produced by plantation companies.

B. Internal Ilarketing

62. It cannot be expected that the market for internal consum,ption of agricultural produce would be highly developed since 80 per cent of the population lives from subsistence farming and occasional cash crop production. However, since cash crop production, with the exception of export produce, is limited to a very few commodities, especially rice, some fruits, and vegetables, one would hope to find workable marketing arrangements at least for these conmodities.

1/ The Nigerian, Ghana and Gambia Boards still operate from the scme address and the companies in some cases share the same staff. This arrangement works to the advantage of SLP1B. - 1$ -

63. The local marketing situation in Sierra Leone appears to be one of the most serious single factors hampering development in the field of agri- culture. The diamond boom and the demand created by increasing urbanization apparently passed by the agricultural sector without markedly stimulating agricultural production for the local market. The increase in foot imports from less than £ 700,000 in 1950 to more than £ 5 million in 1962V1 seems to support this thesis. This represents a sevenfold increase and leaves little doubt that in Sierra Leone the combined increase of both the popula- tion and the standard of living of the non-rural population is greater than the growth of agricultural output. This appears to be of importance since, because of lack of adequate local production appearing on the market, the urban consumers tend to move into consumption habits favoring imported food- stuffs. Improvement of local marketingwould be vital for reducing or, if possible, reversing this trend.

6h. ixcert for a few commercialized truck farming operations in the Western Area, tropical fruits and vegetables are still marketed in the tradi- tional fashion by occasional sales at local markets. There are no quality or price incentives and the quantity marketed appears to be determined by rather static cash needs. The establishment of marketing co-operatives has had only marginal impact and a number of co-operatives2/ are concentrating their activities in the field of export crops and rice.

65. The lack of proper marketing is of most serious consequences for the development of rice production. It has been demonstrated that the in- ternal marketing of rice would have to increase nearly tenfold (see para. 39 and Annex 4) if Sierra Leone would want to attemipt self-sufficiency within the next five years. Even with a less ambitious target there would be a sub- stantial increase in local marketing of rice.

66. At present the Rice Department of the iinistry of Trade and Industry is charged iith the responsibilitv of rice marketing. It is semi-autonomous and operates on an overdr3;t - allowance of somie £ 700,000 with local Banks. There are five rice mills- of an estimated annual capacity of some 18,OCO tons of clean rice and a total storage capacity including rentals of about 35,000 togs. Heavy imports.i/ of rice during the last years have led to over- stocking / and exhaustion of funds for local purchases. Losses due to in- festation and inadequate storage facilties are high and estimated to exceed 30 per cent. This can partly be ascribed to overstocking following heavy rice importation in recent years. Farmers have difficulties to sell their rice in time to get the urgently needed cash for advance payments for plowing under the mechanized rice cultivation scheme before the rainy season starts.

1/ See Table 24 of the Zconomic Report. 2/ There are about 280 hiarketing Co-operatives in total; 40 per cent of the cocoa trade is handled by co-ops. The Union of lharketing Societies is appointed as buying agent for SLPNB. 3/ Three at Freetown and one each at lhambolo and Torma. 4/ Goverr,ment has stopped temporarily rice imports in October 1963, but contracts are negotiated with rice export countries to make available further imports at three-month notice. 5/ Some of the stocks date back to 1959. - 16 -

67. The Rice Departmnent wvorks through a system of buying agents selected and approved by the i^Jinistry of Trade and Industry. These agents also provide for temporary credit and storage. Miinimtu prices are fixed annually and agents receive fixed buying allowances. A substantial portion of the rice trade used to be in the hands of Syrian traders. In June 1963 the govermnent issued a Parliamentary Notice.l/ according to which non-African trade in rice is pro- hibited in the so-called "restriced areas".2 This eliminated immediately a considerable part of the existing marketing channels together with the credit and storage capacities made available by these traders. This move apparently contributed to the present frustration of the rice market and is likely to have repercussions w-ith regard to the future production.

68. Since rice is the staple food of the country it is urgently required tlhat the overnment takes the necessary action to improve the rice marketing situation2( Consideration might be given to a reorganization of the Rice Department. Plans to establish an autonomous Rice Corporation with an adequate capital structure should be further pursued (see para. lOj'). For long-range planning a survey to establish the storage and milling capacities required for the next ten years and their strategic locations should be initiated in the immediate future (see Chapter VIII. B.).

C. Marketing of Livestock Products

69. The market for meat is relatively small in Sierra Leone- Only about 40 per cent of the beef consumed in the country (4,000 to 5O000 head) is produced locally (para. j8). Ihe major market outlets for local beef are the iron ore mines at Narampa and the diamond mining areas around Kenenia. A recent proposal to establish an abattoir at Ifakeni found no support in an FA0 marketing study for livestock products. Its conclusions centered mainly around improvement of existing marketing and better price and market infor- mation for the producer. This could, however, attract even more Guinean cattle on the Sierra Leonean market without fostening local production because of the latter's remote location. Freetown, Marampa, and Kenema are also the main markets for the local pork production. Substantial parts of the pork market appear to be controlled by the Pig and Poultry Association and prices for pork are relatively high. Import figures for pork indicate a potential market for increased local production at lower prices and improved quality (200 lbs live weight instead of over 300 lbs). However, the growth of demand for pork depends particularly on the increase of income for a small percen-tage of total population and is effectively limited by religious barriers.

1/ NIlodified November 21, 1963. 2/ Western Area, ihoyamba District, Port Loko District, and part of Bo District; gradually to be expanded throughout the country. 3/ Staple food marketing is to be studied by an FAO Specialist during 196h4 El/Average per capita consumption of meat is estimated at 2 kilograms p.a.; FA0, African Survey, Rome 1962. - 17 -

70. The existing marketing system for poultry (at present mainly broilers) appears to work relatively satisfactorily. Distances between producer and consumer are short and poultry is sold either live directly to consumers or dressed and packed to retailers and big consumers with cool storage facilities_. Expansion of boiler production, which would result from an increase in egg production, together vith the establishment of a broiler industry would meet a limited market for processed and packed poultry meat. Furthermore, expansion of the poultry industry would need government support in the form of import protection. This could very rapidly lead to oversupply. Any expansion of the poultry production should proceed very cautiously and only after thorough market analysis.

71. The same is true for the production and marketing of eggs. Though relatively successful in developing its own egg production, Sierra Leone appears to be aproaching seasonal oversupply at the prevailing price level. Since practically all of the commerical egg production is marketed through the Pig and Poultry Association, the ceiling price stipulated by the government becomes the floor price at the same time. It is nearly impossible to break the monopoly of the Pig and Poultry Association because its members not only control import of feed rations and the processing and packing facilities, but are also politically influential. Together with the import stop on eggs this could cause seasonal fluctuations of supn)ly which, in the long run, would be unfavorable to both producers and consumers.

72. Local egg and poultry production is not fully competitive with im- ports at this stage. It is, therefore, suggested that, rather than developing a costly overcapacity, the market be regulated through a system of recessed importation, providing sufficient protection for the existing industry, but at the same time offering incentives for the application of a more flexible price policy by commercial producers.

VI. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

A. Agricultural Administration

73. The ivinistry of Natural Resources is charged with the responsibility of agricultural, forestry, livestock and fisheries production. Ilarketing and processing of agricultural output is the responsibility of the Niiinistry of Trade and Industry. This allocation of functions makes it rather difficult for the iiinistry of Natural Resources to pursue an active agricultural policy by utilizing marketing arrangements and processing facilities as effective tools for the implementation of its declared policy "to speed up 1e adoption by subsistence farmers of improved and up-to-date farming methods-i.

/ A pilot plant for poultry processing and packing is available at Freetown; the biggest producer of the Pig and Poultry Association is also starting. 2/ hite Paper on Natural Resources Policy, 1961, sec. Impr. - 16 -

74. The Ministry of Natural Resources has four divisions: Agriculture, Forestry, Veterinary, and Fisheries, each having its own administrative responsibility. It should be noted, however, that the allocation of functions is somewhat arbitrary and that, for instance, the Forestry Division is charged with the developmernt of rubber while all other tree crops are handled by the Agriculture Division.

75. All divisions are headquartered in Freetown except for the Veterinary Division, which has its headquarters in Mlusaia. Xdhile the staff position is inadequate in general, it is most unsatisfactory in the Agriculture Division which has only about/fifty senior officers, including ex-patriates, and some 120 junior officers-. Following independence a decentralization of agricul- tural staff has been initiated and to-day the agricultural officers are scat- tered throughout the country. Because of the scarcity of staff this decentral- ized approach is bound to lessen the impact of the agricultural services. A more concentrated approach would be indicated.

76. The decentralization has left the headquarters of the Agriculture Division completely depleted. Except for the Chief Agriculturist and his deputy, who is at the same time managing the Newton exnerimental farm, there is no senior staff available. Furthermore, the staff as a whole consists of agriculturists with specialization in agricultural production and does not include any agricultural economists. Both the completely overburdened head- quartel3 staff and the lack of economic competence account for the absence of sound planning and project formulation in the field of agriculture. In the Ten-Year Plan (1962/63 - 1971/72) only 7.8 per cent of the public sector expenditures.? had been allocated to agriculture. This may, at least nartly, be ascribed to the fact that the i'linistry of N3atural Resources was not in a position to put forward more well-formulated and justified investment possi- bilities in the field of agriculture.

77. It is, therefore, suggested that the government review its present deployment of agricultural staff and, even at the cost of temporary neglect of some regions, take into consideration the advantages of a concentrated approach. It is, furthermore, imperative that the government makes an all out effort to maintain its present staff and to secure additional staff including agricultural economists. The need for co-ordinated planning within the Ministry of Natural Resources is most apparent. (At present each division puts forward its own program without subsequent integration at the level of the Ministry, see para. 88). This calls for strengthening of the staff at headquarters.

1/ This is equivalent to about 30,000 farmers per senior officer and 13,C00 farmers per junior officer. g/ Excluding recurrent costs. - 19 -

B. Extension Service

78. Until iVlarch 31, 1964 the agricultural extension service was closely integrated with the Agriculture Division of the ilinistry of Natural Resources. 1,ith the formation of the Niala University College, which is in the process, of being established with the assistance of the Illinois State University,-/ all extension functions will be transferred to the University College. This institution will have autonomous character and its own budget. Policy on ex- tension services is to be determined by a board on which the Chief Agricul- turist represents the _iinistry of Natural Resources. A "Statement of Under- starding" provides for the co-ordination of extension activities between the Iliinistry and the College.

79. A close relationship between teaching, research, and extension acti- vities is certainly desirable. It remains to be seen, however, whether the organizational and administrative integration of the extension service into an autoncmous university college will really prove appropriate in Sierra Leone. It may not provide for efficient utilization of the scarce extension staff in the interest of a rarid implementation of a natural resources policy. This arrangement leaves the Agriculture Division at present with little more than administrative and credit functions.

80. The Njala University College plans to start operating in the course of 196h. A twTo-year course will train agricultural instructions at a technical level for the extension services. The college will also offer a three-year course, finishing with a B.A. equivalent. Graduates are expected to fill vacancies in the agricultural administration, in senior positions of the ex- tension service, and in local research establishments. Senior college staff from the Illinois State University are being made available on a rotational basis for a period of about twelve years. It is hoped that eventually the college will turn out a total of about 30 graduates from both courses every year. Interest in this type of training is widespread and there appears to be no shortage of applicants. In the long run this should help to improve the staff situation of agricultural services in Sierra Leone. It would, however, not be sufficient to replenish and expand the agricultural services as required without further overseas training.

C. Research

81. Sierra Leone is a member of the bvest African research arrangements including the V;est African Cocoa Research Institute (ViAC) in Ghana, the West African Institute for Oil Palm Research (ViAIFOR) in Nigeria, and the West African i'ce Research Station (W'AR) at Rokupr in Sierra Leone. WAIFOR has, in the past, maintained yield recording stations for natural oil palm groves in Sierra Leone. Assistance has been obtained from WAC for the layout of experimental cocoa trials at the new Kpuabu Cocoa and Coffee Station.

1/ Sponsored by US AID. - 20 -

82. In the past the research liaison of the countries holding member- ships in the above research institutions has been very good and mutually beneficial. With independence of these countries a straining of relations occurred and, for all practical purposes, the co-operation has ceased to exist. The cocoa trials at Kpuaba go without analysis and, since the cocoa officer has left Sierra Leone, it may not even be possible to record and evaluate the results in a form suitable for further analysis in the U.K. Difficulties have been experienced already in obtaining cocoa planting material from Ghana. The ViAIFOR activities in Sierra Leone are continued by the Njala experimental station, now a part of the University College. Thus oil palm and cocoa research in Sierra Leone are likely to suffer a setback until suit- able local institutions are ready to carry on.

83. In other fields Sierra Leone is very fortunate in having built up in the past a comparatively good research basis in its agricultural stations, which keep close contact with the farmers by also providing for plant and breeding material. Rokupr, as indicated above, specializes in rice research; Newton and Njala continue research in the fields of plant production and pig and poultry breeding; hiusaia is engaged in animal husbandry research and grassland improvement trials, several horticultural stations are simulta- neously engaged in research and extension work. All together they form a good foundation in securing steady progress of the endeavour to transfer subsistence farming into cash crop production. The real bottleneck is, how- ever, the effective dissemination of the knowledge available in these insti- tutions.

D. Credit Facilities

84. Credit facilities available to farmers in Sierra Leone are limited to credit schemes of the Liinistry of iNatural Resources, Credit Co-operatives and money lenders. Farmers have no or little direct access to local banks. There apoears to be an immense potential demand for short- and medium-term credits. Extension of credit facilities would, however, find an effective demand only after markets for the resulting increase in production become available. It would be unrealistic to assume that under existing conditions credit by itself would contribute significantly to agricultural development. Only in combination with sound advice and secured market outlets will credit have a positive effect on the prevailing traditional agriculture.

85. The Agricultural Loans and Credit Fundl/ started operating in 1961 with government funds of £ 110,000. Loans and credits are granted on the basis of development projects submitted by farmiers to the provincial agri- cultural officers. After appraisal of the project by the Agriculture Division in the province the loan is recommended for approval through a regional Loan Board to the Chief Agriculturist. In lieu of a land title the paramount chief has to certify the usufruct rights of the applicant under native law and custom. The loan is made available in kind and on terms appropriate to

1/ Lstablished by Public Notice 147 of 1961. - 21 -

the projectl/ The loan ceiling has been set at £ 1,000.

86. The fund is administered by a credit officer of the Division of Agriculture, who, for reasons described above, is stationed in Bo. While the application of the funds is based on sound principles, its initial impact appears to be relatively small. Because of shortage of agricultural staff for appraisal and lack of suitable projects only £ 80,000 could be cormitted for the first two years (1962/1963). A substantial amount of this was applied for the development of the pig and poultry industry. The rermainder was mainly used for citrus, oil palm, and especially cocoa development.

87. Credit Co-operatives extend short-term credits on a personal basis to their members out of a Co-operative Loan Fund established in 1951. Be- cause of the risks involved, an interest rate of 15 per cent is charged. Funds are derived from overdraft allowances with local banks (about £ 350,000). Debt collection is frequently secured by produce marketing through the co- operative marketing channels. Both the co-operative movement and the Agri- culture Division, have preliminary plans for the establishment of an agricul- tural credit institution. So far they have proceeded independently of each other especially since the Co-operative DepartmentU is under the supervision of the Iiinistry of Trade and Industry.

VII. AGRICULTUIRAL DEVELOP1iYiNT PLANNING

A. Planning in the Ministry of Natural Resources

88. A short account of development planning in Sierra Leone is given in paras. 7V/75 and Appendix B of the Economic Report. In the Ministry of Natural Resources the planning functions rest with the senior officers of the individual divisions Lhich prepare separate programs. The divisions seem ill equipped to carry out planning and programing. There appears to be no subsequent integration of the divisional programs within the 'i4inistry, and even the individual programs are not well integrated in themselves. Divisional programs, consisting of a conglomnerate of projects, are not measured against available resources and no priorities are established in accordance with economic analysis. Project formulation hardly exceeds the stage of rough technical feasibility assessment and preliminary costing.

89. It has already been pointed out (para. 76) that the absence of emphasis on agriculture in the Ten-Year Plan in a predominantly agricultural economy may well be the result of a missing planning and programing mechanism within the Ministry of Natural Resources. This is further supported by the fact that a number of projects proposed under the present draft program of the Agriculture Division -ould, if approved, fall under the constitutional

1/ ihe interest rate charged is normally about 1 per cent above the going London Bank rate (at present about 5-3/4 per cent). j The Co-operative Department estimates its requirements to be about £ 500,000. - 22 - competence of the Ikinistry of Trade and Industry. The allocation of respon- sibility for matters pertaining to agriculture in general between these two iv1inistries may also require a review.

90. If the present functional organization of the IJinistry of -fqatural Resources is to be maintained it would be highly desirable to establish a small programing unit within the IlNinistry under the immediate supervision of the Permanent Secretary. This nucleus would be staffed so as to provide assistance in project formulation and economic analysis for all divisions of the TLinistry. The programing unit would also have the responsibility of integrating the divisional programs into a sector program for the 14inistry as a whole. Such an organization would, at the same time, greatly facilitate the planning process for the economy as a whole.

B. Agricultural Program

91. The revised draft development program of the Agriculture DivisionJ includes development expenditures net of recurrent costs of about £ 5.7 millior. A functional breakdown reveals the following pattern:

Develoment Expenditure £ '000 Per cent of Total

Surveys and Investigations 460 8.0 Settlement Schemes 830 15.5 Land Improvements for Rice Cultivation 2,CCO 35.0 Agricultural Credit Bank 600 10.11 Pest and Desease Control [0 0.7 Livestock Development 670 11.5 Extension Service Expenditures 29 0.5 Processing Facilities 923 16.1 Others 135 2.3

Total 5,687 lOOoO

Except for some tidal land reclamation, extension of facilities for the pig and poultry industry, improvements of pest and desease control, and the con- tinuation of the cattle owner settlement scheme, none of the above schemes would be ready for implementation. They represent possibilities for develop- ment rather than a list of well-defined projects.

1/ The draft programs of the Divisions of the ilinistry of Natural Resources have not been finalized yet. They consist partly of programs prepared for the Ten-Year Plan 1962/63-1971/72 which is to be revised. The periods of programing also vary; while the Agriculture Division's program covers a five-year period that of the Forestry Division extends over ten years. For the revision of the Ten-Year Plan these programs need to be inte- grated on a time basis as well. Any figures given in Chapter VII should thus be regarded as highly tentative. -23 -

92. Somewhat surprising is the large allocation for processing faci- lities which appears to be mainly based on rough estimates of present pro- duction and short-term increases. It would seem advisable at this stage of development to allocate a larger proportion of funds for a more thorough investigation of existing marketable production and the longer ranger possi- bilities for further increases including rice production. The formulation and initiation of agricultural projects would allow sufficient time to es- tablish sound priorities for processing facilities on a much better basis. It should also be recognized that, because of shor-tage of management talent in the co,uxtry, fewer but larger processing facilities might be easier to cope with--

93. The program also calls for an increase in staff and the establish- ment of new branches along the following lines:

Branch Senior Staff Requirement2/

1'iarketing 4 Agricultural Economics 5 Agricultural Census 4 Produce Inspection (existing) 3 Publicity and Records 3

Total 19

There is no indication wllere the staff would come from. Because of the extreme shortage of staff it can be foreseen that staff increases urder these branches would soon be absorbed in the day-to-day commitments of the Agriculture Division. It would be advisable to make at least part of the Agricultural Economics Branch available to the programing unit mentioned above (para. 90) for which no staff provisions have been made.

C. Livestock Program

94. The development expenditures for livestock are included urnder B. above. Of this an envisaged package program for cattle production especially in the Northern Province, including water supply, demonstration farms, and loans and advances to prospective ranchers for acquisition of adequate stock, would require an estimated amount of about £ 50O,OOo. Natural conditions for cattle production in Sierra Leone are not particularly favorable and it remains doubtful whether this scheme would rank high in priorities. Intro- duction of improved methods, especially grazing control and livestock manage- ment, appears to be difficult under communal grazing systems. The establish- ment of individual holdings under the cattle-owner settlement scheme is proceeding slowly.

1/ Especially if large enough to justify employment of expert staff from abroad. 2/ To be complemented by Junior Staff as required. - 24 -

95. In addition, improvement of livestock production in Sierra Leone would depend to a large degree on improved access to the remote location and better marketing channels. Efforts to introduce modern techniques would be greatly facilitated if the cattlemen were given incentives sufficient to overcome their tendency to regard the number of livestock as their wealth rather than the value. This is well recognized and the interdependence of intensive animal husbandry and improved transportation should be given proper attention in the revision of the country's development plan.

D. Forestry Program

96. Development expenditures for the draft development program of the Forestry Divison are estimated at about £ 900,0CO with the followving distri-- bution Per Cent Development Expenditure £ '000 of Total

F'orest Conservancy Including Afforestation and Other 88 9 Wood and Other Processing Facilities 502 56 Rubber Development 315 35

Total 905 100

Forest conservancy expenditures would be mainly in connection with staff increases necessary to attain the targets for forest reservations established by the Forestry Divison (see also para. 24). The bulk of the allocation for processing facilities (£ 300,000) is in respect to a chip-board factory. A U.N. expert has been requested to study the prospects of chip-board manufac- turing and exports in Sierra Leone. This project would probably find outside finance.

97. The remaining capital expenditure would be for the development of rubber production in Sierra Leone. A rubber development program for ten years beginning 1963/64 has been outlined and initial steps have already been taken. Further details are given under Chapter VIII. B. "Rubber Development". This would add to the variety of export crops produced in Sierra Leone and a pilot rubber scheme appears to be of relatively high priority. It remains doubtful, however, whether the Forestry Divison would be in a position to implement such a scheme without a detrimental effect on its other responsibilities.

1/ See footnote 1 page 33 (para. 91). E. Fisheries Program

98. The Fishery Division estimates that there would be a potential demand for fish in Sierra Leone of some 65,o00 tons p.a. The annual catch has increased from 5,000 tons in 1945 to about 20,000 tons at present. Annual imports are about 2,000-3,000 tons. To substitute for inports and to satisfy the increasing effective demand a fisheries development programn/ has been proposed which would include boat building, harbor and marketing facilities, fish farming, and research and control.

99. The total costs of this program are estimated at E 760,000. About £ 140l000 or 18 per cent of the total costs would be made available as loans to fishermen for the purchase of boats, outboard motors, and fishing gear. The loan scheme for fishermen has been relatively successful in the past-/ Since this is a relatively inexpensive venture yielding benefits almost immediately, further support through the government appears desirable. Con- sideration should be given to the possibilities of including at a later date the fishermen loan scheme under the proposed agricultural credit bank.

VIII. POSSIBILITIES FORL PROJECT DEVELOPMENT

A. General Consideration

100. Project formulation and implementation in the field of agriculture leave much to be desired. There is an acute shortage of human resources, a lack of basic data, traditional barriers, and a physical environment li- miting in many ways. Nevertheless, there appear to be long-term prospects for mobilizing the natural resources of the country. A first and preliminary review of the agricultural economy with a view of identifying possible pro- jects indicates that for long-range planning Sierra Leone's activities in the field of basic investigations would require intensification and continued emphasis. In conceiving possibilities for projects the authorities should at all times be aware of the limitations set by the shortage of human resources. This should be taken into consideration in the course of allocating priorities.

101. The possibilities for project development described below appear to be of relatively high priority and, if properly formulated and implemented, within the reach of means available to or within Sierra Leone. Of course, none has been thoroughly investigated and further studies would have to verif'y the above assumption.

B. Grain Storage

102. The present rice marketing situation has been described in paras. 65-68 above. Annex 4 gives an approximate outlook of future consumption

1/ See footnote 1, page 33 (para. 91). 2/ About £ 30,000 have been made available under the scheme so far. - 26 -

and marketing requirements. This reveals the urgent need for proper rice marketing channels and an increase in production. The need for improved grain storage facilities appears to exist independent of the origin of production. If future demand would be satisfied by imports rather than by local production, it would influence the scope of improvements required but not the need itself.

103. It is, therefore, suggested that an early study of the internal rice market and a survey of the rice milling and grain storage requirements for the next ten years be initiated by the government. It appears advisable that this study should be carried out by independent consultants wlith proper experience in economics of marketing, grain milling and storage techniques, and organization and administration of countrywide marketing systems.

104. Following the outcome of such a survey it may appear advisable to divorce the existing rice department from the government and establish it as an autonomous rice marketing corporation. If this were to be the out- come, the corporation should be provided with a capital structure sufficient to make it a suitable basis for any future improvements and expansion which may be indicated as a result of the study.

C. Rubber Development

105. The 'orestry Division of the hinistry of Natural Resources has prepared an outline rubber development program for the next ten years. A rubber development officer has been appointed and three sites for rubber plantations have been surveyed (see map of Economic Report). The gross area would be about 60,000 acres. Land clearing on all three sites has started and the rubber development officer is scheduled to visit plantation operations in neighboring countries to get aquainted with modern techniques. The plantations are planned as parent plantations for the future development of smallholder rubber production in their vicinity. However, no detailed feasibility study of the project as a whole has been made. The present pro- nosals are not likely to succeed unless substantial outside advice and guidance is secured and rubber development is in the beginning limited to pilot schemes for the training of local personnel and labor.

1C6. In spite of the fact that in 1950 some hO,000 rubber trees existed in the country there is very little experience of commercial rubber produc- tion and it is doubtful whether an efficient development of rubber estates could take place without considerable outside assistance. Foreign interests have occasionally explored the possibilities of establishing rubber planta- tions but had reservations because of the government's negative policy with regard to plantation operations. The government has now issued a statemejt to the effect that rubber development in the country should be encouraged-/

j__The government has formulated its policy as follows: "That every encouragement should be given to foreign capital to develop the rubber industry in D'ierra Leone and that there is no intention whatsoever now and in the future of bringing rubber under a marketing board." - 27 -

There are no definite plans as to the organization and administration of the nucleus plantations. It would be advisable for Sierra Leone to concentrate on the implementation of one pilot estate rather than to undertake simulta- neously three rubber development projects. Furthernore, this appears to be a good case for close co-operation with foreign interests experienced in rubber production. Sierra Leone would need to enlist such co-operation for the preparation of a rubber project as well as for its execution. The Com- momnealth Development Corporation, Dunlop, Firestone, and other suitably experienced ccmpanies might be approached for this purpose.

D. Tidal Swamp Reclamation

107. Tidal swamp reclamation in Sierra Leone would be one of several possibilities for increasing rice production. On two sites investigations have been or are being carried out: (a) the Rhombe Swam.p in the Little Scarcies area and (b) the area between the outlets of the Ribbi and Bumpe Rivers (see also Annex 5). Previously small-scale land reclamation has en- countered difficulties especially with regard to land ownership.

108. The Agriculture Division plans to have these two schemes carried out by contract. No detailed feasibility reports including an analysis of the potential benefits have been prepared and alternative possibilities for the development of rice production may prove to be more economical. However, these two schemes would have the advantage of being already actively pursued. Questions of land ownership (respectively usufruct rights), settlement, opera- tions and maintenance, recovery of investment etc., iwould all need further consideration.

109. Furthermore, the benefits to be derived from tidal swamp reclama- tion schemes should be compared with those of possible development of rice production in the bolilands and other alternatives. Since expanded rice production in Sierra Leone should be competitive with rice importation, priorities should be allocated in accordance with the results of such a comparison. Any project based mainly on rice production would only be viable if yields per acre could be increased substantially by improved methods of cultivation. This, however, should be possible since prresent yields are ex- tremely low on average. An increase of yields up to more than 3/lx ton per acre wjould seem to make local production competitive i,ith rice imports as estimated in Annex 2.

E. Agricultural Credit Facilities

110. In general the credit facilities available to farmers (see Chapter V. D.) appear to be grossly inadequate. iHowever, while there is limited scope for increasing credit operations in the field of export crops, this would hardly be sufficient to justify the establishment of a rural credit institution. If the potential credit demand of producers for the local market could be made effective by improving the local marketing situation there might be a case for such an institution. - 28 -

111. In this case consideration should be given to an integration of the credit schemes of the Agriculture Division, the Fishery Division, and the Co-operative Department, which together could form the nucleus of a Rural Development Bank. It might further be considered whether such a Bank could be used as a convenient instrument for the financing of a number of small Drocessing facilities now i luded under the development schemes of the hlinistry of Natural Resourcesv.

112. Since the precondition for expanded credit operations would be an improvement of marketing arrangements the establishment of a credit institution appears to be second in priority to marketing. It should, how- ever, follow immediately after the opening of channels for marketing of local produce. The possibilities of local banks participating in such an establishment should be investigated. The adequate staffing of a Rural De- velopment Bank would most likely create a serious problem. Also in this context local banks could probably be of assistance. Because of the shortage of staff, which is likely to continue for some time, the appraisal of pro- jects initially would have to remain the responsibility of the respective Divisions of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

F. Sewa/Waanje/Jong Scheme

113. The Government of Sierra Leone has applied for U.N. Special Fund assistance for a soils and water survey in the catchment areas of the Sewa, Waanje, and Jong Rivers (see map). The survey is to establish the feasibi- lity of a large flood protection and irrigation scheme in the Sumbuya-Torma area and would have a duration of about five years. FAO is expected to be- come the executing agency provided the application is approved by the Special Fund.

114. The Sewa catchment and the alluvial diamond mining area are con- current to a large degree (see map). Iater control works in this area would most likely interfere with annual mining concessions to some extent. Assumning that the survey would prove the feasibility of developing the Sumbuya-Torna region the government eventually would have to decide whether it would be willing to discontinue renewal of annual mining concessions within the areas effected by storage works. It would, therefore, be advisable to make an early comparison of the possible benefits foregone from diamonds and the likely agricultural benefits to be derived from the development.

115. The Sumbuya-Torma region contains a Large alluvial plain of over 100,000 acres suitable for irrigated agriculture. Surveys undertaken by private interests indicate that banana and sugar plantations wiould be fea- sible if water control would be provided. The development of this large plain would have to be done mainly with plantation operations ensuring an efficient and intensive utilization of the substantial investments required. Possibilities for establishing a sugar plantation are already being discussed

1/ The Sierra Leone Investment Ltd. (see para. 36 of Economic Report) may also be interested in this type of development. - 29 -

with overseas interests. The establishment of a banana plantation by the "Sierra Leone Agricultural Corporation Ltd." (SILAC)1/ did not materialize because of excessive flooding during the wet season, The government should continue to explore the nossibilities of attracting participation of foreign interests for the development of this first large-scale irrigation scihelfe in Sierra Leone.

116. Organizational and administrative procedures for the exploitation of the SewaA,aanje/Jong water resources have not yet been worked out. This would need attention in conjunction with the soils and water survey. It is, however, unlikely that a project resulting from this survey could be ready for implementation before the end of the decade.

IX. CONCLUSIONS

117. Even though the physical resources pertaining to agriculture do not appear to be particularly favorable in Sierra Leone, this sector will have to play a major role in the development of the country. There seems to be, however, a lack of emphasis on this key sector. Greater proportion of development funds need to be made available for agriculture in general and for basic surveys and investigations in -,articularat the present stage.

118. The most serious bottlenecks hampering agricultural development seem to be (a) shortage of experienced and qualified staff, (b) inadequate marketing, and (c) the prevailing land tenure system in the major part of the country. The lack of human resources wiould make it necessary for the government to seek co-operation with foreign interests during the initial stages of development. It also appears desirable to review the efficiency of tlae present utilization of available staff resources. v;ithout mobilization of the internal market forces a large segment of the agricultural sector will remain at near-subsistence level. Encouraging signs of the emergence of a new philosophy on land tenure in tribal areas can already be detected and should be fostered.

119. For some time to come the initiative for agricultural development will rest with the government and especially with the iMlinistry of Natural Resources. The planning and programing mechanisms of the latter is not commensurate with the task it faces. The scarcity of staff makes it imper- ative that a more concentrated approach be employed for the identification, formulation, preparation, and implementation of development schemes.

120. Because of the numerous shortcomings no spectacular growth in agri- culture should be expected within the near future. Nevertheless, long-term prospects for agricultural and related development definitely exist. It will be the task of the government to ripen these to the point where their realization can make a substantial contribution to the economic development of Sierra Leore.

1/ Established by the African Fruit Company together with other overseas interests. Annex 1

SIERRA LEONE

Operation of Pioneer Oil Mills : 1957-1962

iviI L L S Year and Production Total Baoma Gambia Sahn Kangha Masanki tons ...... 1957 Fruit Purchased 1,740 101 695 339 72 533 Oil Produced 232 10 65 30 6 121 Kernels Produced 186 13 79 48 9 37

1958 Fruit Purchased 4,161 837 1,401 1,217 706 Oil Produced 498 81 171 105 N4on- 141 Kernels Produced 531 103 226 152 Operative 50 1959 Fruit Purchased 5,537 704 1,878 1,683 780 1493 Oil Produced 570 69 161 161 83 96 Kernels Produced 682 96 232 209 107 38 1960 Fruit Purchased 3,893 1446 1,016 1,158 877 396 Oil Produced 1405 14 93 111 87 70 Kernels Produced LUl 59 66 145 114 27 1961 Fruit Purchased 5,159 452 1,175 1,749 1,213 570 Oil Produced 510 44 106 161 119 80 Kernels Produced 555 66 136 164 159 30

1962 Fruit Purchased 5,141 907 1,002 1,259 939 1,034 Oil Produced 541 85 95 105 93 163 Kernels Produced 652 129 131 191 139 62

Note: The oil mills Mangebureh, IVanjie, Jagbwema, Telu are non-operative. Annex 2

SIERRA LEONE

Comparative Cost of Local Rice Production at Various Yield Levels

at 1/2 ton/acre at 3/4 ton/acre at 1 ton/acre ...... US$ equivalent.

Planting 16.80 16.80 16.80

Fertilizer 5.60 7.60 14.00

Up-keep 5.60 5.60 5.60 Harvesting 11.20 12.60 14.00

Total On-farm Costs./ 39.20 42.60 50.40

Cost of Collecting and Milling 5.00 7.50 10.00

T o t a 1 (Husk Rice) 44.20 50.10 60.40

Clean Rice Equivalent per tonV/ 140.30 106.40 95.80

Storage Costs per ton 8.50 8.50 8.50

Total Costs per ton ex Rice Dept. 148.80 114.9o 10o4.30

Retail Price ex Rice Department3 154.00 154.00 154.00 Margin 5.20 39.10 49.70

Import price of Burma rice c.i.f. Freetc-.;m 112.00 112.00 112.00

Comparative Yield of Local Production (-) 36.80 () 2.90 (+) 7.70

1/ Excluding subsidies At 63 per cent clean rice 3/ As stipulated by government Annex 3

SIERRA LEONE

Land Ploughed Under The qiechanical Rice Cultivation Scheme For Rice Planting: 1957 - 1962

Region 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 ...- ...... a c r e .

T 0 T A L 12,027 7)435 5,923 8,300 9,797 11,368

Southern Circle 5,302 4,3h6 4,384 5,508 6,93h 7,828 (Pujehun) Northwestern Circle 2,334 320 243 5h2 656 676 (Makeni) Southwestern Circle 1,606 1,015 600 680 (a) (a) (Bo)

Northern Circle 2,625 1,501 356 926 l,L44t 2,296 (Kambia)

Northeastern Circle 11 2C6 319 594 721 533 (0iambolo) Western Area 149 44 21 50 42 30 (Freetown)

Note: (a) Taken over by Cooperatives; once the mechanized rice cultivation scheme has been fully established in a particular region it is to be taken over by local co-operatives. It is, however, not possible at this time to form a general opinion on their performance. Over- all the scheme appears to suffer from lack of maintenance of the equipment and its timely replacement. At present mechanical rice cultivation is subsidized by the government at a rate of about 50 per cent. Annex h

SIERRA LEOME

Rice Balance 196), and 1969

An Estimate

1964 1969

Requirements:

2.2 million Population (net increase at 2.5% p.a.) 2.5 million 3/4 pounds Husk Rice consumed per head per day 1 pound 270,000 tons Total consumption p.a. of Husk Rice )LCO,OO0 tons

Supply:

55,Oo tons Rice made available through imports -- calculated as Husk Rice2 10,OCO tons Local Production of Paddy marketed 97,50O tons-/ 3,000 tons Local Production of Upland rice marketed -- 202,COO tons Subsistence Production of both paddy and 302,500 tons upland rice 270,000 tons 400,000 tons

Increase in local production required by 1969/70 for:

a) Population growth 65,0o0 tons b) Improvement of Dietary Standards 65,0o0 tons c) Import substitution 55,000 tons Total: 185,0CO tons

Note: The required increase in rice production to attain selfsufficiency by 1969 would be equivalent to the additional cultivation of 230,O0 acres yielding 30 bushels each. If the improvement in dietary stand- ards is exluded the additional production required would be 120,0CO tons or the equivalent of nearly 150,000 acres.

j Imports for a four-year average amount to more than 33,500 tons of milled rice p.a. g/ The assumptions are a) a net increase of population in urban centrali- zations of about 7.5 per cent p.a.,b) substitution of imports by local production of paddy, c) substitution of upland rice marketed by locally produced paddy. Annex 5

STERRA LEONE

Proposed Tidal Swamp Reclamation for Paddy Production

Estimated Costs Norks Required Region Nqo. of Swamps Acreage

£ 159,000 Drainage, rnangrcve clearance, land preparation Great Scarcies Tidal Area 9 5,300 = £ 942,000 Drainage, clearance, land preparation, sluices etc. Little Scarcies Tidal Areal/ 8 31,bDO £ 99,000 Drainage, mangrove clearance, land preparation Great Scarcies Estuary 1 3,300 £ 300,000 Mangrove clearance, extension of drainages larid preparation Ribbi/Bumpe Tidal Area I 10,000

Area Between Outlet? of Ribbi - £ am Drainage, mangrove clearance, land preparation, sluices and Bumpe River Several 15,000

£ 1,9505000 T o t a It 65,000

reclamation as foll'ws: £ The Agriculture Division proposes to carry out the land ...... 500,000. and 'and preparation etc., alo.nt 16,000 acres a) Own Force Account: Drainage, clearance, 250W0000...... Drainage only about 1l4OCI acres ...... about 1L,000 acres ...... 200,000 b) Grants in Aid to Farmers; Mangrove clearance only about 35,000 ...... 110-JW c) Contract: Drainage, clearance, land preparation etc. 1, 950, 00o

of the Rhombe swamp on the I/ Messrs. Storey and Partners have been carrying out a survey of the Ribbi-nunpe swamps Little Scarcies (about 22,000 acres gross). InvesLigationo are also under way. Annex 6

SIERRA LEONE

Price Schedules of SLPIN1B For Ma,jor Agricultural Export Products

SLPMB FOB FOB Producer Purchase Export Break-even Selling Price-/ Price/ Duty Price,3/ Price (Average) (Average) . per ton ...... Palm Kernels

1961/62 £ 32.12. 0 £ 39.18.11 nil £ 42. 7. 4 £ 140.18. 5 1962/63 £ 27. 2. 0 n.a. 5% £ 38.17 0 £ 42.11.10 1963/64 £ 28. 0. @ £ 35.14. 7 10% £ 44. 0. & £ 47.16. 05/

Cocoa (Grade I)

1961/62 £119. 6. 8 £164.15e 2 nil £167. 1.11 £161.16. 4 1962/63 £121. 6. 8 n.a. 5% £1a44.17. 7 £160. 4.11 1963/64 £130.13. £10.13.14/ 0 10% £169. 0. / £191 - £21l

Coffee

1961/62 £ 79. 6. 8 £ 91. 6. 0 10% £106. O. 8 £128. 0. 8 1962/63 £ 88.13. 4 n.a. 10% £119. 5. 4 £155. 2. 5 1963/64 £130.13. m/ £141. 6.10 10% £169. 0. 05/ £200 - £2140/

Ginger

1961/62 £112. 0. 0 M122.14.11 5% £144. 8. 9 £323.15. 4 1962/63 £112. 0. 0 n.a. 5, £137. 0. 0 199. 5. 5 1963/614 £122. 0. Q6/ £112. 0. 0 5% £150. 2. 2! £1400. 0. oi/

j At buying stations j Delivered at Queen Elizabeth II Quay, Freetown 3/ Including Export Duty T~/ Effective November 1, 1963 g/ SLPMB estimate as at March 1964 ~/ Effective january 1, 1964

Note: Export duties (10 per cent), which had been temporarily suspended, on palm kernels and cocoa were reimposed on these commodities in 1962. Differences between FOB breakeven prices and producer prices widened accordingly for 1963/614. Export duties on coffee and ginger remained unchanged. Recent price developments indicate that the estimates for f.o.b. selling prices may be too optimistic in the case of cocoa and too low in the case of coffee. SIERRA LEONE MAIN WATERSHEDS AND DIAMOND CONCESSIONS

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