By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone has been ranked 108th out of 123 countries in the 2025 Global Hunger Index, recording a score of 28.5, a result that reflects modest improvement but still places the country within the serious hunger category.
The latest assessment highlights a mixed picture for the country, where gradual gains in tackling hunger are evident, yet significant challenges remain. According to the report, the Global Hunger Index score is calculated using four key indicators, including the proportion of the population that is undernourished, as well as the percentage of children under five who suffer from stunting, wasting and mortality.
While the ranking signals some level of progress compared to previous years, it also underscores the persistent vulnerability of many households across the country. Food insecurity continues to affect a substantial portion of the population, particularly in rural communities where access to nutritious food remains limited.
Providing further analysis, Relief Web noted that Sierra Leone is among a small group of countries that have made notable strides in reducing hunger levels through deliberate agricultural investments and targeted social programs. Countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal were also cited as examples where consistent policy efforts have contributed to improvements in food security outcomes.
These gains, however, are described as fragile and susceptible to reversal if not reinforced by sustained and strategic interventions. Analysts warn that without continued commitment to strengthening food systems, the progress recorded so far could be undermined by external shocks such as climate change, economic instability and global food price fluctuations.
The report emphasizes the importance of implementing sound policies that prioritize long term resilience. Among the key recommendations are increased support for smallholder farmers, expansion of social protection programmes and the development of early warning systems to better anticipate and respond to food crises.
Climate resilience is also identified as a critical area requiring urgent attention. With changing weather patterns affecting agricultural productivity, there is a growing need for adaptive farming practices and investment in technologies that can help communities withstand environmental pressures.
In addition, the call for food systems transformation highlights the need to rethink how food is produced, distributed and consumed. Experts suggest that improving infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing market access could play a vital role in strengthening national food security.
Despite the challenges, the report offers a cautious sense of optimism, noting that the progress made demonstrates the potential impact of coordinated policy action. It concludes that with sustained effort and effective implementation of reforms, Sierra Leone can build on its current trajectory and achieve more significant reductions in hunger in the years ahead.
