Food In the Sierra Leone Culture

The story of Sierra Leone is one rife with civil war, terrorism and starvation. Its exotic exports, such as diamonds, suggest a lifestyle that is in stark contrast to that of the poor people who live there. In a culture such as this, food has become a symbol of struggle and survival.

History

The current economic climate of Sierra Leone is marred by poverty, brought on by more than a decade of civil war and a lack of affordable products. Its own foreign minister famously videotaped a plea to the world for aid. If the world did not gather to help, she said, its people could fall further into turmoil.

Features

The staple diet of the Sierra Leone culture is rice. Simply put, without rice there is no meal. This meal is often coupled with "toppings," which are often culled from the local resources, usually a combination of potato leaves, cassava leaves and numerous styles of hot peppers. Additional ingredients include peanuts, beans, okra, a lot of fish, beef, chicken, bone marrow, eggplant, onions and tomatoes. The people also look to homemade bread for sustenance. One perplexing fact, however, is that locally grown rice is almost nonexistent. During the 1980s, the production slowed after prices became too high for local farmers to purchase. The only rice grown is for personal use and is usually not sold on a larger scale. Since Sierra Leone is located by the ocean, fish is plentiful and is often a staple in the diet.

Expert Insight

Those who have toured the Sierra Leone region can testify that outdoor markets are an important aspect of culture and society. Fullah tribesmen also tend food stalls located along the roadsides. Vegetables and fish are the main product, but are in limited variety. Western foods are very enticing but unaffordable and in very limited supply. They are usually found only in the western part of the country, near Freetown. As of 2007 there was no electricity in Sierra Leone, which greatly affects the types of foods its natives can eat and properly store.

Fun Fact

The name "Sierra Leone" translates to "Lion Mountains."

Geography

Sierra Leone, a third-world developing country, is located in western Africa, between Guinea and Liberia. The country borders the Atlantic Ocean, and has an area of roughly 72,000 square kilometers.