Inland valley swamp assessment in Tonkolili District, Sierra Leone

Abstract

Inland valley swamps (IVSs) form part of the upland-inland valley continuum in Sierra Leone, occupying the lowest position in the landscape. This study aimed to analyze the actual use, constraints on the use and the agro-potential of IVS in Tonkolili District. Through interviews and limited field testing, it was possible to obtain detailed information regarding socioeconomic aspects and food production systems, as well as a rough assessment of physical properties such as soil quality and inundation period for each targeted IVS in all 11 chiefdoms in the district. The report concludes with several recommendations for interventions to optimize the use of IVSs in Tonkolili District to enhance food production, nutrition and income.