Economy
Rich in minerals, Sierra Leone has relied on the mining sector in general, and diamonds in particular, for its economic base
Although two-thirds of the population engages in subsistence agriculture, and despite the fact that most Sierra Leoneans derive their livelihood from it, agriculture accounts for only 42% of national income. Subsistence agriculture is a method of agriculture in which a plot of land produces only enough food to feed the family working it. The food will be enough to feed the family but will not be enough for the family to trade at a market. As of 2003, the government was trying to increase food and cash crop production and upgrade small farmer skills. Also, the government works with several foreign donors to operate integrated rural development and agricultural projects.
Sierra Leone has one of the world's largest deposits of rutile, a titanium ore used as paint pigment and welding rod coatings, but the country continues to rely on significant amounts of foreign assistance, principally from multilateral donors.
Despite its successes and development, the Sierra Leone economy still faces considerable challenges and continues to rely on significant amounts of foreign assistance.
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