21/03/2026
A GLIMPSE INTO SULIMA VILLAGE, PUJEHUN DISTRICT, SIERRA LEONE
WoME recently had the opportunity to visit the Sulima community, a coastal town in the far southeast of Sierra Leone, right on the border with Liberia. It is located where the Moa River meets the Atlantic Ocean, making it both important and naturally beautiful.
The community is led by a Chief who keeps peace, settles disputes, and ensures that people live together in harmony.
The people of Sulima mainly speak Mende and Liberian English. Because the town is surrounded by water, fishing and farming are the main activities that support their livelihoods and provide food.
In fishing, men usually go out at night, while women go to the seashore early in the morning to buy fresh fish. By midday, more fish are brought in. Women then fry or smoke the fish to preserve it. These fish are sold within the community, taken to nearby towns, and also transported to Liberia for trade.
In farming, although the soil is mostly sandy, farmers grow crops such as rice, cassava, palm trees, potatoes, plantains, cassava leaves, and potato leaves.
Women play an important role in Sulima. They support their families through farming, fishing, and trading. They also take care of their homes and contribute greatly to the well-being of the community.
Sulima is also believed to have natural resources, especially oil as offshore exploration has taken place in its Atlantic waters. If commercial production begins, it could bring economic opportunities, but also challenges related to oil development.
At present, Sulima faces several challenges. Access to clean drinking water is limited, and many homes do not have proper toilet facilities. There is also a shortage of materials like wood for cooking and building, which makes daily life more difficult.