Single-barreled rifles, once a staple tool in the shed for most farmers in this west African state, have been banned for security reasons since the end of a decade-long civil war in 2001.

"If we had our guns, the animals would not have dared to challenge us," claimed farmer Augustine Allieu.

Bushcows, wild pigs and baboons are running wild through the districts of Pujehun, Kenema and Kailahun, trampling the meagre crops the farmers depend on both for subsistence and for sale.

"Crops such as cocoa, coffee, rice, kola nuts and cassava are being ravaged," farmer Justin Lamin told AFP Monday. "We see our hopes to reap money from our crops go up in smoke. The beasts are getting more daring."

Minister Sahr Fillie Faboe, while sympathetic to the farmers' concerns, said it was unlikely the rifles would be returned.

"The country has just come out of war," he said, "and to return guns through improper channels could undermine national security."

More than 200,000 people were killed in the 10-year rebel war that ravaged Sierra Leone, which is among the world's poorest country.

TERRA.WIRE