BURUNDI* (17 May)
Harvesting of the 2004 second season food crops, mainly sorghum, maize and beans, is about to start with the early forecast of below normal crop output. Generally the 2003/04 main agricultural season has been favourable in much of the country for main crops planted in September–October 2003. Some hail damage in hilly areas in Ruyigi province and outbreaks of animal diseases in Mwaro province were reported early in the season. In early March, torrential rains caused flooding in Burundi's north-western province of Bubanza, displacing some 10 000 people and destroying fields of beans and other legumes in the area.
The results of a crop assessment organized by the Government and FAO/WFP/UNICEF in January 2004 indicate food production (cereals, legumes, roots/tubers, and banana/plantain) during the first season (A) in 2004 at 1.1 million tonnes, about 2 percent higher than last year. Including seasons B and C, total food production in 2004 is forecast at 3.83 million tonnes. The Mission also estimated a total food import requirement in cereal equivalent of 300 000 tonnes, including 277 000 tonnes in food aid. An estimated 40 000 to 60 000 people have been displaced in Bujumbura Rural, following fresh fighting between the army and the rebels.