HAITI (29 September)
In mid-July, the passage of hurricanes “Dennis” and “Emily” caused damages to agriculture and livestock sectors in the southern departments, which produce the bulk of national food supply. The same southern departments were previously affected by a prolonged dry weather period, with about two-month delay in the arrival of the seasonal rains, which substantially delayed the start of planting operations of the main season cereal and bean crops. Harvesting of first season maize has been completed in July-August and planting of the second season crop, to be harvested by the end of the year, is well advanced. Maize crop production in 2005 is forecasts at low 180 000 tonnes. Harvest of the important irrigated paddy crop has been also completed, while the rainfed crop harvest is still underway. Paddy output for this year is anticipated slightly below 100 000 tonnes, similar to the volume obtained in 2004. To be noted in 2005, however, is an increase in production of roots and tubers (750 000 tonnes), fruits (500 000 tonnes), bananas (300 000 tonnes) and pulses (100 000 tonnes).
Wheat imports for marketing year 2005/06 (July/June) are provisionally forecast at about 270 000 tonnes. Imports of rice in 2005 (January/December) are forecast at about 260 000 tonnes.
The security situation continues to be tense and volatile and it is likely to worsen as the date for presidential elections comes closer. Despite some logistical problems due to local turmoil, the international community continues to deliver assistance to the most food insecure groups, targeting people at particular risk such as pregnant and lactating women and young children.