FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - LIBERIA* (21 June)
Growing conditions have been satisfactory since the beginning of the rainy season, and torrential rainfall has been recorded in May and early June. Occasional fighting continues in the north, disrupting food aid deliveries and causing some population displacement to Guinea. The offices of humanitarian agencies in Voinjama, Kolahun and Vahun were looted in mid-April. Agencies are now storing food aid in country before the onset of rains, as transportation will become increasingly difficult due to poor infrastructure.
An FAO Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited Liberia late last year and found that the overall food situation had improved significantly. The Mission estimated 1998 paddy production at 210 100 tonnes, 25 percent above 1997. Cassava production is estimated at 313 300 tonnes (fresh weight), some 96 percent of the pre-crisis average.
On the basis of an estimated population of about 2.8 million in 1999, FAO estimates 155 000 tonnes of cereals will need to be imported to meet consumption requirements. Commercial imports are anticipated at 100 000 tonnes of rice and 5 000 tonnes of wheat. The remaining 50 000 tonnes will need to be covered by food aid, estimated at 30 000 tonnes of wheat and 20 000 tonnes of maize products (maize meal and CSB). As of late May, 39 500 tonnes of food aid had been delivered.
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