FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - BURUNDI*(11 September)
Sowing of the 2001 A season crops is about to start. However, field operations are being delayed by lack of precipitation in the past months. Rains are urgently needed to avoid reductions in plantings. The area planted could also be negatively affected by shortages of seeds following the reduced harvests of the past two seasons. The Government, with support of international agencies and NGOs, is distributing seeds in the affected areas.
Food production of the 2000 B season was estimated by an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission at 1.7 million tonnes, 3 percent below both last year and the past fiveyear average. The output of pulses declined by 20 percent and that of cereals by 6 percent, but those of root and tubers remained virtually unchanged from 1999. Areas most affected by the dry weather were the northern provinces of Kirundo and Muyinga, and the Moso region.
The food supply situation is very tight in these areas. In Kirundo province alone, it is estimated that 350 000 persons face food shortages. There is also serious concern for the food situation of large numbers of displaced persons, who remain in camps, where access to land is restricted. WFP plans to assist approximately 700 000 displaced, droughtaffected and most vulnerable people until the end of the year. However, insecurity continues to hamper food distributions.
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