FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - LIBERIA* (15 September)
Following generally widespread and abundant rains in May and June, which benefited rice planting, precipitation decreased in July but became well above average in early August. By contrast, rains remained limited or ceased from mid-August to early September in the south. Here dry conditions may have affected crop development. As in previous years, inputs were distributed by several NGOs in various areas. Marketing remains a major constraint as processing facilities and transport infrastructure are very poor. Post-harvest losses are also reported to be high.
With the exception of Lofa County, where an upsurge of civil disturbances erupted in June/July, relative peace in most areas has been beneficial for farming. The cultivated area of rice, the staple crop, should increase. It is estimated that about three quarters of Internally Displaced Persons have returned home and the remaining quarter may settle where they are.
Food aid distributions continue but the quantities received have decreased significantly. Humanitarian activities are evolving from emergency distributions and food for work towards development programmes. WFP is distributing food aid to about 420 000 Liberian returnees. UNHCR is also assisting 33 000 Sierra Leonean refugees in camps in Montserrado and Sinje areas in Grand Cape Mount County.
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