FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - MADAGASCAR (10 September)

Three successive cyclones and tropical storm during the growing season caused severe damage to crops and agricultural infrastructure in central and northern parts of the East Coast. In the South Region and central parts, drought severely reduced food production. Overall, 2000 cereal production, mainly paddy, was estimated by an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission at 2.33 million tonnes, 15 percent below the good level of the previous year. Cereal import requirements for marketing year 2000/01 (April/March) have increased considerably to 518 000 tonnes, of which 426 000 tonnes are anticipated to be imported commercially. Emergency food aid for affected people was estimated at 30 000 tonnes, leaving an uncovered deficit of 62 000 tonnes.

The food supply situation is tight following this year's reduced cereal production. In the structurally deficit southern region, where food production was sharply reduced by dry weather and widespread shortages of sweet potato cuttings, prices of rice, roots and tubers have increased sharply. A recent survey of the food supply situation in the region indicates that 50 districts, out of 90 assessed, will experience food difficulties in the lean season. From this, 240 000 people in 19 districts are estimated to be in serious food difficulties following near crop failure. Food aid requirements for this population are estimated at 6 500 tonnes of food aid in the form of maize, the main staple of the region.

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