FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - CONGO, REP OF* (15 September)

Following the December 1999 ceasefire between the government and opposition parties, the security situation improved in southern regions, the most affected by the conflict. As these areas account for more than half total crop production and the bulk of the supply to Brazzaville, the overall food supply situation improved significantly, notably in urban areas. However, the agriculture sector has yet to recover. The bulk of the estimated 810 000 people displaced by the war have returned to their homes. Their nutritional situation is reported to have stabilised, although they remain moderately vulnerable as many have lost their livelihoods. There are also 40 000 refugees from the Equateur province in DRC in northern areas, of whom 11 000 to 12 000 arrived in July following renewed fighting in Equateur Province. There are also 5 000 Rwandan refugees and 8 000 Angolan refugees. WFP provided food to some 200 000 persons in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire and accessible areas of Bouenza, Lekoumou, Niari and Pool during the first half of the year and plans to provide food to 120 000 persons until the end of the year. The cereal import requirement for the 2000 marketing year is estimated at 140 000 tonnes, mostly wheat and rice.

Back to menu