FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - LIBERIA* (11 June)
Planting of rice, the staple crop, is underway. Precipitation has been generally widespread and abundant since mid-April. With the exception of Lofa County, relative peace in most areas has exerted a positive influence on farming activities. The cultivated area and rice production should increase if climatic conditions are favourable. Input distribution has been undertaken by several NGOs in various areas. However, transport infrastructure is very poor, and hampers distributions as well as the marketing of local produce. Post-harvest losses are also reported to be high.
It is estimated that there are a total of about 80 000 Sierra Leonean refugees and 360 000 Liberian returnees, mainly in Lofa county, one of Liberia�s main rice producing areas, where rebel incursions have disrupted farming and displaced thousands of people.
The cereal import requirement in 2001 is estimated at 200 000 tonnes, with commercial imports at 160 000 tonnes and 40 000 tonnes needed as food aid. WFP is seeking a total of 21 000 tonnes of cereals and pulses and 3 800 tonnes of other commodities to meet the food needs of about 145 000 refugees and other war affected people, as well as 140 000 children attending primary schools during the year 2001. The Government has lifted the travel restriction imposed on 30 April on UN staff which seriously affected WFP�s operations. Bi-monthly food distribution are undertaken to all registered IDPs in Bong and Grand Cape Mount Counties, in collaboration with the National Red Cross Society and ACF. More IDPs are arriving in these counties from Lofa County with the relaxation of restrictions on crossing the Lofa Bridge.