FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - LIBERIA* (7 September)
Rains started in late February in the south and progressed northwards in March, becoming abundant in April. They were regular and above normal in May and early June. They decreased gradually from the second dekad of June but remained widespread in the north as of mid-August. Dry conditions prevailed in the south in August. Conditions are generally good allowing satisfactory rice crop development. Rice is about to be harvested and prospects are generally favourable.
Food supply difficulties persist, as domestic production has not fully recovered from several years of civil war. It is estimated that there are a total of about 70 000 Sierra Leonean refugees and 360 000 Liberian returnees, mainly in Lofa county, one of Liberia�s main rice producing areas. Recent fighting in Lofa county has disrupted farming and displaced thousands of people. Food distributions have been undertaken in IDP's camps but some areas remain inaccessible to relief agencies.