FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - NAMIBIA (7 September)
Latest official estimates indicate a cereal output of 107 000 tonnes in 2001, a decline of 24 percent from last year’s reduced level. Production was affected by a one month dry spell from early January. Subsequent heavy rains were too late to prevent yield reductions. However, the abundant precipitation of February and March benefited pastures and livestock conditions are reported to be generally good throughout the country.
Following the reduced harvest, the cereal import requirement in marketing year 2001/02 (May/April) has increased sharply to 178 000 tonnes (57 000 tonnes of wheat and 120 000 tonnes of maize). However, commercial mills have so far planned to import only 100 000 tonnes. This would leave a deficit that needs to be covered with additional commercial imports during the marketing year. Food supply difficulties are reported in communities where the harvest was poor and for vulnerable people in urban areas.