| Area: | 94 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet-dry climate with one rainy season (November-May) |
| Population | 11.57 million (1997 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 170 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked country; importer and exporter of grain |
| Logistics: | Imports/exports through Beira (Mozambique) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) |
| Major foodcrops: | Maize, pulses, roots, tubers, rice |
| Marketing year: | April/March; Lean season: February-March |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 70 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Excessive rains in February and a dry spell in March in central and northern parts of the country resulted in damage to maize, particularly in the northern districts of Karouga and Chitipa, where output is expected to be sharply reduced this year. The maize crop is estimated at about 2 million tons, which is slightly above last year’s above average crop. The output of rice, sorghum and wheat are also expected to be similar to last year.
The food supply situation is expected to remain satisfactory in 1997/98, given favourable production this year and substantial carryover stocks of maize from last year’s good harvest. However, areas affected by drought in the north and by floods in the south will need food assistance and should be carefully monitored during the next few months.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production (rice in paddy terms) |
2 |
35 |
1 330 |
1 367 |
|
Normal Imports |
40 |
3 |
40 |
83 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
- |
- |
40 |
40 |
|
1997/98 Domestic Availability |
3 |
40 |
2 050 |
2 093 |
|
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
3 |
60 |
2 050 |
2 113 |
|
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
3 |
40 |
2 050 |
2 093 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1997/98 Utilization |
48 |
40 |
2 050 |
2 138 |
|
Food Use |
48 |
39 |
1 727 |
1 814 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
- |
1 |
173 |
174 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
150 |
150 |
|
1997/98 Import Requirement |
45 |
- |
- |
45 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
45 |
- |
- |
45 |
|
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
40 |
- |
60 |
100 |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
13 |
13 |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
4 |
3 |
149 |
157 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1997 production as % of normal: |
155 |
|||
|
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
54 |
|||
|
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |