FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - August 1997

ZAMBIA

CURRENT SITUATION

Rainfall during the 1996/97 growing season was generally normal in most parts of the country including the northern parts and eastern provinces. Central and North-Western Provinces recorded above normal rainfall. The heavy rains resulted in leaching, logging and flooding in some areas, which negatively affected yields, as did the late supply and distribution of seeds and fertilizers. As a result, the recent official crop assessment estimated the 1997 maize output at 0.96 million tons, 32 percent lower than favourable production last year. The output of paddy and sorghum are also forecast to fall down by some 14 percent and 6 percent from 1996 levels, respectively. In contrast, the production of millet is forecast to rise by about 11 percent.

The food supply situation for the 1997/98 marketing year is anticipated to be tighter than in the previous year, reflecting the reduction of domestic availability. Part of the anticipated maize deficit is expected to be covered through substitution with other crops such as millet, sorghum, cassava and other tubers. Cereal import requirements, mainly maize, rice and wheat, are expected to be covered through commercial channels. This will particularly cover localized food shortages, especially in areas that experienced floods and disease outbreak.