| Area: | 4 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Semi-arid; rainfall increases with altitude; rainy season: July-December |
| Population: | 407 000 (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 960 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; archipelago |
| Logistics: | Port capacity and roads adequate |
| Major foodcrops: | Maize, rice, pulses |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: n.a. since 90 percent of requirements covered by imports |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 57 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Mostly seasonably dry conditions prevail. A few drops appeared from time to time by a cloudy weather in June. Planting of maize normally starts in July following the onset of the rains on the main islands. Maize production in 1996 was particularly poor, which may cause problems of seed availability in some areas.
As the country imports the bulk of its consumption requirement, the overall food supply situation will remain satisfactory despite this very reduced crop. However, rural populations, notably in the semi-arid zones, have been severely affected and may need assistance. The government has launched an appeal for external assistance including projects for drinking water supply, livestock support and assistance for vulnerable groups. The cereal import requirement in 1997 is estimated at 90 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 65 000 tons. Pledges reported so far amount to 61 000 tons.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production |
- |
- |
8 |
8 |
|
Normal Imports |
20 |
20 |
50 |
90 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
15 |
10 |
40 |
65 |
|
1996/97 Domestic Availability |
- |
3 |
11 |
14 |
|
1996 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
1996 Production (rice in milled terms) |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
3 |
10 |
13 |
|
1996/97 Utilization |
20 |
23 |
61 |
104 |
|
Food Use |
19 |
22 |
60 |
101 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1996/97 Import Requirement |
20 |
20 |
50 |
90 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
5 |
10 |
10 |
25 |
|
Food aid needs |
15 |
10 |
40 |
65 |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
7 |
18 |
36 |
61 |
|
of which: Delivered |
3 |
10 |
13 |
26 |
|
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
for export |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
47 |
54 |
147 |
248 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1996 production as % of normal: |
13 |
|||
|
1996/97 import requirement as % of normal: |
100 |
|||
|
1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
100 |