Little rain has been received over the country so far. Given concerns about a possible El Niņo-induced drought in the upcoming crop season, the government has initiated contingency plans and is encouraging the planting of drought-resistant crops (such as cassava, sweet potatoes, millet, and sorghum) as well as water conservation.
Revised official estimates of the 1997 maize harvest indicate an output of 1.5 million tons, down from an initial forecast of about 2 million tons. As a result, the food supply situation during the 1997/98 marketing year is expected to be tighter than anticipated. The country will need to import up to 300 000 tons of maize, part of which could be obtained from neighbouring countries. On 31 October, the Government issued an appeal to the donor community for financial support to import 87 000 tons of maize for commercial sales as well as for support to the distribution costs of a limited relief maize programme and other relief support activities. Pledges amount to 55 000 tons so far, of which 6 000 tons have been delivered.