Namibia is seen as borderline country in the sub-region which may experience reduced rainfall related to El Niņo this season. As a result, the Government established an inter-ministerial committee responsible for assessing various aspects of a possible emergency in relation to agriculture, livestock, water shortages, the environment, the budget and the national economy.
1997 cereal production is now estimated at a record 171 300 tons, following a downward revision of forecast of the winter wheat crop, from 6 300 tons to 4 900 tons. Total output is still almost double last year. The food supply situation is expected to remain satisfactory during the 1997/98 marketing year. Cereal requirements are expected to be covered by commercial channels.