FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - March 1998:

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GABON


Area: 258 000 sq.km
Climate: Tropical wet climate; most rainfall: October-May
Population: 1.397 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 3 490 (1995)
Specific characteristics of the country: Coastal country
Logistics: Ports and roads adequate
Major foodcrops: Roots and tubers
Marketing year: January/December; Lean season: September-November
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 19 percent


CURRENT SITUATION

The staple foodcrops are cassava and plantains, the production of which is estimated at about 330 000 tonnes. Production of cereals in 1997, mainly maize, is estimated at around 25 000 tonnes. The country imports the bulk of its wheat and rice requirement which is estimated at 80 000 tonnes. No food aid is necessary.



CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1998 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)


Wheat

Rice

Coarse grains

Total

Normal Production

-

-

25

25

Normal Imports

40

35

3

78

of which: Structural food aid

-

-

-

-

1998 Domestic Availability

-

5

25

30

1997 Production (rice in paddy terms)

-

-

25

25

1997 Production (rice in milled terms)

-

-

25

25

Possible stock drawdown

-

5

-

5

1998 Utilization

45

40

27

112

Food Use

44

40

19

103

of which: local purchase requirement

-

-

-

-

Non-food use

1

-

8

9

Exports or Re-exports

-

-

-

-

Possible stock build up

-

-

-

-

1998 Import Requirement

45

35

2

82

Anticipated commercial imports

45

35

2

82

Food aid needs

-

-

-

-

Current Aid Position





Food aid pledges

-

-

-

-

of which: Delivered

-

-

-

-

Donor-financed purchases

-

-

-

-

of which: for local use

-

-

-

-

for export

-

-

-

-

Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year)

32

29

14

74

Indexes





1997 production as % of normal:




100

1998 import requirement as % of normal:




105

1998 food aid requirement as % of normal:




-


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