FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - March 1998:

LIBERIA

CURRENT SITUATION

Following good climatic conditions, adequate security and agricultural inputs distribution, the preliminary estimate for cereal production is about 168 000 tonnes, which is 75 percent higher than previous year's level and about 60 percent of the pre-war level. Cassava production is about 280 000 tonnes, which is also substantially higher than the previous year’s level.

Following the stable security situation throughout the country humanitarian aid can be delivered in most areas and an improvement of the nutritional status of the population is reported. Food supply on the urban market is stable although most of the available food is coming from humanitarian assistance. Prices remain high on the urban markets and most people have turned to cassava as a substitute for rice. Nevertheless, all infrastructures have been destroyed by the war and are hampering the marketing of food commodities. A UN Consolidated Appeal has been issued, including agricultural rehabilitation programmes. Liberia remains heavily dependent on food aid, especially for the counties with a high number of returnees. In December, the number of refugees and displaced persons was estimated to be about 700 000, most of which are receiving food assistance. More than 14 000 new Sierra Leonean refugees have arrived as a result of fighting and insecurity in Sierra Leone. The Government has recently appealed for international assistance for more than 100 000 refugees. The stable security situation is allowing the return of Liberian refugees from neighbouring countries. Organized repatriation is underway for about 480 000 Liberian refugees in neighbouring countries and should be completed by the end of 1998, while it is estimated that 120 000 refugees have returned spontaneously. The cereal import requirement for 1998 (January/December), is currently estimated at 210 000 tonnes, of which 110 000 tonnes is food aid.