FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - March 1998:

ZIMBABWE

CURRENT SITUATION

Rains until early January were late and generally erratic in the southern part of the country. Crop conditions improved significantly in January following widespread rains in most areas of the country. In general, the late arrival of rains coupled with repeated drought early warnings resulted in a reduction of planting by an estimated 25 to 30 percent compared to 1997. The early planted crop is at the grain-filling stages and is reported in good condition. The rest of the crop is generally at the vegetative stage, and in relatively good condition. Crop in some southern areas suffered from a dry spell in early February. In general, more rains are needed in March and part of April for crops to reach their maturity.

The current overall food supply situation is relatively tight. Following a drop of almost 70 percent in the value of the local currency against the US dollar in late 1997 and reports of government plans to distribute land as part of a peasant resettlement scheme, the price of maize meal and other consumer goods rose steeply by up to 40 percent in January 1998, triggering food riots in the capital. In order to stabilize consumer prices, part of the maize Strategic Grain Reserve has been released onto the market. Further measures are expected since the Government has now appointed a 30-member economic advisory committee including leaders of the main private sector organizations. For the upcoming 1998/99 marketing year, there may be a smaller carryover stock available to help cushion the impact of the drop in output and the country may become a net importer of cereals. Targeted assistance may also be required to vulnerable groups in southern traditionally dry areas, which are likely to have poor harvest. This assistance is a continuing programme which the Government may need to increase or refocus depending on the situation.