Area: | 387 000 sq.km |
Climate: | Centre and north-east tropical wet-dry; south and west semi-arid. One rainy season |
(November-March) | |
Population: | 11.83 million (1997 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 540 (1995) |
Specific characteristics of the country: | Land-locked country; exporter and importer of grain |
Logistics: | Exports and imports through Mozambique or South Africa |
Major foodcrops: | Maize, wheat, millet, sorghum |
Marketing year: | April/March; Lean season: February-April |
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 66 percent |
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.
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
Normal Production |
240 |
4 |
1 880 |
2 124 |
Normal Imports |
55 |
20 |
- |
75 |
of which: Structural food aid |
5 |
- |
- |
5 |
1997/98 Domestic Availability |
350 |
- |
2 498 |
2 848 |
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
300 |
- |
2 428 |
2 728 |
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
300 |
- |
2 428 |
2 728 |
Possible stock drawdown |
50 |
- |
70 |
120 |
1997/98 Utilization |
350 |
25 |
2 498 |
2 873 |
Food Use |
330 |
25 |
1 697 |
2 052 |
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Non-food use |
20 |
- |
541 |
561 |
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
260 |
260 |
1997/98 Import Requirement |
- |
25 |
- |
25 |
Anticipated commercial imports |
- |
25 |
- |
25 |
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Current Aid Position | ||||
Food aid pledges |
- |
- |
8 |
8 |
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
- |
- |
for export |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) |
28 |
2 |
145 |
176 |
Indexes | ||||
1997 production as % of normal: |
128 |
|||
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
33 |
|||
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |