Prospects for the 1998 harvest in May/June remain uncertain, due mainly to ongoing fighting in the northern provinces. An FAO/WFP Mission will visit the country in early May to assess the crop and food supply situation. Total cereal production in 1997 is estimated at 3.66 million tonnes, 18 percent higher than the previous year. Following the earthquake which hit the Northern part of the country, the food situation still remains tight in the affected areas, despite efforts by humanitarian agencies to provide relief assistance.

Imports of cereals in 1997/98 are forecast at 710 000 tonnes, similar to last year, including an emergency food aid requirement of 170 000 tonnes.