Dry weather during the second half of February and March, which followed heavy precipitation and floods, was beneficial for harvesting of the 1997/98 secondary “short rains” crops and improved soil conditions for planting of the 1998 “long rains” crops. Abundant rains in the second dekad of April benefited early planted crops.
Preliminary official estimates of the 1997/98 “short rains” maize indicate an output of 387 000 tonnes. Serious crop damage due to floods during the season was offset by a significant increase in the area planted. The 1997 “long rains” maize crop was also affected by dry spells during the growing season and heavy rains at harvest. In aggregate, the 1997/98 maize production is estimated at 2.3 million tonnes, which is above last year’s reduced harvest but below average. At this level of production, import requirements in marketing year 1997/98 (October/September) are estimated at 750 000 tonnes, most of which are expected to be covered commercially. Supplies of wheat and beans are also anticipated to be tight as a result of reduced harvests.
In the pastoral areas, the food situation gives cause for concern following losses of livestock due to an outbreak of animal diseases associated with the heavy rains from October to January. Food assistance continues to be distributed to this population, as well as to those affected by severe floods in eastern and north-eastern agricultural areas. Despite an improvement in access following drier weather, roads remain in poor condition, hampering distribution operations.