The cropping season has been marked by erratic and poorly distributed rainfall and periods of high temperatures in many areas which further reduced the level of soil moisture. Crop conditions range from poor to normal and prospects remain unfavourable for the cereal harvest. Output is forecast to be 25 to 30 percent below the 1997 reduced crop. As a result, districts in the south-west and east are likely to face severe food difficulties. The overall food supply situation in the country could worsen during the upcoming marketing year, unless arrangements for large amounts of imports are made.