Some rainfall in early March in the south allowed planting of cassava and yams, and land preparation for the main rice crop. As a result of the stable security situation throughout the country, humanitarian aid can be delivered to most areas and an improvement in the nutritional status of the populations is reported. Food supply on the urban market is stable, although most of it comes from humanitarian sources. Prices remain high and most people have turned to cassava as a substitute for rice. Poor infrastructure due to destruction during the war hampers the marketing of food commodities. A UN Consolidated Appeal has been issued, including agricultural rehabilitation programmes.
Liberia remains heavily dependent on food aid. The number of refugees and displaced persons is currently estimated at about 750 000, most of whom are receiving a food assistance. Organized repatriation is underway for about 480 000 Liberian refugees in neighbouring countries and should be completed by the end of 1998. The cereal import requirement for 1998 (January/December) is currently estimated at 210 000 tonnes, of which 110 000 tonnes are expected as food aid.