Overall prospects for the 1998 harvest in May/June are somewhat favourable due to generally favourable precipitation during winter and spring and improved security in many areas. An FAO/WFP Mission which visited the country in May 1998 estimated the 1997/98 total cereal production at 3.85 million tonnes, 5 percent higher than last year. However, this figure is likely to be revised downwards, as a result of the recent earthquake which hit the northern part of the country. The food situation remains very tight in the affected areas despite efforts by humanitarian agencies to provide relief assistance.