An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission that visited Angola in April/May estimated the 1997/98 cereal production at 594 000 tonnes, some 38 percent higher than last year’s reduced harvest due to poor rains. Production of other crops, particularly cassava, sweet potatoes and perennials is also estimated to be better from an increased planted area and better yields due to favourable rainfall.

Total imports for the 1998/99 marketing year are estimated at 470 000 tonnes, including 120 000 tonnes of food aid. Some 750 000 vulnerable people, including internally displaced persons, returnees and demobilized soldiers, require emergency assistance. It is estimated that 90 000 tonnes of relief food aid will be needed to meet their requirements. In addition, food insecurity remains high, largely due to the recent deterioration of the security situation in several provinces and poor infrastructure. As a result, it will be difficult to move the food surplus in central and northern areas to deficit areas. Food aid pledges by donors amount to 88 000 tonnes so far, of which 13 000 have been delivered.