Abundant rains in the first two dekads of May benefited the 1998 “Belg” crops to be harvested from June. The “Belg” production accounts for some 7 percent of the aggregate cereal production of the country, but it is important in several areas, where it provides the bulk of the annual food supplies. Despite a dry spell in late March and first dekad of April, subsequent good rains have allowed a recovery of the crops. Overall prospects for the harvest are favourable and output is anticipated to recover substantially from last year’s reduced level.
The good rains in May have also improved soil conditions for planting of the 1998 main season cereal crops and benefited early planted ones. With the on-going Government programme to deliver fertilizers, early prospects are favourable for the coming season.
Despite an overall satisfactory food supply situation, food difficulties are being experienced by some 5.3 million people affected by a reduced 1997 main season crop and the vulnerable population groups. Against emergency food aid requirement of 420 000 tons food aid, pledges by the end of May amounted to 395 000 tons, of which 208 000 have been delivered.