The 1998 harvest outlook has been compromised by dry conditions and powerful windstorms which have adversely affected winter wheat in the major growing areas of the east. By contrast, planting conditions for the spring maize crop, mainly produced in the west, have been satisfactory. The country is self sufficient in maize but the wheat import requirement in 1998/99 could rise. Nevertheless, the overall food supply situation is expected to remain satisfactory reflecting a diversified agriculture and the activities of a robustly growing private sector.
The economy is recovering steadily but there remain some 170 000 vulnerable people and IDPs needing targeted food assistance. The recent outbreak of hostilities in the area bordering Abkhazia has increased the number of internally displaced and homeless and the death of over 200 000 people. WFP is providing emergency food assistance to the displaced.