Seasonably dry conditions prevail, although some limited rains have been received in parts and land preparation is underway.
Following the harvesting of recession and off-season crops, the aggregate output of cereals for 1997/98 is estimated at 152 173 tonnes. This figure, which is close to the estimate by an FAO Crop Assessment Mission in October 1997, confirms that production improved from the 1996/97 poor level but remains below average.
The overall food supply situation is anticipated to be tight in the remainder of 1998, notably in the south of Aftout area. Prices of local coarse grains have increased sharply. Following substantial recent commercial imports, wheat and rice prices remain mostly stable. The government has appealed for international food assistance amounting to about 50 000 tonnes. As of late May, pledges reported amounted to 40 600 tonnes.