Normal to above normal rains in May benefited crops of the main “long rains” season in unimodal central and southern areas. Harvesting is about to start. However, the recovery in this year’s output from the reduced level of 1997 may be limited by reductions in the area planted due to heavy rains and floods at planting time.
In bi-modal rainfall areas of the north and northeast, abundant rains since April benefited the crops of the “Masika” season. The outlook for the harvest from August is satisfactory. Pastures and livestock are reported in good condition reflecting generally abundant rains in the last months of last year. The food supply situation in areas affected by a reduced 1997 crop is expected to improve from next month with the arrival of the new harvest.