Official estimates of the 1998 maize harvest has recently been revised upward to 1.47 million tonnes. This is still below last year’s level and below average, but much better than anticipated at the beginning of the season, on account of erratic rainfall induced by the El Niño phenomenon. Total cereal output is expected to be well below 2 million tonnes, compared to over 2.7 million tonnes in 1997.
The national food supply situation in 1998/99 marketing year is expected to remain relatively tight. With a relatively small carryover stock available this year to help cushion the impact of the drop in output, large imports of maize and wheat are anticipated. Targeted food assistance will also be required to vulnerable groups in the southern traditionally dry areas, which are likely to have poor harvest. The Government reports that over 1 million people have registered so far for food assistance under a grain loan scheme.