FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.2, August 1998 -

ETHIOPIA

CURRENT SITUATION

Harvesting of the secondary Belg crops is in progress. The Belg season grain production is normally only 5 to 10 percent of the country’s overall production but in some major Belg growing areas it accounts for more than 60 percent of the annual food supplies. Despite a delay and poor start of the rains in February and March, precipitation from the second half of April has been generally abundant, particularly in southwestern parts. In areas where the Belg crops account for the bulk of the annual food supplies, the good production is resulting in a decline of food prices, improving food security. However, the prolonged dry spell during the season resulted in reduction in plantings and localized crop damage in northern areas of South Tigray, East and West Harare, parts of North Wello, south Wello and most of Northwest Shewa. The Belg harvest is estimated below normal in these areas.

Early prospects for the 1998 Meher season, accounting for over 90 percent of the annual cereal production, are favourable. Despite an unusual dry spell in March and first half of April, subsequent good rains allowed land preparation and planting of the long-cycle maize and sorghum crops which are reported in good conditions. Generally, normal to above normal rains in May and June benefited planting of short cycle crops, wheat, barley and teff. However, more rains are needed in eastern Tigray zone, where precipitation has been insufficient.

In southern pastoral areas of Borena Zone and Somali region, abundant rains during the rainy season in April and May benefited pastures and water supplies for livestock. However, the ban on livestock imports from the Horn of Africa by Saudi Arabia is severely affecting the incomes and food security of the pastoral population. Prices of livestock in local markets of the Somali region have declined sharply since the beginning of the year

Despite an overall satisfactory food supply situation, food difficulties are experienced by an estimated 5.3 million people affected by a reduced 1997 harvest and vulnerable groups. Although food aid pledges by donors cover almost all of the estimated requirements, deliveries fall well short of target levels. This is in part due to the closure of the Massawa and Assab ports in Eritrea, following the recent border conflict, and the congestion of the port in Djibouti. The food situation of 170 000 people displaced by the conflict, gives also cause for concern.