| Area: | 342 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet climate in north, tropical wet-dry in south with main rainy season in October-April |
| Population: | 3.075 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 660 (1997) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; tropical coastal country |
| Logistics: | Ports adequate; roads inadequate during rainy season |
| Major foodcrops: | Roots and tubers, fruit |
| Marketing year: | Jan./Dec.; Lean season: September-November |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 19 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Following the civil strife in 1997 which severely disrupted food marketing and caused large-scale displacement of the urban population, the situation was improving in Brazzaville but recent civil disturbances are reportedly causing renewed population displacement in the southern parts. The food supply situation in Brazzaville remains problematic due to the suspension of railway traffic from Pointe-Noire and river traffic from Kinshasa. Food prices are increasing. Local suppliers and WFP have started food airlifts from Pointe-Noire to the capital.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production | - | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Normal Imports | 85 | 30 | 4 | 119 |
| of which: Structural food aid | - | 8 | - | 8 |
| 1998 Domestic Availability | 10 | - | 2 | 12 |
| 1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | - | 2 | 2 |
| 1997 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | - | 2 | 2 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 10 | - | - | 10 |
| 1998 Utilization | 80 | 20 | 7 | 107 |
| Food Use | 78 | 18 | 6 | 102 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | - | - | - |
| Possible stock build up | - | - | - | - |
| 1998 Import Requirement | 70 | 20 | 5 | 95 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 60 | 10 | 2 | 72 |
| Food aid needs | 10 | 10 | 3 | 23 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 2 | 2 | - | 4 |
| of which: Delivered | - | 2 | - | 2 |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 25 | 6 | 2 | 33 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1997 production as % of normal: | 37 | |||
| 1998 import requirement as % of normal: | 80 | |||
| 1998 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 288 |
