Area:
|
976 680 sq.km
|
Climate:
|
Northern coastal area and lowlands in the south and the east are semi-arid to arid; the rest of the country has a highland rainy climate with mild winter.
|
Population:
|
58.652 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$ 110 (1997)
|
Specific characteristics of the country:
|
Low-income food-deficit country
|
Logistics:
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Land-locked country, roads inadequate
|
|
Major foodcrops:
|
Maize, teff, barley, sorghum, wheat, pulses, enset (false banana)
|
Marketing year:
|
January/December; Lean season: August-November
|
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:
|
69 percent
|
An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission which visited the country in late 1998 estimated cereal and pulse production from the 1998 Meher season at 11.69 million tonnes, 36 percent up on last year but slightly less than the record crop of 1996. The increase is due to favourable rains, increased use of fertilizer and improved seeds, and a low incidence of pests and diseases.
The improved availability of cereals has resulted in falling grain prices in most markets. Only minimal imports, mainly rice, will be necessary in 1999. Given this favourable outturn, there should be scope for a significant build-up of stocks at all levels. Export possibilities to neighbouring countries will be restricted because of weak import demand and the closed border with Eritrea.
Despite the excellent harvest, some 2 million vulnerable people will require an estimated 180 000 tonnes of food aid, excluding those from pastoral areas. In addition, some 272 000 internally displaced persons affected by the on-going conflict with neighbouring Eritrea will require 45 000 tonnes of food aid. Due to ample domestic supplies, imported food aid is not needed this year. However, donors are strongly urged to support local purchases to provide some strength to the market.
In pastoral southern and eastern parts, dry weather has resulted in a deterioration of pastures and the condition of animals. Distribution of emergency water is underway in some areas. A recent Government/donor/international agency assessment of the situation indicates that most affected areas are Somali region and lowland Bale and Borena zones of Oromiya regions. Prices of grains are increasing in these areas, while those of livestock have declined. It is estimated that about 1.1 million people will require 85 000 tonnes of food aid for a period of six months.
|
Wheat
|
Rice
|
Coarse grains
|
Total
| |
|
Normal Production
|
950
|
-
|
5 600
|
6 550
|
Normal Imports
|
700
|
5
|
75
|
780
|
of which: Structural food aid
|
380
|
5
|
65
|
450
|
|
1999 Domestic Availability
|
2 264
|
-
|
8 983
|
11 247
|
1998 Production (rice in paddy terms)
|
2 264
|
7
|
8 983
|
11 254
|
1998 Production (rice in milled terms)
|
2 264
|
-
|
8 983
|
11 247
|
Possible stock drawdown
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
1999 Utilization
|
2 264
|
20
|
8 983
|
11 267
|
Food Use
|
1 978
|
20
|
6 411
|
8 409
|
of which: local purchase requirement
|
-
|
-
|
50
|
50
|
Non-food use
|
286
|
-
|
1 969
|
2 255
|
Exports or Re-exports
|
-
|
-
|
150
|
150
|
Possible stock build up
|
-
|
-
|
453
|
453
|
|
1999 Import Requirement
|
-
|
20
|
-
|
20
|
Anticipated commercial imports
|
-
|
20
|
-
|
20
|
Food aid needs
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Current Aid Position
|
||||
Food aid pledges
|
307
|
14
|
10
|
331
|
of which: Delivered
|
215
|
14
|
3
|
232
|
Donor-financed purchases
|
-
|
-
|
35
|
35
|
of which: for local use
|
-
|
-
|
35
|
35
|
for export
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year)
|
32
|
0
|
104
|
136
|
Indexes
|
||||
1998 production as % of normal:
|
172
| |||
1999 import requirement as % of normal:
|
3
| |||
1999 food aid requirement as % of normal:
|
-
|
