FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - ALBANIA (4 June)
The crisis in the Balkan region and the influx of large numbers of refugees into Albania from neighbouring Kosovo Province in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is not expected to significantly affect 1999 cereal crop production. Aggregate cereal output in 1999 is tentatively forecast at about 450 000 to 500 000 tonnes, somewhat down from the average of the past few years, mostly due to reduced planting because of adverse rainfall during autumn planting last year. Wheat (the basic food cereal) is expected to account for about 350 000 to 400 000 tonnes. Thus, the deficit of wheat which would have to be imported to meet normal consumption requirements in 1999/2000 is estimated to be about the average of the past few years at 300 000 to 350 000 tonnes.
However, a difficult food supply situation persists in north- eastern parts of the country, which are normally food insecure, and where the bulk of the Kosovar refugees have been located. Although large-scale relief operations for refugees are ongoing, there are long-term food security implications for vulnerable groups. In response, an FAO/WFP Mission visited the country in June to assess the overall food situation, the food outlook for 1999/2000 and to analyse the impact of the crisis on food and labour markets and household food security. The report of the Mission will be issued shortly.
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