FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/99 - GUINEA (21 June)
Rains started in mid April over the south, which is slightly later than normal. They reached the north of the country by the end of the month and remained widespread in May, allowing the planting of cereals. Below-normal rainfall in the east is likely to have hampered crop development.
The total number of refugees in the country is estimated at 614 000, of which about 414 000 are Sierra Leoneans and 200 000 Liberians. They are mainly in the south, putting a high pressure on natural resources and reducing food availability in these areas. Nearly 12 000 new refugees have arrived since the beginning of the year, following fighting in Sierra Leone. About 30 000 refugees located in Geckedou and Forecariah camps are being relocated inside the country for security reasons. The 1999 cereal import requirement is estimated at 385 000 tonnes, mostly wheat and rice.