FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 01/00 - SOUTH AFRICA (14 February)

Heavy rains in the north of the country during the first dekad of February resulted in floods, causing loss of life and damage to housing and infrastructure. Several towns have become isolated and an estimated 100 000 persons have been left homeless by floodwaters. Worst affected areas are the Northern, Mpumalanga and Guateng provinces. Preliminary estimates for the Northern Province alone indicate the cost of the infrastructure damage at US $33 million. An estimate of the agricultural damage is not yet available.

Despite anticipated localized crop losses, the abundant rains of early February are likely to have benefited the maize crop stressed by below average precipitation in the second and third dekads of January in central areas. However, the outcome of the season will depend on the weather in the remaining of the season. Preliminary estimates of the area planted to maize point to an increase of 10 percent from last year level due to diversion of land from other corps.

Latest official estimates indicate a 1999 wheat output of 1.52 million tonnes, slightly less than last year's below average crop. This mainly reflects diversion of land to more profitable crops, but also reduced yields in parts.

The food situation is difficult for large number of people who has lost their properties or is isolated by the floods. However, the overall food supply situation remains satisfactory. Despite the reduced coarse grain harvest of last year, commercial import of yellow maize, wheat and rice continue at adequate levels.

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