FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.1, April 2000 GAMBIA 19

GAMBIA

Area:

10 000 sq.km

Climate:

Tropical wet-dry climate; rainy season: May-October

Population:

1.38 million (2000 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$ 320 (1995)

Specific characteristics of the country:

Low-income food-deficit country; coastal sahelian country

Logistics:

Port capacity and roads adequate

Major foodcrops:

Rice, millet and sorghum

Marketing year:

November/October; Lean season: July-September

Share of cereals in total calorie intake:

63 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Following release of final production figures by national statistical services, the aggregate 1999 cereal production is estimated at a record of 155 600 tonnes (with rice in paddy equivalent), which is 36 percent above 1998 and 48 percent above the five-year average.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied. However, some areas have been affected by substantial flooding, especially in Lower, Central and Upper Baddibous, Fulladu West in the Central River Division and in Sandu, Wulli and Kontora in the Upper River Division. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-export during the 1999/2000 marketing year are estimated at 114 000 tonnes.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1999/2000 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tonnes)

Wheat Rice Coarse grains Total

Normal Production - 23 82 105

Normal Imports 25 80 3 108

of which: Structural food aid 1 2 3 6

1999/2000 Domestic Availability 5 24 119 148

1999 Production (rice in paddy terms) - 37 119 156

1999 Production (rice in milled terms) - 24 119 143

Possible stock drawdown 5 - - 5

1999/2000 Utilization 27 116 119 262

Food Use 21 96 96 214

of which: local purchase requirement - - 5 5

Non-food use 1 4 21 26

Exports or Re-exports 5 15 - 20

Possible stock build up - - 2 2

1999/2000 Import Requirement 22 92 - 114

Anticipated commercial imports 22 90 - 112

Food aid needs - 2 - 2

Current Aid Position

Food aid pledges - - 3 3

of which: Delivered - - 1 1

Donor-financed purchases - - - -

of which: for local use - - - -

for export - - - -

Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) 15 70 69 154

Indexes

1999 production as % of normal: 148

1999/2000 import requirement as % of normal: 106

1999/2000 food aid requirement as % of normal: 33

FAO/GIEWS - April 2000

Area:	10 000 sq.km
Climate:	Tropical wet-dry climate; rainy season: May-October
Population:	1.38 million (2000 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$ 320 (1995)
Specific characteristics of the country:	Low-income food-deficit country; coastal sahelian country
Logistics:	Port capacity and roads adequate
Major foodcrops:	Rice, millet and sorghum
Marketing year:	November/October; Lean season: July-September
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:	63 percent

	Wheat	Rice	Coarse grains	Total
Normal Production	-	23	82	105
Normal Imports	25	80	3	108
of which: Structural food aid	1	2	3	6
1999/2000 Domestic Availability	5	24	119	148
1999 Production (rice in paddy terms)	-	37	119	156
1999 Production (rice in milled terms)	-	24	119	143
Possible stock drawdown	5	-	-	5
1999/2000 Utilization	27	116	119	262
Food Use	21	96	96	214
of which: local purchase requirement	-	-	5	5
Non-food use	1	4	21	26
Exports or Re-exports	5	15	-	20
Possible stock build up	-	-	2	2
1999/2000 Import Requirement	22	92	-	114
Anticipated commercial imports	22	90	-	112
Food aid needs	-	2	-	2
Current Aid Position
Food aid pledges	-	-	3	3
of which: Delivered	-	-	1	1
Donor-financed purchases	-	-	-	-
of which: for local use	-	-	-	-
for export	-	-	-	-
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year)	15	70	69	154
Indexes
1999 production as % of normal:				148
1999/2000 import requirement as % of normal:				106
1999/2000 food aid requirement as % of normal:				33