Area:
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30 000 sq.km
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Climate:
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Highland rainy climate with mild winter. Rainy season: Oct.-April. Cool temperatures in May-September with frost hazard
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Population:
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2.24 million (1999 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$ 570 (1998)
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Specific characteristics of the country:
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Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked
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Logistics:
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All imports through South Africa
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Major foodcrops:
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Maize, sorghum, vegetables
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Marketing year:
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April/March; Lean season: February-April
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Share of cereals in total calorie intake:
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75 percent
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Normal to above-normal rains in February and March improved growing conditions for the 2000 cereal crops to be harvested from May. However, the outlook is uncertain. Crops have been affected by a prolonged dry spell at the beginning of the season and by heavy rains and floods in early December, particularly in the lowlands. In these areas, maize production is expected to be reduced.
The overall food supply situation remains satisfactory, reflecting adequate commercial imports so far.
Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
Normal Production | 23 | - | 155 | 178 |
Normal Imports | 55 | 10 | 150 | 215 |
of which: Structural food aid | 15 | 2 | 20 | 37 |
1999/2000 Domestic Availability | 24 | - | 158 | 182 |
1999 Production (rice in paddy terms) | 14 | - | 158 | 172 |
1999 Production (rice in milled terms) | 14 | - | 158 | 172 |
Possible stock drawdown | 10 | - | - | 10 |
1999/2000 Utilization | 69 | 3 | 313 | 385 |
Food Use | 68 | 3 | 293 | 364 |
of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | 1 | 1 |
Non-food use | 1 | - | 18 | 19 |
Exports or Re-exports | - | - | - | - |
Possible stock build up | - | - | 2 | 2 |
1999/2000 Import Requirement | 45 | 3 | 155 | 203 |
Anticipated commercial imports | 45 | 3 | 132 | 180 |
Food aid needs | - | - | 23 | 23 |
Current Aid Position | ||||
Food aid pledges | - | - | 3 | 3 |
of which: Delivered | - | - | 3 | 3 |
Donor-financed purchases | - | - | 1 | 1 |
of which: for local use | - | - | 1 | 1 |
for export | - | - | - | - |
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) | 32 | 1 | 139 | 173 |
Indexes | ||||
1999 production as % of normal: | 97 | |||
1999/2000 import requirement as % of normal: | 94 | |||
1999/2000 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 62 |