FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - RWANDA* (8 November)
Sowing of the 2001 A season, normally from September to October, is delayed due to below-average precipitation in September and first half of October. Widespread abundant rains in the second half of October improved soil conditions for planting and provided relief to early-planted crops, particularly in eastern and southern parts affected by prolonged dry weather. However, shortages of seeds due to the loss of crops planted early in September, as well as cassava cuts due to the failure of the third 2000 C season, are likely to reduce the area planted. The rains from mid-October also benefited perennial crops such as banana and coffee which have been seriously affected by lack of precipitation since the early cessation of the 2000 B season rains in May, as the C season short light rains from mid- July to mid- August failed this year.
In the areas worst affected by the prolonged dry weather, including districts of Butare Gitarama, Kaibungo and Umutara prefectures, as well as the Bugesera region of Kigali Rurale Prefecture, the recent rains were too late to avoid serious reductions in yields of banana, coffee and cassava, as well as the loss of large numbers of livestock. In some areas of the Umutara Prefecture, the losses of bovines are estimated at 25 percent of the total heads. Prices of livestock have declined sharply reflecting distress sellings. The food situation in these areas gives serious cause for concern. A local Ministry of Agriculture/FAO/WFP/FEWS/ EU assessment Mission in late October estimated at 267 000 the number of persons most affected by the dry weather and in need of food assistance for the next three months. This number represents 22 percent of the population in the affected districts. The mission also recommended the distribution of agriculture inputs to assist farmers to recover their production capacity and restock the lost animals. Overall, the Government has requested international emergency assistance for a value of US $ 7 215.
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