FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/01 - LIBERIA* (9 April)
LIBERIA* (9 April)
Seasonably dry conditions prevail. The 2000 rice
paddy production is estimated at 144 000 tonnes, compared
with a pre-war (1988) figure of 259 000 tonnes. The area
planted to
rice in the year 2000 was estimated at 135 000
hectares, suggesting an average yield of 1.1
tonnes/hectare. Small plots and poor yields would
appear to be the main cause of
low production per household. Lack of
employment
opportunities during and after the war has compelled
many families to grow some rice for the first time, in
order to
survive. It has also caused cultivation of land which
had never previously been considered for rice production,
such as
the coastal mangrove swamps. As a result, there are many
more families in rice production than in pre-war
times, albeit with smaller plots. The main constraints
faced by farmers include labour shortages, shortage of
rice seed, lack of any marketing organization, high
levels of post-harvest losses and poor road conditions.
The cereal import requirement in 2001 is estimated
at 200 000 tonnes, with commercial imports at 160 000
tonnes. Some 40 000 tonnes of food aid will be
required to cover the deficit. WFP is seeking a total
of 21 000 tonnes of cereals and pulses and 3 800 tonnes
of other commodities to meet the food aid needs of
about 145 000 refugees and other war affected people,
as well as 140 000 children attending primary
schools during the year 2001.
In Lofa county, one of Liberia�s main rice
producing areas, fighting continues. Periodic rebel
incursions since August 1999 intensified in October
and have disrupted farming and displaced thousands of
people, notably in the towns of Gorlu, Ganglota and
Selayae. Thousands of civilians have been
fleeing Upper Lofa county to lower Lofa. Thousands of
Guineans fleeing hostilities in their country have
also sought refuge in border towns in Liberia. More than
15 000 have arrived in Bong county and northern Lofa
county. WFP is
distributing food aid to about 420 000 Liberian
returnees. Food distribution to Sierra Leonean refugees
in camps in
Montserrado and Sinje areas in Grand Cape Mount County
also continue.
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