FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/01 - SWAZILAND (27 March)
Prospects for the 2001 cereal crop are poor. Prolonged dry weather during most of January and early February stressed the developing maize crop. Abundant rains in the second dekad of February were too late to prevent reductions in yields. Dry weather resumed from late February worsening growing conditions. Early forecast point to maize output around the well below average level of last year.
The overall food supply situation is tight reflecting the flood-reduced cereal harvest of last year and inadequate commercial imports so far. Serious food difficulties are particularly being experienced by 14 000 people who lost crops last season and need of food assistance until the next harvest. The Government has appealed for international assistance to meet their needs.
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