FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - GUINEA-BISSAU (7 September)

GUINEA-BISSAU (7 September)

After reduced rains in mid and late July, rainfall improved significantly in August, particularly during the first two dekads when it became regular and well distributed across the country. It was also abundant during the last dekad of August and in early September. Transplantation of swamp rice is about to be completed. Early transplanted rice is tillering while millet, sorghum and upland rice are elongating/heading. Harvesting of the early maize has started in Bafata and Gabu regions. Crop prospects are favourable particularly in the eastern regions. However, locusts infestations are reported in rice fields in the south, near Catchaque and Mato Faroba.

A locally-organized joint FAO/WFP assessment of the 2001 crop season and the national food security indicated in early August that the availability of food was reduced by the failure of the 2000 cashew marketing. The food supply situation along the border with Senegal was tight due to insecurity.