FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - BOTSWANA (5 November)
Abundant rains in western crop growing areas in the second and third dekads of October improved soil conditions for planting of the 2002 maize and sorghum crops about to start. The rains also improved pasture and livestock conditions throughout the country.
Production of cereals in 2001, mainly sorghum, is estimated at 10 000 tonnes, only half of last year's crop and well below average, as a result of a mid-season dry spell. However, even in normal years, the country imports the bulk of its cereal consumption requirements. Import requirements in marketing year 2001/02 (April/March) are estimated at 263 000 tonnes, including 197 000 tonnes of coarse grains and 66 000 tonnes of wheat. While these requirements are expected to be covered on commercial basis, food difficulties are anticipated at household level in areas affected by crop loss.