FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - ETHIOPIA* (6 November)
Harvesting of the 2001 main "Meher" cereal crop is about to start. Overall prospects are favourable reflecting abundant rains during the growing season in major producing areas. The 2001 secondary "Belg" crop, normally harvested from June, was also good and a substantial recovery from last year’s poor harvest. Although "Belg" production accounts for only 8 to 10 percent of total cereal production, it is important in several areas where it provides the bulk of annual food supplies.
By contrast, below-normal rains in the pastoral areas of southern and eastern Ethiopia continue to undermine any recovery from the devastating drought in the last three years. Poor rainfall in parts of Gode, Liban, Werder and Afder Zones, sites of last year’s severe food shortages, is particularly worrying. Recent rains in parts may have eased some of the water shortages but continued and widespread rains are needed to improve pastures.
The overall food supply situation in the country is stable as a result of last year’s bumper main "meher" season grain production and this year’s good secondary "belg" season harvest. However, the sharp decline in grain prices in main producing areas has severely affected household income in rural areas. The Government and donors have made some attempt to support local markets through purchases of grain.
An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is in the country since mid-November to assess the "Meher" production and estimate food assistance requirements in 2002.