FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - NAMIBIA (6 November)
Harvesting of the 2001 irrigated wheat crop is well advanced. An average output of 5 000 tonnes is anticipated. The aggregate cereal output is estimated one-quarter lower than in the previous year at 106 000 tonnes. Production was affected by dry weather followed by excessive rains. As a result, the overall food supply situation in marketing year 2001/02 is tight. Imports of cereals are expected to rise sharply up at 125 000 tonnes (50 000 tonnes of wheat and 75 000 tonnes of maize). While most of this requirement is expected to be covered commercially, food supply difficulties are reported in communities where the harvest was poor and for vulnerable people in urban areas without adequate purchasing power.
Planting of the 2002 coarse grain crops is scheduled from next month.