FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.3, December 2001 GAMBIA 19

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GAMBIA

Area:

10 000 sq.km

Climate:

Tropical wet-dry climate; rainy season: May-October

Population:

1.50 million (2002 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$330 (2000)

Specific characteristics of the country:

Low-income food-deficit country; coastal Sahelian country

Logistics:

Port capacity and roads adequate

Major foodcrops:

Rice, millet and sorghum

Marketing year:

November/October; Lean season: July-September

Share of cereals in total calorie intake:

63 percent


CURRENT SITUATION


Precipitation was average or below average from mid-September to early October but improved significantly during the second dekad of October. The rainy season ended in late October. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission visited the country in late October and estimated with national services the aggregate output of cereals (including rice) at 198 200 tonnes, against 175 900 tonnes last year, which was already a record level. This year's output is about 13 percent above last year and 49 percent above the last five-year average. Total coarse grain output increased by 15 percent over 2000 and 56 percent over the five-year average. The total harvested area under cereals is estimated at 152 800 hectares which is 14 percent above the previous year and 36 percent above the last five-year average. Major cash crops such as groundnut and sesame also performed well. Groundnut production is estimated at 149 640 tonnes, 8 percent above last year and 54 percent above the five-year average. Sesame production, estimated at 1 361 tonnes, is gaining importance.

Following successive bumper harvests, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Only Kantora district experienced poor germination and crop production is expected to decline, especially for early millet and maize. Part of the population in this district may experience food difficulties and may be food insecure, particularly during the lean season. The situation needs to be monitored carefully.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 2001/02 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tonnes)

Wheat

Rice

Coarse grains

Total

Previous five years average production

-

29

104

133

Previous five years average imports

42

84

2

128

2001/02 Domestic Availability

5

23

163

191

2001 Production (rice in paddy terms)

-

35

163

198

2001 Production (rice in milled terms)

-

23

163

186

Possible stock drawdown

5

-

-

5

2001/02 Utilization

45

105

164

314

Food use

29

90

121

241

of which: local purchase requirement

-

-

-

-

Non-food use

1

4

28

33

Exports or re-exports

15

10

-

25

Possible stock build up

-

-

15

15

2001/02 Import Requirement

40

82

1

123

Anticipated commercial imports

40

80

-

120

Food aid needs

-

2

1

3

Current Aid Position
       
Food aid pledges

-

-

2

2

of which: delivered

-

-

-

-

Donor-financed purchases

-

-

-

-

of which: for local use

-

-

-

-

for export

-

-

-

-

Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year)

19

60

81

160

Indexes
       
2001 Production as % of average:
     

149

2001/02 Import requirement as % of average:
     

96


FAO/GIEWS - December 2001

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