FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - ALGERIA (1 February)
Early prospects are favourable for the recently planted 2001/02 winter cereal crops to be harvested from June. Planting had been disrupted by weeks of dry weather but torrential rains in early November, particularly in the large grain growing areas in the west, helped restore much needed moisture and thus allowed ploughing and sowing operations to be resumed. The rains, however, resulted in heavy flooding and mudslides, which caused serious damage to urban housing and infrastructure, principally in the capital city, killed 720 people and affected more than 50 000 others. Emergency assistance is being provided by the international community.
Despite an anticipated good wheat outturn, imports in marketing year 2001/02 (July/June) are expected to be some 4.9 million tonnes, compared to 5.2 million tonnes in the previous year, in response to strong domestic demand. Food aid from the international community is being provided to some 155 000 refugees from Western Sahara.