Planting of the first maize crop for harvest from July will begin in March in the south. Reflecting overall favourable growing conditions, 2001 cereal production is estimated to be similar to the previous year�s average crop.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Imports of cereals in 2001 are estimated at 300 000 tonnes, virtually same as in the previous year.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (5 February)
The main 2002 maize crop to be harvested from July will be sown in March. Reflecting normal to above normal rains and favourable growing conditions, cereal production in 2001 is estimated at the average level of about 149 000 tonnes, fractionally higher than the 2000 harvest.
The food supply situation is satisfactory.
CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF* (5 February)
The eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano on 17 January resulted in loss of life, 87 500 people made homeless in the eastern city of Goma, severe damage to infrastructure and the displacement of some 300 000 people - out of a population of 500 000 in Goma - to neighbouring Rwanda. The majority have returned to Goma and an estimated 340 000 people need emergency food assistance. The United Nations has appealed for assistance for the victims of the catastrophe and for reconstruction of the city of Goma, 40 percent of which is estimated to have been seriously damaged by lava flows. This includes an FAO appeal for US$1.35 million to provide agricultural tools and seeds of fast-growing vegetables to 6 000 affected farmers.
Elsewhere in the country, economic and agricultural activities continue to be disrupted by the persistent civil conflict. Up to 16 million people or one-third of the country�s population are estimated to be seriously food insecure. In particular, the food and nutritional situation of over 2 million internally displaced is alarming. Delivery of humanitarian assistance to this population is hampered by insecurity, mainly in eastern parts.
The overall food supply situation has improved. Most of the population displaced by the civil war have returned home and following an improvement of the security situation all areas are now accessible to humanitarian agencies. More than 27 500 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic are reported to be in Betou. The WFP Emergency operation initially scheduled to end on 31 March has been extended until 31 May 2002.
EQUATORIAL GUINEA (5 February)
The staple crops are sweet potatoes, cassava and plantains. The country imports on average 5 000 tonnes of rice and 5 000 tonnes of wheat.
The main foodcrops are cassava and plantains but some maize is also produced (around 31 000 tonnes). The country imports commercially the bulk of its cereal requirement, estimated at around 87 000 tonnes in 2001.