FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/02 - KENYA (1 February)
Prospects for the 2001/02 secondary "short rains" cereal crop, which accounts for some 15 percent of annual production, are favourable. This crop provides the main source of food in parts of Central and Eastern provinces.
The 2001 main "long rains" cereal crop was significantly higher than in 2000, mainly reflecting abundant and well distributed rains in the main producing area of the Rift Valley Province. Maize production has been estimated at 2.31 million tonnes for the season, an increase of about 20 percent over the previous year. Assuming an average "short rains" crop, the aggregate 2001/02 maize production is projected at 2.7 million tonnes. Reflecting the good "long rains" maize crop and carryover stocks, prices have declined sharply in recent months, prompting the Government to appeal to donors to increase local purchases.
Despite an overall improvement in food supply, serious food supply difficulties persist in pastoral areas, particularly in Turkana, Mandera and parts of Marsabit Districts. In November/December 2001 WFP distributed about 27 000 tonnes of food to about 1.5 million people in 13 drought affected pastoral and agro-pastoral districts.