Area:
|
387 000 sq.km
|
Climate:
|
Centre and north-east tropical wet-dry; south and west semi-arid; rainy season: November-March
|
Population:
|
12.70 million (2001 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$480 (2000)
|
Specific characteristics of the country:
|
Land-locked country; exporter and importer of grain
|
Logistics:
|
Exports and imports through Mozambique or South Africa
|
Major foodcrops:
|
Maize, wheat, millet, sorghum
|
Marketing year:
|
April/March; Lean season: February-April
|
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:
|
66 percent
|
The outlook for the 2002 cereal crops, about to be harvested, is unfavourable. The area planted to the main maize crop is preliminary estimated at 1.26 million hectares, 3 percent above the reduced level of last year but 11 percent below that of 2000. Yields are anticipated to be reduced as a result of a prolonged dry spell in January and February. The maize output is forecast lower than the poor crop of 2001. Contrary to the high level of last year's carry-over stocks, the marketing year 2002/03 (April/March) will begin with a complete depletion of reserves. The already very tight food supply situation is anticipated to further deteriorate in 2002/03. Protracted humanitarian assistance will be necessary for the most vulnerable groups of population.
Prices of basic staple maize continued to increase in March despite the price control imposed by the Government, reflecting inadequate levels of maize imports. Food shortages are reported from several locations of the country, particularly Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Masvingo, Midlands, Manicaland, and parts of Mashonaland West and Central Provinces. WFP is distributing emergency food assistance to the most vulnerable populations but donor contributions fall short of requirements.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total | |
|
Previous five years average production |
286 |
- |
2 141 |
2 427 |
Previous five years average imports |
122 |
25 |
125 |
272 |
|
2001/02 Domestic Availability |
295 |
- |
1 674 |
1 969 |
2001 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
275 |
- |
1 584 |
1 859 |
2001 Production (rice in milled terms) |
275 |
- |
1 584 |
1 859 |
Possible stock drawdown |
20 |
- |
90 |
110 |
|
2001/02 Utilization |
375 |
25 |
1 759 |
2 159 |
Food use |
360 |
25 |
1 474 |
1 859 |
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Non-food use |
15 |
- |
285 |
300 |
Exports or re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
2001/02 Import Requirement |
80 |
25 |
85 |
190 |
Anticipated commercial imports |
80 |
25 |
80 |
185 |
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
5 |
5 |
|
Current Aid Position |
||||
Food aid pledges |
- |
- |
5 |
5 |
of which: delivered |
- |
- |
5 |
5 |
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
- |
- |
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
- |
- |
for export |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) |
28 |
2 |
116 |
147 |
Indexes |
||||
2001 Production as % of average: |
77 | |||
2001/02 Import requirement as % of average: |
70 |