Planting of the first maize crop for harvest from July is underway 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. Cereal imports in the 2002 marketing year are estimated at 310 000 tonnes, virtually same as in the previous year.
CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (25 April)
The main 2002 maize crop to be harvested from July is being sown. Reflecting normal to above normal rains and favourable growing conditions, cereal production in 2001 is estimated at about 143 000 tonnes, fractionally higher than the 2000 harvest.
The food supply situation is satisfactory.
CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF* (15 April)
The agricultural activities continue to be disrupted by the persistent civil conflict, particularly in the eastern Kivu provinces. In spite of adequate rains, planting of the 2002 second season crops has been negatively affected by intensification of fighting in these areas in the past months, particularly in the Hauts Plateaux of South Kivu Province. Recent reports indicate that about 64 percent of the population of eastern DRC are undernourished. This is where most of the 2.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are located. Overall, it is estimated that 16 million people, or 33 percent of the DRC population face critical food needs as a result of prolonged displacement. While access to the vulnerable population has improved in Government’s controlled areas due to the simplification of procedures for international humanitarian agencies, the situation remains desperate in the Kivu provinces and northern Katanga, where insecurity and violence continues to hamper provision of humanitarian assistance.
A resurgence of fighting in the Pool region (surrounding the capital Brazzaville) at the end of March has led to new population displacements. At least 15 000 IDP have been reported in Pool region and about 50 000 in Brazaville. The WFP Emergency Operation initially scheduled to end on 31 March has been extended until 31 May 2002.
Cereal imports for the 2002 marketing year are estimated at 125 000 tonnes, mostly wheat and rice.
The staple crops are sweet potatoes, cassava and plantains. Cereal import requirement for 2002 is estimated at 15 000 tonnes (10 000 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 88 000 tonnes for 2002.
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE (25 April)
The staple foodcrops are roots, plantains and tubers. The cereal import requirement in 2002 is estimated at 10 000 tonnes