Despite normal rainfall in early February, the water balance is still showing an above-average deficit in the country, except for the northwestern parts which received abundant precipitation in November and December. This has resulted in significantly lower than average plantings for the whole of the country. Yields are anticipated to be slightly below average. The outlook for the 2001/02 winter cereal crops, to be harvested from June, has therefore considerably deteriorated and outputs of wheat and barley, the main cereals, are expected to be below the average of the past 5 years.

Imports of wheat in marketing year 2002/03 (July/June) are forecast at 4.9 million tonnes,same level as in 2001/02 (July/June). Food aid from the international community continues to be delivered to refugees fleeing from Western Sahara.