Preparation for planting of the 2002/03 first season cereal and bean crops has started under generally normal weather conditions. Sowing should start with the arrival of the first rains which are forecast by end-April. Production is expected to recover from last year, when the crops were severely affected by a prolonged drought. The food security situation is tight at the moment and is likely to continue until the first season crop harvest in August. The possibility of alternative employment in rural areas is minimal. Food assistance to some 10 000 drought-affected families should continue until August. In addition, some 16 500 families, victims of last year’s February earthquakes, are still receiving food assistance from the international community.