Prospects for the 2002 cereal crops are poor. After abundant rains at the beginning of the cropping season, which encouraged larger plantings of maize, a mid-season dry spell at the critical tusselling stage seriously reduced yields. The output is forecast to be reduced for the third consecutive year.

The food situation is extremely tight as a result of two successive reduced harvests, low levels of reserves and inadequate imports. The Government has appealed for emergency food aid.

An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is currently in the country.