FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - CAPE VERDE (19 June)
Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Planting of maize normally starts in July with the onset of the rains on the main islands.
2001 maize production (virtually the only cereal produced in the country) has been estimated at 18 680 tonnes which is 23 percent lower than the previous year but some 5 000 tonnes higher than average. In early January 2002 the country experienced unseasonable heavy rains and floods which caused damage to infrastructure and farmland.
In anticipation of a tight food supply situation in several areas, the Government has appealed for international food assistance, as well as agricultural inputs. In early June, WFP approved an emergency operation to assist some 30 000 people throughout the country. FAO has started providing seeds and small farming tools to some 14 000 families (over 80 000 people).
Cereal import requirement in 2001/02 marketing year (November/October) is forecast at 93 000 tonnes, with food aid accounting for more than 50 percent. Pledges amount to 40 000 tonnes, of which 16 800 tonnes have been delivered so far.