FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - LIBERIA (3 June)
First rains were registered in early March in the south, becoming widespread in late March. However, precipitation remained generally below average until early June.
Following a deterioration of the general security situation, the Government declared a state of emergency on 8 February 2002, which was extended by the parliament in mid-May for six months.
Increasing clashes between Government forces and rebels in the north, north-west and central regions have displaced over 100 000 people. It has also led to the repatriation of more than half of the 36 000 Sierra Leonean refugees in camps in Monrovia and Sinje. The farming season has been disrupted and many people are now dependent on food aid than before.
WFP is currently assisting 85 000 IDPs throughout the country.