FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - SOMALIA (3 June)
Good rains received between mid-April/early-May have boosted prospects for the main “gu” cereal crops which accounts for some 75-80 percent of the annual production in normal years. The highest rainfall was recorded in Middle and Lower Juba, Gedo and Bay regions. However more rains are necessary to achieve good yields.
The output of the recently harvested secondary “Deyr” season cereal crop is forecast at about 140 000 tonnes, which is about 47 percent above the previous year’s harvest. The total cereal production in 2001/02 is therefore estimated at about 255 000 tonnes, which is close to the 1993-2000 average.
However, the food supply situation is highly precarious particularly in Gedo, East Sanag, Sool and parts of Bari. Recent escalation of conflict is expected to exacerbate the already precarious food situation and may disrupt agricultural activities. Large numbers of people are estimated to be facing severe food difficulties, mainly due to past poor harvests, long-term effects of insecurity and reduced foreign exchange earnings due to the continuing ban on livestock imports from eastern Africa by countries along the Arabian Peninsula.