Normal and well distributed rains were recently reported in the central parts of the country, while precipitation has been erratic and ill distributed in some of the Pacific coastal areas and western parts of the country. The rains were particularly scarce in the departments of León and Chinandega, with serious adverse consequences on developing crops. Harvesting of the 2002/03 first season (main) maize crop is underway while planting of sorghum has recently started. Despite probable losses incurred in the drought affected areas, maize output is early forecast at an above-average level. Harvesting of the first season bean crop was also completed in August and a satisfactory outturn was collected. Food assistance from the international community is being distributed to coffee plantation workers affected by the crisis which for long has affected the important coffee sector. Thousands have remained unemployed, and many homeless and landless, in the northern departments of Matagalpa and Jinoteca where food security levels are jeopardized and levels of malnutrition reported, especially among children.