FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages  - 09/02 - CAPE VERDE (12 September)

CAPE VERDE (12 September)

Following first rains in early August on Santiago, Fogo, Santo Antao and S. Nicolau islands, the weather became dry on all islands except Fogo during the second dekad of August. Precipitation resumed on Santiago island during the third dekad, while the weather remained dry on Santo Antao and Nicolau islands until early September. The dry weather conditions affected recently planted maize which failed in parts. In early September the Government created an inter-ministerial committee monitor the anticipated adverse impact which could result in a second consecutive poor harvest.

As a result of the 2001 reduced harvest, 46 tonnes of bean seeds and 67 tonnes of maize seeds were distributed under an FAO emergency project, supplementing Government distributions.

The 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 early June, WFP launched an emergency operation to assist some 30 000 people throughout the country. 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.