BURUNDI* (28 February)
A crop assessment mission organized by the Government and international agencies at local level in January 2003, estimated foodcrops production of the 2003 first season at 1 million tonnes, a decline of 6 percent from the level of the same season last year. Production of cereals at 82 000 tonnes is 5 percent lower and that of pulses at 56 000 tonnes decreased 18 percent. A serious delay in the start of the rainy season, coupled with insecurity at planting time mainly in Bujumbura-Rural, Ruyigi, Gitega, Muramvya and Bubanza provinces which resulted in massive displacements of population, reduced the area planted this season. Insufficient seed availability in provinces affected by insecurity further contributed to lower plantings and yields, specially for pulses and Irish potatoes. Frosts and heavy winds during the season resulted in losses of bananas in several areas.
Prices of beans and other food crops, including sweet potatoes and bananas are well above their levels of a year ago, particularly in rural markets. Food assistance will continue to be necessary for internally displaced and other vulnerable population during the first half of 2003.
The security situation continues to deteriorate in late February with renew fighting near the capital city Bujumbura resulting in several and casualties.