AFRICA

NORTHERN AFRICA

ALGERIA (1 June)

Output of 1998 winter crops, being harvested, is expected to be well above last year's drought-affected production of 1.05 million tonnes. Aggregate output of wheat and barley in 1998 is estimated at 3.5 million tonnes, more than three times higher than last year. Cereal imports in 1998/99 (July/June) are forecast at about 5.5 million tonnes.

A few isolated adult Desert Locusts may be present in the central and southern Sahara. Laying could occur in the latter area if rains fall.

EGYPT (1 June)

Production of wheat in 1998 is expected to be about 5.8 million tonnes, some 9 percent higher than the average for the last five years. Maize output is expected to increase from last year's level as the government has been promoting a new wheat-maize mix bread. Low number of adult Desert Locusts may appear and breed in a few oases near Lake Nasser and in the western Desert.

Imports of wheat and wheat flour in 1998/99 (July/June) are forecast at 6.9 million tonnes and coarse grains imports at 3 million tonnes.

MOROCCO (1 June)

Cereal production in 1998 is expected to be above last year's poor harvest, reflecting an increase in area planted due to normal weather conditions during the growing season. Aggregate output of wheat and barley in 1998 is estimated at about 6.1 million tonnes, compared with 3.6 million tonnes last year.

Imports of wheat in 1998/99 (July/June) are forecast at 1.5 million tonnes.

TUNISIA (1 June)

The output of winter crops in 1998, now being harvested, is expected to be higher than last year. Aggregate output of wheat and barley is estimated at about 1.5 million tonnes, some 43 percent higher than last year.

Imports of wheat and barley in 1998/99 are forecast at 1.1 million tonnes and 300 000 tonnes, respectively.