ANGOLA* ( 2 June)
Harvesting of the 2003 cereal crops is underway. The output is forecast to increase substantially from last year’s reflecting higher plantings and yields. The end of the civil war in April 2002 allowed large numbers internally displaced people and refugees to return to their areas of origin and cultivate land. Despite a delay in the start of the rains, precipitation was abundant and regular during the growing season benefiting crop development. This, coupled with large and timely distribution of agricultural inputs by the Government and the international community, resulted in yield improvement. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is currently in the country.
Almost three decades of civil war have devastated the country’s economy and infrastructure leaving large sections of the population in need of protracted food assistance. International assistance is also required for the rehabilitation of the agricultural sector, including demining of rural areas. The Government launched an appeal for international assistance in February 2003.