BURUNDI* (28 May)
Harvesting of the 2003 second season food crops, mainly sorghum and beans, is about to start. The outlook has improved with widespread abundant and regular rains in the second half of April. Despite a late start of the rainy season, about normal crops are expected.
Intensification of fighting in the past two months has resulted in fresh waves of population movements in search of safe areas, mainly in forests and hills where living conditions are harsh. The insecurity has hampered distribution of food aid to 262 000 most vulnerable people out of 566 000 people who need food assistance.