BOTSWANA (2 June)
The 2003 cereal crops, mainly sorghum, were sharply reduced by dry weather. Late and below average rains during the growing season resulted in reductions in the area planted and yields. Preliminary forecasts indicate an output of 13 000 tonnes, 42 percent below the normal crop of the previous year. However, the food supply situation remains stable as even in good years the country imports commercially most of its cereal consumption requirements.
The dry weather has also adversely affected the important livestock sector through poor grazing conditions. The Government has extended drought relief interventions in the worst affected areas.