CHAD (29 May)
The growing season has started on time in the Sudanian zone. After first sporadic rains in late March, significant rains were registered in mid-April in the south. But the rainy season basically started in late May in the Sudanian zone, where planting of coarse grains is now underway. Land preparation is starting in the Sahelian zone. Pastures remain good. Seed availability is adequate following the 2002 average harvest.
The final official estimate of aggregate 2002 cereal production is about 1.21 million tonnes, which is 8 percent lower than the previous year’s harvest but slightly above average. Cereal import requirement in 2002/03 (November/October), mostly rice and wheat, is forecast at 98 100 tonnes, including about 7 000 tonnes of food aid.
The overall food supply position is satisfactory. Prices of cereals declined following the harvest. However, people in the areas previously affected by floods and those living in the food deficit areas of Kanem and Bahr El Ghazel will continue to need food assistance. Moreover, signs of malnutrition have reportedly been observed among an estimated 41 000 people who have fled into the country to escape fighting in Central African Republic.