NAMIBIA (30 May)
Harvest of the 2003 cereal crop is just completed. Preliminary official estimates indicate a cereal output of 119 000 tonnes, 61 percent above the poor level of last year and above average. This include 77 600 tonnes of millet/sorghum, 31 800 tonnes of maize and 9 500 tonnes of wheat. Despite late and irregular rains during the season, abundant precipitation in February supported the recovery of cereal crops in parts. However, while a good output is forecast for the north central regions (Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Omusati, and Oshana), in the Caprivi region another poor harvest was gathered due to prolonged dry spells throughout the season that reduced plantings and yields of the maize crop. Late rains improved pastures and livestock conditions are reported to be generally fair, except in Omaheke, Karas and Hardap regions where grazing conditions are poor. As a result, livestock sales have increased while prices are declining.
At the forecast production level, the country has an import requirement of 108 000 tonnes of cereals, which will be covered by commercial imports. While at national level the food supply situation is expected to be satisfactory in marketing year 2003/04 (May/April) it will remain difficult in areas affected by a second consecutive poor harvest, in particular the Caprivi region.