FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - MADAGASCAR (4 June)
Harvesting of the 2002 cereal crops, mainly rice, is well advanced. Some minor damages to crop have been reported due to the passage of cyclone “Keseny”in April. Assessment results have not yet been completed. However, damages are not expected to make a major dent in global crop production figures. Overall prospects are satisfactory reflecting generally adequate rains The aggregate paddy crop is forecast slightly above last year’s good level of 2.6 million tonnes. Maize is also expected to be around the 2001 crop.
The food supply situation continues to be affected by the current political crisis and it is likely to deteriorate in the coming months if a solution is not found soon. Shortages of rice, sugar, salt and essential non-food items, including fuel, are being experienced in Antananarivo, and to a lesser extent, in provincial capitals that depend on supply of vegetables and other agricultural produce from the highlands, due to disruption of transport (road blocks, damaged bridges, etc.). In urban areas, prices of food staples have increased, undermining access to food for increasing numbers of vulnerable people. In the rural areas, the current difficulties in marketing agricultural products have resulted in a decline in producer prices, adversely affecting the food security of farming households, particularly in remote areas.
Overall, the disruption of economic activities since the beginning of the crisis in February has resulted in increasing unemployment and poverty.