FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.3 - December 2002 p.17
| Area: | 567 000 sq km |
| Climate: | South-western part arid (Kalahari desert); rest semi-arid with some rains in Dec.-Feb. |
| Population: | 1.68 million (2002 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$3 630 (2001) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | East; swamps in the northern parts; desert in the west |
| Logistics: | Imports through South Africa |
| Major foodcrops: | Sorghum, pulses, vegetables |
| Marketing year: | April/March; Lean season: January-March |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 55 percent |
Planting of the 2003 cereal crops, mainly sorghum, is underway. Early prospects are uncertain reflecting mostly dry weather during November in eastern growing areas. More rains are urgently needed to avoid planting reductions.
The 2002 cereal production was estimated at about 25 000 tonnes, which is a significant improvement from last season's output of only 12 000 tonnes. However, the country normally covers most of its cereal requirements through commercial imports. The cereal deficit in marketing year 2002/03 (April/March) is estimated by FAO at 266 000 tonnes. The food supply situation is stable reflecting adequate amounts of imports so far.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Previous five years average production | - | - | 19 | 19 |
| Previous five years average imports | 69 | - | 185 | 254 |
| 2002/03 Domestic Availability | - | - | 29 | 29 |
| 2002 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | - | 25 | 25 |
| 2002 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | - | 25 | 25 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | - | 4 | 4 |
| 2002/03 Utilization | 78 | - | 217 | 295 |
| Food use | 71 | - | 215 | 286 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | - | - | 2 | 2 |
| Exports or re-exports | 7 | - | - | 7 |
| Possible stock build up | - | - | - | - |
| 2002/03 Import Requirement | 78 | - | 188 | 266 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 78 | - | 188 | 266 |
| Food aid needs | - | - | - | - |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | - | - | - | - |
| of which: delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) | 42 | - | 128 | 170 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 2002 Production as % of average: | 132 | |||
| 2002/03 Import requirement as % of average: | 105 |