FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.3 - December 2002 p.22
| Area: | 622 980 sq km |
| Climate: | North: tropical wet-dry, south: tropical wet; rainy season: March-November |
| Population: | 3.75 million (2002 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$270 (2001) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked country |
| Logistics: | Roads inadequate during rainy season; river transport important |
| Major foodcrops: | Roots and tubers, tree nuts, coarse grain, fruit |
| Marketing year: | January/December; Lean season: May-July |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 21 percent |
Following erratic and below-average rains that affected crops development in some regions, harvest prospects are mixed. However, due to an above-average harvest in 2001, the overall food supply situation remains satisfactory.
In late October, a resurgence of fighting in Bangui between government and rebel troops led to new population displacements. WFP has distributed 45 tonnes of food to 10 000 most affected people in northern parts of Bangui.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Previous five years average production | - | 19 | 125 | 144 |
| Previous five years average imports | 31 | 3 | 3 | 37 |
| 2002 Domestic Availability | 5 | 16 | 125 | 146 |
| 2001 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | 25 | 125 | 150 |
| 2001 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | 16 | 125 | 141 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 5 | - | - | 5 |
| 2002 Utilization | 35 | 19 | 128 | 182 |
| Food use | 34 | 16 | 109 | 159 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | 1 | 3 | 18 | 22 |
| Exports or re-exports | - | - | - | - |
| Possible stock build up | - | - | - | - |
| 2002 Import Requirement | 30 | 3 | 3 | 36 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 30 | 1 | - | 31 |
| Food aid needs | - | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | - | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| of which: delivered | - | - | 3 | 3 |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) | 9 | 4 | 29 | 43 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 2001 Production as % of average: | 104 | |||
| 2002 Import requirement as % of average: | 97 |