FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.3 - December 2002 p.26

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CONGO, REPUBLIC OF

Area: 342 000 sq km
Climate: Tropical wet climate in north, tropical wet-dry in south with main rainy season in October-April
Population: 3.11 million (2002 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: US$700 (2001)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; tropical coastal country
Logistics: Ports adequate; roads inadequate during rainy season
Major foodcrops: Roots and tubers, fruit
Marketing year: January/December; Lean season: September-November
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 19 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

A resurgence of fighting in the Pool region (surrounding the capital Brazzaville) at the end of March led to new population displacements. About 50 000 IDPs have been reported in the region. Some areas have been cut off from humanitarian aid since late March. The displacement of people and disruption of marketing activities have seriously affected the food supply situation. In late May WFP started assisting 20 000 IDPs, amidst growing concern about tens of thousands more people trapped in the conflict areas inaccessible to aid agencies. The Emergency Operation for the assistance of the Democratic Republic of Congo's refugees in the north of Congo Brazzaville that was due to end on 31 May 2002 has been extended until December.

Cereal imports for the 2002 marketing year are estimated at 125 000 tonnes, mostly wheat and rice.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 2002 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tonnes)

  Wheat Rice Coarse grains Total
     Previous five years average production - 1 3 4
     Previous five years average imports 119 38 5 162
2002 Domestic Availability 45 7 4 56
     2001 Production (rice in paddy terms) - 1 4 5
     2001 Production (rice in milled terms) - - 4 4
     Possible stock drawdown 45 7 - 52
2002 Utilization 130 42 9 181
     Food use 128 40 7 175
       of which: local purchase requirement - - - -
     Non-food use 2 2 2 6
     Exports or re-exports - - - -
     Possible stock build up - - - -
2002 Import Requirement 85 35 5 125
     Anticipated commercial imports 80 25 5 110
     Food aid needs 5 10 - 15
Current Aid Position        
     Food aid pledges - 10 1 11
       of which: delivered - 5 - 5
     Donor-financed purchases - - - -
       of which: for local use - - - -
                       for export - - - -
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) 41 13 2 56
Indexes        
     2001 Production as % of average:       125
     2002 Import requirement as % of average:       77

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