LIBERIA* (24 May)
Planting of the 2005 paddy crop, virtually the only cereal grown in the country, has started. Although insecurity prevented many farmers from cultivating in 2004, agricultural production has recovered somewhat from the previous year’s very low level reflecting the return of many displaced people following the end of the civil war. Paddy production in 2004 is estimated at 159 600 tonnes compared to 110 000 tonnes in 2003. Rice production should further increase this year reflecting improved security, increased plantings by returning refugees and farmers previously displaced, as well as comparatively improved conditions for the distribution of agricultural inputs. During this farming season, 149 245 beneficiaries in all 15 countries of Liberia received 2 863 tonnes of seed rice, including those in the southeast not reached in 2003/04.
The repatriation of refugees and resettlement of IDPs started in October-November 2004 and to date, 178 010 persons have been repatriated and resettled. UNHCR reports that in December 2003, over 340 000 Liberian refugees were in neighbouring countries, while an estimated 500 000 were internally displaced. With the improvement of the security situation, WFP continues to extend its operation across the country, and is shifting progressively from emergency to recovery.
Following a steep rise in rice prices in the country, due mainly to an increase in the world price, the Government set up a special committee to recommend solutions to bring rice prices down and stabilize the market.