BOTSWANA (18 September)
Erratic and poorly distributed rainfall during the growing season seriously affected yields in several parts of the country, leading to a major crop loss. The 2003 cereal crop – mainly sorghum – is estimated at 13 000 tonnes, about half of last year's below-average crop.
However, even in normal years, the country imports most of its cereal needs. It is therefore anticipated that most of the increased import requirement of 281 000 tonnes of cereals for the 2003/04 marketing year will be met by major commercial miller imports. Food aid is being distributed by the government to vulnerable households affected by a reduced harvest.