BURUNDI* (13 February)
Rainfall in Burundi in general has been satisfactory for the 2003/04 main agricultural season, resulting in normal growth for the main-season crops planted in September–October 2003; these will be harvested early this year. Some hail damage in hilly areas in Ruyigi province and outbreaks of animal diseases in Mwaro province were reported in late 2003.
The preliminary results of a crop assessment organized by the government and international agencies in January 2004 has estimated food production (cereals, legumes, roots and tubers, and banana and plantain) of first season crops in 2004 at 1.1 million tonnes, about 2 percent higher than last year. It should be noted, however, and taking population growth into consideration, per capita food production has declined over time. The marked decline in pulse production has reduced an important source of dietary protein, leading to concerns over nutritional status of the population.
At a forum held in Brussels on 13-14 January, donors pledged over US$1 billion for specific development projects over a period of three years. The overall security situation has improved except in some localized areas. According to the above-mentioned assessment, food aid of approximately 90 600 tonnes will be needed for the year 2004.