FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages  - 02/04 - BOTSWANA (13 February)

BOTSWANA (13 February)

The countryis experiencing a severe drought this year. The beef export industry is struggling to recover following droughts and two outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in last three years. The 2003 cereal production, mainly sorghum, was sharply reduced from the year before due to dry weather. Consequently import requirements have increased substantially. However, the country normally covers most of its consumption requirements on commercial basis.