RWANDA (13 February)
In Rwanda,the 2003/04 main season started with normal to erratic rains. However, following favourable rainfall subsequently, crops are settled at this stage in most parts of the country. The important bean crop is harvested from December providing a supplementary source of food. Total 2003 cereal production, estimated at 271 600 tonnes, was well below 2002 production but higher than the average of the last five years. There still remains a sizable food deficit requiring a projected food aid of about 30 000 tonnes of cereals.