FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

SUDAN

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 2.4 million sq.km
Climate: From north to south, arid, semi-arid and tropical wet-dry. Rainy season May-October
Population: 26.95 million (1996 estimate); GNP per caput U.S.$ 300 (1992)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; cereal production mainly in eastern and central areas.
Logistics: Roads, railway and river transport inadequate
Major foodcrops: Sorghum, millet, wheat, roots and tubers, oils
Marketing year: November/October; Lean season: September-October
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 51 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Heavy rains in July and early August in southern Upper Nile and Gonglei States resulted in floods and damage to crops and food stocks as well as housing. Worst affected areas include Pochalla, near the Ethiopian border, where some 15 000 people were stranded in the floods. Relief food aid is being distributed in the areas. Elsewhere in the country, rains in July, following below normal precipitation in June in most growing areas, except in the South, improved soil conditions for the recently planted 1996 coarse grains crop. However, more rains are still needed in parts to avoid a reduction in yields. In irrigated areas the outlook for crops is promising reflecting above average levels in the Blue Nile and Atbera rivers. The pest situation is considered to be stable.

The latest estimate of the 1996 wheat crop, which was harvested up to last May, indicates an output of 527 000 tons, lower than anticipated but still 18 percent above the poor crop of last year. Output of 1995 coarse grains has been revised down to 2.8 million tons, 39 percent below the bumper crop of the previous year.

The prices of cereals have increased steadily in the past two months. The food supply situation has deteriorated, particularly in the depressed eastern states of North and West Kordofan and North Darfur, where the 1996 cereal output was sharply reduced by adverse weather and pest infestations. While farmers’ stocks have been depleted, a deterioration in the terms of trade between livestock and cereals has eroded the purchasing power of the affected population. Large numbers of people are reported to be migrating in search of food and food assistance is urgently needed in these areas. The food situation has also reportedly deteriorated in southern Sudan, reflecting disruptions in relief food distribution. An FAO Mission is currently making an on-the-spot assessment of 1996 production and the food supply outlook in southern Sudan.