FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

BOTSWANA

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 567 000 sq.km
Climate: South-western part arid (Kalahari desert);rest semi-arid with some rains in Dec.-Feb.
Population: 1.49 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 2 800 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Land-locked country; drought-prone; agricultural production only in the east and south- east; swamps in the northern parts; desert in the west
Logistics: Imports through South Africa
Major foodcrops: Sorghum, pulses, vegetables
Marketing year: April/March; Lean season: January/March
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 55 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Following above-normal rainfall, the recently harvested 1995/96 cereal crop is now forecast at 81 000 tons. This is slightly lower than initial estimates but above average and still double last year’s output. Maize production is estimated at 23 000 tons, over four times higher than last year’s drought-reduced crop of 5 000 tons. The output of sorghum and millet has been revised down to 59 000 tons, which is above average and still much higher than last year.

The food supply situation for the 1996/97 marketing year is expected to be satisfactory. As a result of the substantial increase in production, cereal availability has improved noticeably and a cereal import requirement of 234 000 tons for the marketing year should be covered by commercial channels.