FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 05/97

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THE GAMBIA

Area:

10 000 sq.km

Climate:

Tropical wet-dry climate; one rainy season: May-October

Population:

1.175 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 320 (1995)

Specific characteristics of the country:

Low-income food-deficit country; coastal sahelian country

Logistics:

Port capacity and roads adequate

Major foodcrops:

Rice, millet and sorghum

Marketing year:

November/October; Lean season: July-September

Share of cereals in total calorie intake:

63 percent



CURRENT SITUATION

Seasonably dry conditions prevail. An FAO Crop Assessment Mission late last year estimated 1996 aggregate cereal production at 104 000 tons. This is slightly above 1995 and the average for the last five years. Coarse grains increased slightly whilst rice increased significantly.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory except in Upper River Division following floods in August which affected crops. Rice stocks and planned imports are sufficient to cover consumption requirements in the months ahead. The rice market is well supplied but prices are higher than last year. Following floods in Upper River Division, a multi-disciplinary team estimated the needs of 150 000 affected persons at 2 235 tons of milled rice and recommended the purchase of early millet, maize and rice seeds to be distributed before the 1997 crop season. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-exports in 1996/97 are estimated at 110 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 13 000 tons. So far, 6 000 tons have been pledged and 2 000 tons delivered.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1996/97 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)


Wheat

Rice

Coarse grains

Total

Normal Production

-

19

81

100

Normal Imports

25

80

3

108

of which: Structural food aid

1

2

3

6

1996/97 Domestic Availability

-

17

83

100

1996 Production (rice in paddy terms)

-

25

79

104

1996 Production (rice in milled terms)

-

17

79

96

Possible stock drawdown

-

-

4

4

1996/97 Utilization

20

97

93

210

Food Use

17

85

80

182

of which: local purchase requirement

-

-

-

-

Non-food use

1

3

13

17

Exports or Re-exports

2

5

-

7

Possible stock build up

-

4

-

4

1996/97 Import Requirement

20

80

10

110

Anticipated commercial imports

19

78

-

97

Food aid needs

1

2

10

13

Current Aid Position





Food aid pledges

-

3

3

6

of which: Delivered

-

1

1

2

Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year)

15

72

68

155

Indexes





1996 production as % of normal:




100

1996/97 import requirement as % of normal:




102

1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal:




217


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