FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 05/97

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GUINEA-BISSAU

Area:

28 000 sq.km

Climate:

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

Population:

1.12 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 250 (1995)

Specific characteristics of the country:

Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country

Logistics:

Port capacity being improved; roads inadequate, particularly during the rainy season; river transport important

Major foodcrops:

Rice, coarse grains, oils and fats, roots and tubers

Marketing year:

November/October; Lean season: May-August

Share of cereals in total calorie intake:

64 percent



CURRENT SITUATION

Seasonably dry conditions prevail. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission last year estimated 1996 aggregate production of cereals at 174 000 tons. This is 13 percent below the 1995 level and 6 percent below the average of the last five years.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are generally well supplied and prices remain mostly stable. In May, the CFA Franc will replace the peso following entrance of Guinea-Bissau into the UMOA (Union Monétaire Ouest Africaine) and the Franc zone. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-exports in 1996/97 are estimated at about 70 000 tons, mostly rice. The structural food aid requirement is estimated at 6 000 tons.

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


Wheat

Rice

Coarse grains

Total

Normal Production

-

128

56

184

Normal Imports

8

60

-

68

of which: Structural food aid

1

5

-

6

1996/97 Domestic Availability

-

85

61

146

1996 Production (rice in paddy terms)

-

120

54

174

1996 Production (rice in milled terms)

-

80

54

134

Possible stock drawdown

-

5

7

12

1996/97 Utilization

10

145

61

216

Food Use

10

111

51

172

of which: local purchase requirement

-

-

-

-

Non-food use

-

14

10

24

Exports or Re-exports

-

20 1/

-

20 1/

Possible stock build up

-

-

-

-

1996/97 Import Requirement

10

60 2/

-

70 2/

Anticipated commercial imports

9

55

-

64

Food aid needs

1

5

-

6

Current Aid Position





Food aid pledges

-

-

1

1

of which: Delivered

-

-

1

1

Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year)

9

99

46

154

Indexes





1996 production as % of normal:




95

1996/97 import requirement as % of normal:




103

1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal:




100


1/ Re-exports (10 000 tons) and cross border trade (10 000 tons) with neighbouring countries.
2/ Including 10 000 tons for re-export.

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