|
Area: |
4 000 sq.km |
|
Climate: |
Semi-arid; rainfall increases with altitude; rainy season: July-December |
|
Population: |
407 000 (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 960 (1995) |
|
Specific characteristics of the country: |
Low-income food-deficit country; archipelago |
|
Logistics: |
Port capacity and roads adequate |
|
Major foodcrops: |
Maize, rice, pulses |
|
Marketing year: |
November/October; Lean season: n.a. since 90 percent of requirements covered by imports |
|
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: |
57 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Crop conditions were particularly unfavourable in 1996 as a result of irregular rains. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission which visited Cape Verde last year estimated the 1996 maize crop at only 1 000 tons, compared to about 8 000 tons in 1995. The poor rains did not allow adequate replenishment of ground water and this may also affect irrigated crop production during the dry season. In addition, fodder is scarce and the nutritional status of the herd is deteriorating.
As the country imports the bulk of its consumption requirement, the overall food supply situation will remain satisfactory despite this very reduced crop. However, rural populations, notably in the semi-arid zones, will be severely affected and may need assistance. The government has launched an appeal for external assistance including projects for drinking water supply, livestock support and assistance for vulnerable groups. The cereal import requirement in 1997 is estimated at 90 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 65 000 tons.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production |
- |
- |
8 |
8 |
|
Normal Imports |
20 |
20 |
50 |
90 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
15 |
10 |
40 |
65 |
|
1996/97 Domestic Availability |
- |
3 |
11 |
14 |
|
1996 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
1996 Production (rice in milled terms) |
- |
- |
1 |
1 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
3 |
10 |
13 |
|
1996/97 Utilization |
20 |
23 |
61 |
104 |
|
Food Use |
19 |
22 |
60 |
101 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1996/97 Import Requirement |
20 |
20 |
50 |
90 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
5 |
10 |
10 |
25 |
|
Food aid needs |
15 |
10 |
40 |
65 |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
7 |
13 |
35 |
55 |
|
of which: Delivered |
3 |
7 |
11 |
21 |
|
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
for export |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
47 |
54 |
147 |
248 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1996 production as % of normal: |
13 |
|||
|
1996/97 import requirement as % of normal: |
100 |
|||
|
1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
100 |