FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - August 1997

LIBERIA

CURRENT SITUATION

Rains started in late February in the south-east, becoming widespread over the entire country in late March, which is quite late. Precipitation remained abundant and widespread in April, May and early June, and decreased during the second and third dekads of June. Cumulative rainfall as of the end of June is normal to above normal. The season is well under way and planting period for upland (rain fed) rice is just finished. Food production in 1997 is expected to improve somewhat from past years. A relative peace and stability have continued to prevail throughout the country and have exerted a positive influence on farming activities. The resident population has been very busy with land preparation and planting in particular in Lofa, Bong and Nimba Counties considered to be the grain basket of country. Therefore the cultivated surface this year should be substantially higher than previous year. Although the lack of hand tools and the limited stock of seed rice in possession of the rural household represent a limiting factor, this was minimized by a massive seed and tool distribution programme. Preliminary reports are showing that some 118 000 vulnerable families or some 55% of the total should have been reached by the seed and tool distribution. No major climatic constraint or pest have been reported until now. In particular rice and cassava yields should be similar to the estimates of the 1996 growing season.

Following the disarmament and demobilization of a total of 21 300 soldiers, security conditions are returning to normal. A peace keeping force is controlling the country and national elections are planned for mid July 1997. The food supply situation is improving following recovery of trade and commercial activities. Population is still spontaneously returning to areas of origin. Data collected by International Organizations shows that at least 50 000 Liberians refugees have resettled in Lofa, Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties during the first five months of the year. At the same time the numbers of Internally Displaced Persons in Monrovia and Buchanan were sharply reduced with population moving mainly to Grand Bassa, Rivercess, Bomi and Cape Mount Counties (at least 100 000). Total population is currently estimated at 2.3 million and the rural households are some 214 000. The distribution of seeds and tools is underway nationwide, organized by the Seeds and Tools Committee. A total of 2 700 tons of rice seed and more than 30 000 farming tools are being distributed to about 118 000 vulnerable households. Food aid is also being distributed to cover consumption needs during the planting season. Food supply on the urban market is stable and in general prices have gone down since the beginning of the year, in particular imported rice in Monrovia has gone down from 25 Liberian Dollars/kg to 21 LD/kg. But food supply situation in rural areas will continue to be tight, in particular, during the traditional lean season of August-September. Overall, Liberia will be a food deficit country dependent on food aid, especially the counties with a high number of returnees. In order to improve the food security situation in the country, FAO is assisting with a number of emergency/rehabilitation activities in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.