FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - March 1998:

BOTSWANA

CURRENT SITUATION
Following generally sparse and below normal rainfall in most parts of the country between October and December, abundant and widespread rains fell across the country in January 1998, becoming heavy in the north and lighter in the south. Despite an adequate supply of seeds and other agricultural inputs, the planted area was constrained by the late start of rains and is forecast to be much below the 1996/97 level. As a result, timely and well distributed rains in March and April will be critical for crops. If, on the other hand, the next few weeks see dry weather then yields could be seriously affected leading to a major crop loss compared to the 1997 below average cereal production. Given the possibility that many farmers were induced by high prices during the current 1997/98 marketing year to sell most of their grains to milling companies, farm level stocks are likely to be low. Nevertheless, available grain stocks and planned imports by major commercial millers during the 1998/99 marketing year are expected to meet national requirements.