FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 - BOTSWANA (3 September)
The 1998 cereal crop - mainly sorghum - is estimated at 9 000 tonnes, one-third of last year's below-average crop. Erratic and poorly distributed rainfall towards the end of the growing season seriously affected yields in several parts of the country, leading to a major crop loss.
However, even in normal years, the country imports most of its cereal needs. It is therefore anticipated that, available grain stocks and planned imports by major commercial millers will meet the domestic requirements of 256 000 tonnes, estimated for the 1998/99 marketing year.
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