FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 - NAMIBIA (3 September)
The 1998 cereal output is officially estimated at 59 000 tonnes, one-third of last year's above-average crop. Production of millet decreased from 107 000 tonnes to 35 000 tonnes, the lowest level for the last six years. Below-normal and poorly distributed rain in most areas of the country resulted in widespread crop failures and poor regeneration of pastures.
As a result of the sharp decline in domestic output, the food supply situation in 1998/99 (May/April) is likely to be tight. Imports of cereals are estimated to double to some 155 000 tonnes (120 000 tonnes of maize and 35 000 tonnes of wheat). An international appeal has been launched for US$6 million to finance food distribution, food- for-work and development of the water sector for an estimated 160 000 drought-affected people mainly in the northern areas bordering Angola.
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