FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 - TANZANIA (3 September)
A recent FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to Tanzania estimated the total food crop production in 1998 some 32 percent above last year’s reduced volume and 13 percent above the average for the past five years. Substantial increases were estimated for cereals, bananas and roots and tubers. Within the cereals group, however, millet and sorghum production was forecast to fall by 32 percent, while maize and paddy were estimated to increase by 54 and 89 percent respectively. Abundant rains this year encouraged farmers to expand the total area planted to food crops by 15 percent above last year.
Food supply in the 1998/99 marketing year is forecast to exceed requirements for most foodcrops, except sorghum/millet and wheat. The shortfall in sorghum/millet is expected to be partially covered by substitution with non-cereal crops. Exports of rice in the order of 100 000 tonnes and 70 000 tonnes of maize are anticipated, the latter mainly in the form of already authorized exports and informal cross- border trade. Notwithstanding an overall increase in food production much of central Tanzania and parts of northern and coastal areas are likely to experience considerable food deficits. Some 300 000 people will require food assistance.
Back
to menu