| Area: | 627 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Semi-arid in the south; rest arid |
| Population: | 6.7 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 120 (1990) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country |
| Logistics: | Inadequate port facilities; serious shortage of fuel and spare parts |
| Major foodcrops: | Maize, sorghum, sesame |
| Marketing year: | September/August; Lean season: June-August |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 45 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
The cereal output of the 1995 main "Gu" season was sharply reduced as a result of lower plantings, in response of low prices of sorghum and localized insecurity, erratic rains at the beginning of the season and serious pest infestation. Preliminary estimates indicate a cereal crop of 172 000 tons, 45 percent down on last year and well below the pre-war average.
The food supply situation remains critical, particularly in Mogadishu. Increases in food prices in the past three months, sporadic inter-clan fighting, the prolonged closure of the Mogadishu port and airport, and the accelerated devaluation of the national currency, continue to affect food security in the country. The food situation in the southern Bay region has been worsened by persistent insecurity and population displacement.
CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1995 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal production | - | 9 | 550 | 559 |
| Normal imports (incl. re-exports) | 70 | 60 | 10 | 140 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 40 | 20 | 10 | 70 |
| 1995/96 Domestic availability | - | 2 | 311 | 313 |
| 1995 Production | - | 2 | 282 | 284 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | - | 29 | 29 |
| 1995/96 Utilization | 115 | 42 | 476 | 633 |
| Food use | 115 | 42 | 443 | 600 |
| Non-food use | - | - | 33 | 33 |
| 1995/96 Import Requirement | 115 | 40 | 165 | 320 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 55 | 35 | 35 | 125 |
| Food aid needs | 60 | 5 | 130 | 195 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 36 | - | 3 | 39 |
| of which: Delivered | 6 | - | - | 6 |
| Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) | 17 | 7 | 66 | 90 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1995 production as % of normal: | 51 | |||
| 1995/96 import requirement as % of normal: | 229 | |||
| 1995/96 food aid requirement as % of normal (including refugee needs): | 279 | |||