| Area: | 124 320 sq.km |
| Climate: | Highland areas: tropical wet/dry with unreliable rains. Lowlands: semi-arid to arid |
| Population: | 2.978 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: n.a. |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country |
| Logistics: | Roads inadequate, gateway to northern Ethiopia |
| Major foodcrops: | Sorghum, teff, millet, maize, pulses |
| Marketing year: | January/December; Lean season: August-November |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 73 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
A recent FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission provisionally estimated the cereal and pulse production in 1995 at about 149 000 tons, which is 42 percent less than in 1994 and 25 percent below the last 3-year average. The cropping season started with low moisture levels during the short rainy period between March and May which did not permit the successful planting of early sown crops. Despite this set back, generally favourable rainfall during July and August revived production prospects, although in some areas the short and intense rainfall resulted in some damage to crops. The dry spell in June and the sudden cessation of rains in September resulted in low soil moisture levels during critical stages of crop development, thus reducing the potential yields, particularly for the long season varieties. Although maize and sorghum planted between March and May suffered from unfavourable rainfall, the short season cereals such as barley, wheat and finger millet performed well in the highlands. The tall stalked sorghum and maize varieties suffered moisture stress during June and in September. In order to offset the likelihood of a poor long season sorghum and maize crops, farmers increased the areas planted under short season crops such as barley, wheat or mix of both in the highlands and teff, short season sorghum and sesame in the lowland areas. Localized infestation of grasshoppers, desert locust, stem borers and other insects further reduced yields.
The food supply position is expected to be tight in 1996. Rising cereal prices in the immediate post-harvest period, point to impending supply difficulties with serious implications for large groups of vulnerable population with limited resources.
The 1996 cereal and pulses import requirement is estimated by the Mission at 291 000 tons. With anticipated commercial imports of approximately 100 000 tons, a deficit of some 191 000 tons will remain to be covered by food aid. Of this total, some 78 750 tons of relief food aid will be needed to assist an average of 750 000 vulnerable population over a nine month period, leaving some 112 250 tons to be provided through programme food aid.
CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1996 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| 1995 Production | 9 | - | 133 | 142 |
| 1995 Utilization | 179 | - | 254 | 433 |
| Food use 1/ | 164 | - | 234 | 398 |
| Non-food use | - | - | 20 | 20 |
| Stock build up | 15 | - | - | 15 |
| 1996 Import Requirement | 170 | - | 121 | 291 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 70 | - | 30 | 100 |
| Food aid needs | 100 | - | 91 | 191 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 18 | - | - | 18 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) | 55 | - | 79 | 134 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1995 production as % of normal: | ||||
| 1996 import requirement as % of normal: | ||||
| 1996 food aid requirement as % of normal (including refugee needs): | ||||
1/ The food needs of 100 000 returnees from Sudan in 1996 are not included.