| Area: | 28 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet-dry; one rainy season: May-October |
| Population: | 1.06 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 220 (1993) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity being improved; roads inadequate, particularly during the rainy season; river transport important |
| Major foodcrops: | Rice, coarse grains, oils and fats, roots and tubers |
| Marketing year: | January/December; Lean season: May-August |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 64 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
An FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission at the end of October, estimated total 1995/96 cereal production (including rice in paddy equivalent) at 200 500 tons compared to 190 500 tons in 1994/95, an increase of over 4 percent and a record. Estimated at 133 000 tons, rice production increased by some 2 percent, while minor cereal crops increased by some 14 percent, reflecting generally well-distributed rainfall.
Following this record crop, the overall food supply situation is satisfactory. Markets are well supplied and prices are decreasing with the arrival of fresh products on the market. Cereal imports for domestic use and re-exports in 1995 are estimated at 70 000 tons, mostly rice. The structural food aid requirement, estimated at 7 000 tons, is almost fully covered by donor pledges and deliveries.
CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1995 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal production | - | 81 | 49 | 130 |
| Normal imports | 10 | 60 | - | 70 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 2 | 6 | - | 8 |
| 1995 Domestic availability | - | 84 | 55 | 139 |
| 1994 Production | - | 84 | 49 | 133 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | - | 6 | 6 |
| 1995 Utilization | 10 | 144 | 55 | 209 |
| Food use | 10 | 114 | 45 | 169 |
| Non-food use | - | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| (Re)exports | - | 10 1/ | - | 10 |
| 1995/96 Import Requirement | 10 | 60 2/ | - | 70 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 8 | 55 | - | 63 |
| Food aid needs | 2 | 5 | - | 7 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 1 | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| of which: Delivered | 1 | - | 1 | 2 |
| Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) | 9 | 107 | 43 | 159 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1994 production as % of normal: | 102 | |||
| 1995 import requirement as % of normal: | 100 | |||
| 1995 food aid requirement as % of normal | 88 | |||
1/ Re-exports (5 000 tons) and cross border trade (5 000 tons) with neighbouring countries.
2/ Includes 5 000 tons of re-exports.