Africa report 05/96 af605p.htm

GABON

Area:	258 000 sq.km
Climate:	Tropical wet climate; most rainfall: October-May
Population:	1.32 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 3 550 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country:	Coastal country
Logistics:	Ports and roads adequate
Major foodcrops:	Roots and tubers
Marketing year:	January/December; Lean season: September-November
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:	18 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

The staple foodcrops are cassava and plantains. Production of cereals, mainly maize is estimated at around 26 000 tons. The country needs to import the bulk of its wheat and rice requirements which is estimated at 62 000 tons. No food aid is necessary.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1996 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)

	Wheat	Rice	Coarse grains	Total
Normal production	-	1	24	25
Normal imports (incl. re-exports)	40	20	2	62
of which: Structural food aid	-	-	-	-
1995 Production	-	1	25	26
1996 Utilization	40	21	27	88
Food use	39	20	21	80
Non-food use	1	1	6	8
1996 Import Requirement	40	20	2	62
Anticipated commercial imports	40	20	2	62
Food aid needs	-	-	-	-
Current Aid Position
Food aid pledges	-	-	-	-
of which: Delivered	-	-	-	-
Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year)	30	16	16	62
Indexes
1995 production as % of normal:				104
1996 import requirement as % of normal:				100
1996 food aid requirement as % of normal:				-

FAO/GIEWS - April 1996