Africa report 05/96 Individual countries

MALAWI

Area:	94 000 sq.km
Climate:	Tropical wet-dry climate with one rainy season (November-May)
Population:	11.13 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 220 (1993)
Specific characteristics of the country:	Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked country; importer and exporter of grain
Logistics:	Imports/exports through Beira (Mozambique) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)
Major foodcrops:	Maize, pulses, roots, tubers, rice
Marketing year:	April/March; Lean season: February-March
Share of cereals in total calorie intake:	70 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Despite a slow start to the season, rainfall was generally good from January to March, benefiting crops in most growing areas. If favourable conditions persist up to harvest, beginning in the next few weeks, an above-average crop is expected. The first official crop estimates indicate a rise in maize production to 1.8 million tons in 1996 compared to 1.6 million tons last year. Other crops like rice and sorghum are also expected to increase significantly. However, there is some risk of crop damage by a recent plague of locusts and other insect pests in several areas. Early treatment has been made which may reduce overall damage.The food supply situation has improved significantly, following the arrival of substantial commercial imports, largely from the European Union. However, an increase in the price of maize announced by the government in March, is likely to make the current lean period very difficult for poor, rural households who usually face hardship at this time of the year when stocks are low. Total cereal food aid delivered amounts to about 215 000 tons. For the 1996/97 season 18 000 tons have been pledged so far.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1996/97 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)

	Wheat	Rice	Coarse grains	Total
Normal production	2	23	1 330	1 355
Normal imports (incl. re-exports)	40	3	40	83
of which: Structural food aid	-	-	40	40
1996 Production	1	32	1 783	1 816
1996/97 Utilization	35	38	1 790	1 863
Food use	35	37	1 600	1 672
of which: Local purchase requirement	(-)	(-)	(3)	(3)
Non-food use	-	1	190	191
1996/97 Import Requirement	34	6	7	47
Anticipated commercial imports	34	6	7	47
Food aid needs	-	-	-	-
Current Aid Position
Food aid pledges	-	-	18	18
of which: Delivered	-	-	-	-
Donor-financed local purchases	-	-	3	3
Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year)	3	3	147	153
Indexes
1996 production as % of normal:				134
1996/97 import requirement as % of normal:				57
1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal (including refugee needs):				-

FAO/GIEWS - April 1996