Harvesting of the 1996 second season foodcrops is complete whilst that of the third season is underway. With the exception of some pockets affected by drought, growing conditions during the season have been generally favourable. Although no firm estimates of output are available, the escalation in civil conflict in recent months, which lead to fresh waves of population displacement and disrupted agricultural is highly likely to have adversely affected the outcome. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission which was scheduled to visit the country in early August has been postponed due to the current security situation. The objective of the Mission is to review the outcome of the 1996 B crop season and estimate import requirements for the second half of the year, including food aid.
The food supply situation has tightened following the political events of late July and the trade embargo from neighbouring countries. Food prices are reported to have increased sharply in the past three weeks in urban areas and petrol has been rationed. The economic and food situation is like to worsen in the next months. Production of vegetables in the remainer of 1996 is expected to be reduced as most seeds for non-African vegetables are imported. While all 1996 cereal and pulses crops have already been harvested, consumption will be negatively affected by the ban on imports of cereals and other foods. It is estimated that at least 60 000 tons of cereals and pulse imports, representing 20 percent of normal consumption requirements of these staple foods in the second half of 1996, will not be possible. The security situation in most parts of the country is currently stable but remains extremely precarious. Large sections of the displaced and vulnerable population are in need of food assistance.