Following abundant and well distributed rainfall, total cereal production for 1995/96 is estimated at 166 000 tons, which is above-average and 86 percent higher than last year. The output of maize is estimated at 125 000 tons, which is also above-average and 70 percent above last year. Sorghum output is expected to reach 30 000 tons.
Due to the increase in production, the food supply situation for the 1996/97 marketing year is expected to improve substantially. However, some 235 000 tons of cereals will need to be imported, including 70 000 tons for relief assistance to people affected by last year’s drought. The situation was made worse by heavy snowfalls in mid-July, which particularly affected vulnerable households. As a result, the Government has appealed for further emergency assistance from the international community. Food aid pledges amount to 41 000 tons, of which 32 000 tons have been delivered so far.