An FAO Mission which visited the country for three weeks in June/July found that the area sown to wheat had increased very sharply . Growing conditions this year have been better than last year and the 1996 cereal harvest is expected to be larger than last year’s, when the harvest was officially estimated at 236 000 tons.
Despite the anticipated increase, cereal production will still be insufficient to meet consumption requirements and the food supply situation is expected to remain precarious. The wheat supply situation is extremely tight as shortages of foreign exchange and barter goods severely constrain commercial imports , while the food aid pipeline remains limited. The country will continue to need assistance in 1996/97 to cover its cereal import requirement.
The upsurge of civil strife in recent months has led to heavy casualties in localized areas, renewed internal displacement of people,and increased the urgency of meeting relief needs. Relief food assistance is needed for a target population of 620 000 people in vulnerable groups. Of this population WFP is appealing for the needs of 400 000 people (pensioners, war widows, orphans, invalids, among whom are returnee and internally displaced persons). WFP’s food pipeline covers needs to the end of January and further pledges are required to ensure continuity through the winter period. WFP’s outstanding needs to April 1997 total 7 000 tons.