FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

COTE D'IVOIRE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 318 000 sq.km
Climate: Tropical wet-dry; two rainy seasons (March-July and September-December) in south and one in north
Population: 13.9 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 510 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country
Logistics: Ports and roads adequate; gateway to Burkina Faso and Mali
Major foodcrops: Roots and tubers, fruit, rice, maize
Marketing year: July/June; Lean season: April to July
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 40 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Rains were widespread during the first and the second dekads of July and stopped during the third dekad, except in the extreme north. They remained very light during the first half of August and became heavy in the north-west during the third dekad of August. In the north, millet and sorghum are flowering. In the south, the first maize crop has been harvested and the second maize crop is being planted.

The overall food supply situation is satisfactory and markets are well supplied. Approximately 305 000 Liberian refugees remain in Côte d’Ivoire. WFP and UNHCR have implemented a strategy for phasing out self-sufficient Liberian refugees from free food distribution. As a result, only 250 000 refugees have been retained for relief food distribution. The cereal import requirement for 1996/97 (including re-export) is estimated at 580 000 tons mostly wheat and rice.