FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

ETHIOPIA

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 976 680 sq.km
Climate: Northern coastal area and lowlands in the south and the east are semi-arid to arid; the rest of the country has a highland rainy climate with mild winter.
Population: 56.67 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 130 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country
Logistics: Land-locked country, roads inadequate
Major foodcrops: Maize, teff, barley, sorghum, wheat, pulses, enset (false banana)
Marketing year: January/December; Lean season: August-November
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 69 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Floods in late August in central parts resulted in damage to infrastructure and crops, mainly sugar cane, and affected 20 000 people who had to be evacuated and are now receiving emergency food assistance from the Government. Harvesting of the 1996 secondary "belg" crop is complete. Although the belg crop accounts for roughly 7 percent of total cereal production, it is the main crop in some areas. Abundant precipitation during the season, coupled with effective control of armyworms and adequate fertilizer availability resulted in a good harvest. Aggregate cereal and pulse production in 1995/96 is provisionally estimated at 9.4 million tons, an increase of 13 percent from the previous year. In the nomadic zones of South and East Borna, Ogaden and the Bale lowlands, where the "belg" rains are the main rainy season, pasture and livestock conditions have improved considerably in recent months.

The outlook for the 1996 main "meher" cereal crops is promising. Normal to above normal rains in the past two months resulted in floods and crop losses in parts, but overall benefited developing crops. However, abundant precipitation of past months has also resulted in pest outbreak in some areas of northeastern highlands. Control operations are underway.

As a result of last year’s record "meher" cereal and pulse crop, the food supply situation is stable and food prices have decreased from last year to levels of 1994. However, despite the overall satisfactory food supply situation, food assistance is still required in parts where the harvests were reduced and in traditionally food deficit areas of Tigray, North Wollo, Walaita and Hararghe zones. These were expected to be covered by carryover stocks and through donor-supported local purchases. However, at the end of August local purchases and food aid deliveries amounted to 139 000 tons and 296 000 tons respectively.