BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Area: 258 000 sq.km
Climate: Tropical wet climate; most rainfall: October-May
Population: 1.32 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 3 550 (1994)
Specific characteristics of the country: Coastal country
Logistics: Ports and roads adequate
Major foodcrops: Roots and tubers
Marketing year: January/December; Lean season: September-November
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 18 percent
CURRENT SITUATION
Light rains occurred in late June and precipitation stopped. Dry conditions prevailed from mid June to mid-August. The staple foodcrops are cassava and plantains. Production of cereals, mainly maize is estimated at around 26 000 tons. The country needs to import the bulk of its wheat and rice requirement which is estimated at 62 000 tons. No food aid is necessary.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal production | - | 1 | 24 | 25 |
| Normal imports (incl. re-exports) | 40 | 20 | 2 | 62 |
| of which: Structural food aid | - | - | - | - |
| 1995 Production | - | 1 | 25 | 26 |
| 1996 Utilization | 40 | 21 | 27 | 88 |
| Food use | 39 | 20 | 21 | 80 |
| Non-food use | 1 | 1 | 6 | 8 |
| 1996 Import Requirement | 40 | 20 | 2 | 62 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 40 | 20 | 2 | 62 |
| Food aid needs | - | - | - | - |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | - | - | - | - |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated per caput consumption (kg/year) | 30 | 16 | 16 | 62 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1995 production as % of normal: | 104 | |||
| 1996 import requirement as % of normal: | 100 | |||
| 1996 food aid requirement as % of normal: | - | |||