FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 10/96

ZAIRE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Area: 2 267 000 sq.km
Climate: Tropical wet climate in the central basin, tropical wet-dry in the extreme north and the south
Population: 43.94 million (1995 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 240 (1989)
Specific characteristics of the country: Low-income food-deficit country; tropical country with access to sea
Logistics: Roads inadequate
Major foodcrops: Roots and tubers, coarse grains, fruit
Marketing year: January/December; Lean season: October (north), November-December (south)
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: 15 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Following abundant rains in July and the first half of August, rice is being planted in the north as well as the first maize crop in the centre. Dry conditions prevail in the south where rice and the second maize crop have been harvested.

In the eastern region, the security situation is worsening and becoming precarious. Following the escalation of violence and the intensified socio-political crisis in Burundi, many families are moving to Uvira. Current estimates point to about 727 000 Rwandan refugees in Goma camps, 313 000 in Bukavu and 183 000 in Uvira, who are receiving food assistance. As of the end of July, some 12 508 refugees, mostly Burundian, had arrived in Uvira during the month. In mid-August, the Zairian and Rwandan governments decided to close refugee camps in Zaire by the end of May 1997. In the Masisi region, it is estimated that up to 200 000 people have been forced to leave their homes and about 116 000 are being assisted. Approximately 50 000 refugees have fled this area and crossed the border into Rwanda. In August, an FAO Mission visited Kivu region to assess the impact of refugees on agriculture and the environment and propose emergency or rehabilitation interventions.