BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA* (1 December)

Winter wheat planting of the 1997 harvest has now been completed. The area planted is estimated larger than in the previous year reflecting the improved availability of agricultural inputs in the Serb Republic following the lifting of the international embargo. However, in the Bosnia- Herzegovina Federation plantings of wheat are estimated to have decreased for the second consecutive year from the well above average levels of the war period. The 1996 aggregate cereal production increased substantially form the previous year’s level in both the Serb Republic and the Bosnia-Herzegovina Federation. Production of other food staples, mainly potatoes also recovered considerably. The total wheat import requirement in the 1996/97 marketing year (July/June) was estimated at some 214 000 tons. With commercial imports expected at a minimum of 86 000 tons of wheat grain equivalent, the food aid requirement amount to 112 000 tons. Food security have improved throughout the country with the cessation of hostilities and the progressive normalization of economic and trade activities. However, the limited purchasing power remained a constraint to food access. In general, living conditions in the country are gradually improving with reconstruction and re-habilitation projects being carried out in all areas. Nevertheless, continuing political uncertainty and insecurity at local level is hampering the return of many refugees and internally displaced people.