Planting of the 1996/97 cereal crops is underway but rainfall was inadequate in October and November, particularly in northern provinces where dry conditions persisted. Sparse rains recorded in November in most growing areas of the central and southern provinces allowed farmers to prepare their land and start planting. Red locust swarms continue to be reported in central provinces of Manica, Sofala, Tete and Zambezia and in the northern province of Niassa. The government has appealed for international assistance. Some support has come from Zimbabwe which has offered 10 000 litres of insecticide and made two aircraft available to counter locusts. FAO has also initiated some control measures, but more assistance is needed to protect the new season crop. The food supply situation has improved considerably following above-average cereal production earlier in the year and adequate food aid. However, there are still several areas where vulnerable groups cannot be reached easily because of logistic constraints. The estimate of cereal import requirement remains at 300 000 tons. Food aid pledges amount to 164 000 tons, of which 69 500 tons have been delivered so far.