FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 02/97

GABON

Area:	258 000 sq.km
Climate:	Tropical wet climate; most rainfall: October-May
Population:	1.358 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 4 050 (1993)
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:	19 percent

CURRENT SITUATION

Rainfall remained limited but widespread in December and increased in January, allowing the planting of the second maize crop. The staple foodcrops are cassava and plantains, production of which is estimated at about 330 000 tons. Production of cereals in 1996, mainly maize is estimated at around 25 000 tons. In 1997, the country needs to import the bulk of its wheat and rice requirement which is estimated at 74 000 tons. No food aid is necessary.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1997 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)

	Wheat	Rice	Coarse grains	Total
Normal Production (rice in paddy terms)	-	-	24	24
Normal Imports	40	30	-	70
of which: Structural food aid	-	-	-	-
1997 Domestic Availability	-	-	25	25
1996 Production (rice in paddy terms)	-	-	25	25
1996 Production (rice in milled terms)	-	-	25	25
Possible stock drawdown	-	-	-	-
1997 Utilization	42	32	25	99
Food Use	41	32	19	92
of which: local purchase requirement	-	-	-	-
Non-food use	1	-	6	7
Exports or Re-exports	-	-	-	-
Possible stock build up	-	-	-	-
1997 Import Requirement	42	32	-	74
Anticipated commercial imports	42	32	-	74
Food aid needs	-	-	-	-
Current Aid Position
Food aid pledges	-	-	-	-
of which: Delivered	-	-	-	-
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year)	30	24	14	68
Indexes
1996 production as % of normal:				104
1997 import requirement as % of normal:				106
1997 food aid requirement as % of normal:				-