|
Area: |
824 000 sq.km |
|
Climate: |
Mostly arid (south-west and coast) or semi-arid. Only north and north-east gets regular |
|
rainfall in November-April | |
|
Population: |
1.54 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 1 660 (1993) |
|
Specific characteristics of the country: |
Arid to semi-arid country; cereal production mainly in the north |
|
Logistics: |
Good road and railway network |
|
Major foodcrops: |
Millet, maize, sorghum, wheat |
|
Marketing year: |
May/April; |
|
Share of cereals in total calorie intake: |
48 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Following dry weather conditions in October, widespread rains were received in November, in the southern half of the country gradually reaching northern crop growing regions. Normal to above normal rains fell over all parts of the country from late December through January benfiting pastures and crops. Pasture conditions have now recovered from the 1996 drought. The maize crop planted in the flood plain areas of Caprivi is at flowering stage and in good condition. Elsewhere, most of the crop is at the germination and early vegetative stages. The early outlook for harvest is generally favourable.
Harvesting of irrigated winter wheat is complete and output is estimated at 4 100 tons. This is slightly lower than earlier anticipated due to a reduction in water supply and some damage by rain storms in early November.
The national food supply situation in 1996/97 remains satisfactory. Cereal stocks and planned imports virtually cover the national requirements. However, some 180 000 people remain food-insecure. Food distribution under the Government’s drought relief programme continues for vulnerable people in northern and pastoral areas.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production (rice in paddy terms) |
4 |
- |
88 |
92 |
|
Normal Imports |
30 |
- |
31 |
61 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
1 |
- |
2 |
3 |
|
1996/97 Domestic Availability |
4 |
- |
82 |
86 |
|
1996 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
4 |
- |
82 |
86 |
|
1996 Production (rice in milled terms) |
4 |
- |
82 |
86 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1996/97 Utilization |
33 |
- |
162 |
195 |
|
Food Use |
32 |
- |
151 |
183 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
1 |
- |
9 |
10 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
2 |
2 |
|
1996/97 Import Requirement |
29 |
- |
80 |
109 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
29 |
- |
80 |
109 |
|
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
21 |
- |
98 |
119 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1996 production as % of normal: |
93 |
|||
|
1996/97 import requirement as % of normal: |
179 |
|||
|
1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |