FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report 02/97

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CAPE VERDE

Area:

4 000 sq.km

Climate:

Semi-arid; rainfall increases with altitude; rainy season: July-December

Population:

407 000 (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 870 (1993)

Specific characteristics of the country:

Low-income food-deficit country; archipelago

Logistics:

Port capacity and roads adequate

Major foodcrops:

Maize, rice, pulses

Marketing year:

November/October; Lean season: n.a. since 90 percent of requirements covered by

imports


Share of cereals in total calorie intake:

57 percent



CURRENT SITUATION

Crop conditions have been particularly poor in 1996 as a result of irregular rains. A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission which visited Cape Verde in late October estimated the 1996 maize crop at only 1 000 tons, compared to about 7 000 tons in 1995.

As the country imports the bulk of its consumption requirement, the overall food supply situation will remain mostly satisfactory despite this reduced crop. However, rural populations, notably in the semi-arid zones, will be severely affected and may need assistance. The Government prepared a programme of emergency assistance to the affected populations including food aid, livestock rehabilitation and provision of drinkable water. Cereal import requirement in 1997 is estimated at 90 000 tons and the food aid requirement at 65 000 tons.

CEREAL SUPPLY/DEMAND BALANCE FOR THE 1996/97 MARKETING YEAR (in thousand tons)

Wheat

Rice

Coarse grains

Total

Normal Production (rice in paddy terms)

-

-

8

8

Normal Imports

20

20

50

90

of which: Structural food aid

15

10

40

65

1996/97 Domestic Availability

-

3

11

14

1996 Production (rice in paddy terms)

-

-

1

1

1996 Production (rice in milled terms)

-

-

1

1

Possible stock drawdown

-

3

10

13

1996/97 Utilization

20

23

61

104

Food Use

19

22

61

102

of which: local purchase requirement

-

-

-

-

Non-food use

1

1

-

2

(Re-)Exports

-

-

-

-

Possible stock build up

-

-

-

-

1996/97 Import Requirement

20

20

50

90

Anticipated commercial imports

5

10

10

25

Food aid needs

15

10

40

65

Current Aid Position





Food aid pledges

7

5

31

43

of which: Delivered

7

5

8

20

Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year)

47

54

149

250

Indexes





1996 production as % of normal:




13

1996/97 import requirement as % of normal:




100

1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal:




100


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