Planting of the 1997 second “B” season is underway. Seeds and other agricultural inputs are being distributed by FAO and other international agencies. A further increase in the area planted is expected this season following the massive return of refugees last November.
Food production of the 1997 A season was estimated by an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Assessment Mission in December to be higher than in the previous year, although still below the pre-civil strife average. The output of cereals and root and tubers increased by 23 percent reflecting larger plantings and abundant rains but that of pulses, the main crop of the season, declined 12 percent due to excessive rains. Production of bananas and plantains increased slightly, with improved crop husbandry partially compromised by crop damage by heavy winds in important growing areas. Despite the overall improvement, however, production was sharply reduced in the Gikongoro, Gitarama and parts of Butare and Kigali rural prefectures which were affected by severe dry weather during the season.
The reduction in bean output, coupled with a sharp increase in demand from an estimated 1.3 million returning refugees, has aggravated the already precarious food supply situation in the country. Bean prices have risen sharply over last year.
Import requirements for the first half of 1997 are estimated at 30 000 tons of cereals, 45 000 tons of pulses, 124 000 tons of roots and tubers and 522 000 tons of bananas and plantains. In grain equivalent terms, the total deficit is estimated at 141 000 tons. After accounting for commercial imports, food aid requirements are estimated at 81 000 tons of cereals and 33 000 tons of pulses. The vulnerable population is estimated at 2.571 million people, or one-third of the population, including returnees who were not engaged in farming during the 1997 A season, previous returnees who had to leave farm areas they were occupying, and vulnerable groups such as widows, elderly people living alone and orphans.
Security conditions have deteriorated considerably in the past two months, particularly in the four prefectures bordering Zaire, with increased number of violent incidents reported. Food aid distribution is being hampered in these areas.