The recently harvested secondary “Der” crop, accounting for some 25 percent of annual cereal production, was sharply reduced. Late and poor rains during the season coupled with pest infestation and insecurity in areas resulted in a reduction of one third in the area planted and negatively affected yields. Latest estimates indicate a cereal output of 45 000 tons, 60 percent below both last year and the pre-war average. Pastures and livestock are also in poor condition due to water shortages.
The 1996 main “Gu” crop was estimated by an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission at 243 000 tons of cereals, 47 percent above the previous year but still one-third below normal. Moreover, the increase in production was concentrated in the Bay region and the Northwest, which together account for half of the country’s production. Elsewhere, production declined sharply. Aggregate cereal production in 1996/97 is estimated at 288 000 tons, 10 percent higher than the previous year.
The food supply situation remains tight in many areas following two successive reduced crops. Massive migration movements in search of employment and income generating activities are reported. Grain stocks are at minimum level and prices, which normally decline at harvest time, have increased significantly. The price of sorghum in late January was 65 percent higher than in November 1996. In contrast, prices of livestock have decreased sharply due to large sales by pastoralists in order to meet the cost of living and the survival of herds. Leaders of the different political factions have appealed for international food aid but the prevailing insecurity in the country hampers relief operations in the affected areas.
Import requirements for 1996/97 (September/August) are estimated at 256 000 tons. With an increase of commercial imports to some 170 000 tons, there is a deficit of 86 000 tons to be filled by food aid. Against this requirement, 17 000 tons of grains have been pledged. There is also urgent need of assistance in the form of seeds for planting of the next “Gu” crop, to start from next month.