A recent FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission estimated total 1996/97 production of cereals at 1.53 million tons against 1.38 million tons last year, about 11 percent higher than last year. Crop damage from pests or diseases was minimal. Production of cassava, the other major staple, has also increased and it was less affected by heavy rains. The production of beans and groundnuts is estimated to have increased by 8.5 percent over to the previous year.
Reflecting the increase in food production, the overall food supply situation during the 1997/98 marketing year (April/March) is expected to be better than last year, with a coarse grains surplus estimated at 63 000 tons. However, the country will have an estimated import requirement of 205 000 tons rice and wheat. Moreover, a large number of farmers affected by floods could face food shortages in the coming months. Among the affected, however, those who would harvest second season crops in September would have some supplies, but there would still be a significant number that would have difficulty in coping with shortages unless they receive assistance.
The Mission estimated that approximately 172 000 people will require immediate food assistance for 4 months. Furthermore, 77 000 people might require assistance for an additional period of three months contingent upon the evaluation of the second season crop performance. The food aid needs for the 1997/98 marketing year are estimated at 10 114 tons, consisting of 9 288 tons of maize and 826 tons of pulses. Overall, the 1997/98 food assistance represents 46 percent of that provided last year.