Following the below-average 1997 first season food crops in several areas of the country, the food supply situation has tightened. Prices of beans and maize have more than doubled their level of a year ago. The situation is particularly difficult in the east and north-east parts which were affected by drought and in northern districts, where insecurity is hampering food aid distribution. The latest assessment estimated the number of persons affected by drought/flood in need of food assistance at 612 000. In addition, food aid is needed for about 150 000 internally displaced persons in the north and 268 945 refugees.
Prospects for the 1997 second season food crops, to be harvested from late June, are generally favourable following good rains in April and May. However in eastern and southern parts, where planting was delayed by one month due to the late start of the rains, and precipitation was below average in May, more rains are needed to avoid reductions in yield potential. In northern districts affected by continuous civil strife, production is anticipated to be reduced for the second consecutive season reflecting reductions in the area planted due to population movements.