| Area: | 824 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Mostly arid (south-west and coast) or semi-arid. Only north and north-east gets regular rainfall in November-April |
| Population: | 1.69 million (1997 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 2 000 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Arid to semi-arid country; cereal production mainly in the north |
| Logistics: | Good road and railway network |
| Major foodcrops: | Millet, maize, sorghum, wheat |
| Marketing year: | May/April; |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 48 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
The 1996/97 agricultural season was characterized by average to above-average precipitation in the northern crop growing region. Rainfall was above average in most parts of the country during the first quarter of 1997, benefiting crops and pastures, although intermittent dry spells occurred in late February and early March in some areas. Precipitation was, however, below normal in April. As a result of larger area planted this year and increased yields, production of coarse grains is estimated at a record 164 000 tons, almost double last year’s output. Grazing conditions are good in most parts of the country.
The food supply situation in the country is satisfactory. However, despite the record harvest, cereal imports will be necessary during the 1997/98 marketing year to meet national consumption needs. This requirement, mostly wheat and maize, is expected to be covered by commercial channels.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production (rice in paddy terms) |
4 |
- |
88 |
92 |
|
Normal Imports |
30 |
- |
31 |
61 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
1 |
- |
2 |
3 |
|
1997/98 Domestic Availability |
4 |
- |
165 |
169 |
|
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
4 |
- |
165 |
169 |
|
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
4 |
- |
165 |
169 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1997/98 Utilization |
49 |
- |
217 |
266 |
|
Food Use |
49 |
- |
175 |
224 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
- |
- |
22 |
22 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
- |
20 |
20 |
|
1997/98 Import Requirement |
45 |
- |
52 |
97 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
45 |
- |
52 |
97 |
|
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
29 |
- |
103 |
132 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1997 production as % of normal: |
184 |
|||
|
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
159 |
|||
|
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |