Rains started in late March in the extreme south-east, increased in the south in April and became abundant over the entire country in May and June. Cumulative precipitation as of the end of June is above average. The first maize, millet and sorghum crops are growing satisfactorily, while they are at emerging/tillering stage in the centre. Sorghum is still being planted in the north. Planting of rice is completed, except for swamp and low-lying areas in the south. As a result of below-normal, though widespread, rainfall and shortage of fertilizers, aggregate cereal output in 1996 is estimated at 890 000 tons, which is about average.
Markets are well supplied with both local and imported rice. Quantities of rice imported during the first quarter of the year are much lower compared to last year. The Government has imposed a ban on potato imports to support the prices of locally produced products. The cereal import requirement for 1997 is anticipated to be 375 000 tons. In June, it was estimated that about 545 000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees were in Guinea, most of whom assisted with emergency food aid. With the new political developments in Liberia, refugees are likely to begin returning while an additional 30 000 refugees from Sierra Leone have arrived during the last two months following civil disturbances. The caseload of refugees targeted for food aid distribution in 1997 amounted in June to 293 000 Liberians and 173 000 Sierra-Leoneans. Following the recent upheaval in Sierra Leone and subsequent population movements, the number of Sierra Leonean refugees will need to be reviewed.