Rainfall decreased in July and August in the west, stopped in the east, and resumed in early September, becoming widespread over the entire country at the end of the month. Cumulative rainfall as of early November is reported to be normal but rains have been rather irregular during the growing season. Rice is currently being harvested. Relative peace and stability continue to prevail throughout the country and have encouraged farming activities. Agricultural activities during the growing season have been close to normal in Lofa, Bong and Nimba counties considered to be the grain basket of the country. Although a shortage of hand tools and rice seed were limiting factors, this was alleviated by a massive seed and tool distribution programme. Preliminary reports show that some 118 000 vulnerable families, or some 55 percent of the total, should have been reached by the seed and tool distribution programme. No major climatic constraint or pest have been reported. Rice and cassava yields should be similar to the estimates for the 1996 growing season and the current FAO estimates for 1997 point to about 170 000 tons of paddy and 280 000 tons of cassava, which is substantially higher than last year.
Following the return of thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries, the price of rice is rising rapidly. Most people have turned to cassava as a substitute, but prices are also increasing. The food supply situation is improving following recovery of commercial activities. Food aid is being distributed to about 250 000 displaced people, 165 000 vulnerable people, 125 000 children through school feeding, and 94 000 in food for work programmes. Food supply on the urban market is stable although most of the available food is coming from humanitarian assistance. The food supply situation in rural areas is easing as the main crop is being harvested. Overall, Liberia remains heavily dependent on food aid, especially the counties with a high number of returnees.