| Area: | 94 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet-dry climate with one rainy season (November-May) |
| Population | 11.57 million (1997 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 170 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; land-locked country; importer and exporter of grain |
| Logistics: | Imports/exports through Beira (Mozambique) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) |
| Major foodcrops: | Maize, pulses, roots, tubers, rice |
| Marketing year: | April/March; Lean season: February-March |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 70 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
The outlook for the 1997/98 cereal crop is generally good. Despite a late start of the season, rainfall in most parts of the country has so far been very favourable. The rains have been generally light in the south but moderate to heavy in the north, resulting in flooding in some areas with loss of property and lives. Total area planted is expected to be comparable to the 1996/97 level but may be somewhat reduced as a result of the late start of rains. The supply of major agricultural inputs is considered adequate. Harvest prospects are therefore generally favourable. Overall, the 1998 crop is anticipated to be comparable to last year’s average level but could be higher if conditions continue to be favourable in southern areas. An improvement in harvest outcome will help reduce the country’s need to import cereals to meet its requirements. WFP plans to support a four month safety net programme through food-for-work and vulnerable group feeding activities.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production |
2 |
35 |
1 330 |
1 367 |
|
Normal Imports |
40 |
3 |
40 |
83 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
- |
- |
40 |
40 |
|
1997/98 Domestic Availability |
6 |
32 |
1 615 |
1 653 |
|
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
3 |
50 |
1 615 |
1 668 |
|
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
3 |
32 |
1 615 |
1 650 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
3 |
- |
- |
3 |
|
1997/98 Utilization |
51 |
34 |
1 915 |
2 000 |
|
Food Use |
51 |
27 |
1 740 |
1 818 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
12 |
12 |
|
Non-food use |
- |
5 |
175 |
180 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
1 |
- |
1 |
|
1997/98 Import Requirement |
45 |
2 |
300 |
347 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
45 |
2 |
150 |
197 |
|
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
150 |
150 |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
- |
- |
9 |
9 |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
5 |
5 |
|
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
12 |
12 |
|
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
12 |
12 |
|
for export |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) |
4 |
2 |
147 |
153 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1997 production as % of normal: |
122 |
|||
|
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
418 |
|||
|
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
375 |
