| 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
Weather conditions have so far been favourable in most crop growing areas of the country. Rainfall in January has been widespread and heavy in some areas, substantially improving crop growing conditions, particularly in the north-east and Caprivi regions. Pastures have also benefited from these favourable conditions. Despite a dry spell in early February, the rainfall situation continues to be better than anticipated at the beginning of the season. However, more timely and well distributed rains are needed in March and April to bring to maturity crops mostly planted in late December and January.
Prospects for cereal harvests are generally favourable. Assuming no major deterioration of weather conditions in the coming few weeks, output is expected to be close to or above average. Following last year’s bumper harvest, a large carryover stock is anticipated at the end of the current marketing year. Consequently, available supply and planned commercial imports should cover consumption requirements during the 1998/99 marketing year.
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production |
4 |
- |
88 |
92 |
|
Normal Imports |
30 |
- |
31 |
61 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
1 |
- |
2 |
3 |
|
1997/98 Domestic Availability |
5 |
- |
166 |
171 |
|
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
5 |
- |
166 |
171 |
|
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
5 |
- |
166 |
171 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1997/98 Utilization |
51 |
- |
203 |
254 |
|
Food Use |
50 |
- |
161 |
211 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
- |
- |
22 |
22 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Possible stock build up |
1 |
- |
20 |
21 |
|
1997/98 Import Requirement |
46 |
- |
37 |
83 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
46 |
- |
37 |
83 |
|
Food aid needs |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
1 |
- |
- |
1 |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Donor-financed purchases |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
of which: for local use |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
for export |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) |
30 |
- |
95 |
125 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1997 production as % of normal: |
186 |
|||
|
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
136 |
|||
|
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |
