Dry weather conditions associated with El Niņo persist over most of the country. Planting of the 1998/99 first season cereal crops is about to start and intended plantings of maize, the main crop, are expected to expand considerably from last year assuming normal rains resume. Maize imports in marketing year 1997/98 (July/June) have increased from 31 000 tonnes in the previous year to some 175 000 tonnes as a result of the serious first season crop losses in 1997. Food aid is being distributed among the affected population as well as agricultural tools and fertilizers for the rehabilitation of agricultural activities.