Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Planting of maize normally starts in July. Maize production was particularly poor both in 1996 and 1997, and this may cause problems with seed availability in some areas.
Despite two successive poor harvests, the overall food supply situation remains satisfactory as the country imports the bulk of its consumption requirement. However, at-risk rural populations, notably in the semi-arid or arid zones, may need assistance. For the 1997/98 marketing year, the cereal import requirement is estimated at 100 000 tonnes. Pledges reported so far amount to 55 000 tonnes.