| Area: | 342 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet climate in north, tropical wet-dry in south with main rainy season in October-April |
| Population: | 3.124 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 680 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; tropical coastal country |
| Logistics: | Ports adequate; roads inadequate during rainy season |
| Major foodcrops: | Roots and tubers, fruit |
| Marketing year: | Jan./Dec.; Lean season: September-November |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 19 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Following the civil strife in 1997, which severely disrupted food marketing activities and caused large-scale displacement of the population, especially from urban to rural areas, the situation appears to be on track towards recovery and reconstruction. It is estimated that the population of Brazzaville reached about 80 percent of its pre-war level, up from 70 percent in late 1997. Most of the estimated 50 000 refugees in the DRC have returned. However, food prices remain high due to transport and marketing constraints. The cereal import requirement in 1998 (January/December) is estimated at 95 000 tonnes.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production | - | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Normal Imports | 85 | 30 | 4 | 119 |
| of which: Structural food aid | - | 8 | - | 8 |
| 1998 Domestic Availability | 10 | 0 | 2 | 12 |
| 1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 1997 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 10 | - | - | 10 |
| 1998 Utilization | 80 | 20 | 7 | 107 |
| Food Use | 78 | 18 | 6 | 102 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | 2 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | - | - | - |
| Possible stock build up | - | - | - | - |
| 1998 Import Requirement | 70 | 20 | 5 | 95 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 60 | 10 | 2 | 72 |
| Food aid needs | 10 | 10 | 3 | 23 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 2 | - | - | 2 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/year) | 25 | 6 | 2 | 33 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1997 production as % of normal: | 37 | |||
| 1998 import requirement as % of normal: | 80 | |||
| 1998 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 288 |
