| Area: | 28 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet-dry; one rainy season: May-October |
| Population: | 1.13 million (1998 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 240 (1997) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity being improved; roads inadequate, particularly during the rainy season; river transport important |
| Major foodcrops: | Rice, coarse grains, oils and fats, roots and tubers |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: May-August |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 64 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
An accord signed in November reaffirmed the ceasefire agreement signed in late July 1998. It provides for the opening of a humanitarian corridor and the re-opening of the airport. The accord also called for the formation of a government of national unity and the holding of legislative and presidential elections before March 1999.
The food supply situation is reported to be stable as the ongoing harvest is providing an additional supply. However, following recent fighting which led to a suspension of food distributions, about 380 000 internally displaced people need assistance, notably in Prabis and Cumura, near Bissau, and in Bafata area. Food distribution has resumed.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production | - | 117 | 62 | 179 |
| Normal Imports | 7 | 60 | - | 67 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 1 | 3 | - | 4 |
| 1998/99 Domestic Availability | - | 58 | 49 | 107 |
| 1998 Production (rice in paddy terms) | - | 80 | 40 | 120 |
| 1998 Production (rice in milled terms) | - | 53 | 40 | 93 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | 5 | 9 | 14 |
| 1998/99 Utilization | 7 | 128 | 75 | 210 |
| Food Use | 7 | 114 | 58 | 180 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | - | 9 | 16 | 25 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | 5 | - | 5 |
| Possible stock build up | - | - | - | - |
| 1998/99 Import Requirement | 7 | 701/ | 15 | 92 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 5 | 50 | - | 55 |
| Food aid needs | 2 | 20 | 15 | 37 |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | - | - | - | - |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | - | - |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | - | - |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 6 | 101 | 51 | 158 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1998 production as % of normal: | 67 | |||
| 1998/99 import requirement as % of normal: | 137 | |||
| 1998/99 food aid requirement as % of normal: | 925 |
