| Area: | 387 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Centre and north-east tropical wet-dry; south and west semi-arid. One rainy season |
| (November-March) | |
| Population: | 11.97 million (1997 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 750 (1997) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Land-locked country; exporter and importer of grain |
| Logistics: | Exports and imports through Mozambique or South Africa |
| Major foodcrops: | Maize, wheat, millet, sorghum |
| Marketing year: | April/March; Lean season: February-April |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 66 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
The output of the irrigated wheat crop, now being harvested, is estimated at an above-average level of some 250 000 tonnes. By contrast, production of maize, the main staple, harvested earlier in the year, fell by one-third to 1.47 million tonnes due to erratic rainfall associated with El Niño.
The national food supply situation for the current marketing year is expected to be tight until the next harvest in April 1999. Recently, the price of bread and maize meal went up by 30 percent and 40 percent, respectively, and fuel prices rose by over 60 percent in early November. The food supply position is particularly critical in Matabeleland South Province and sections of Midlands, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces. Cereal import requirements for 1998/99 are estimated at 825 000 tonnes. While 4.5 million people have registered for the Grain Loan Scheme, the Government is providing direct relief assistance to the most vulnerable groups. However, most needy areas are difficult to reach because of transport difficulties.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production | 240 | 4 | 1 880 | 2 124 |
| Normal Imports | 55 | 20 | - | 75 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 5 | - | - | 5 |
| 1998/99 Domestic Availability | 250 | - | 1 606 | 1 856 |
| 1998 Production (rice in paddy terms) | 250 | - | 1 579 | 1 829 |
| 1998 Production (rice in milled terms) | 250 | - | 1 579 | 1 829 |
| Possible stock drawdown | - | - | 27 | 27 |
| 1998/99 Utilization | 400 | 25 | 2 256 | 2 681 |
| Food Use | 345 | 25 | 1 731 | 2 101 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | - | - |
| Non-food use | 15 | - | 475 | 490 |
| Exports or Re-exports | - | - | 50 | 50 |
| Possible stock build up | 40 | - | - | 40 |
| 1998/99 Import Requirement | 150 | 25 | 650 | 825 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 150 | 25 | 650 | 825 |
| Food aid needs | - | - | - | - |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 83 | - | 2 | 85 |
| of which: Delivered | 9 | - | - | 9 |
| Donor-financed purchases | - | - | 9 | 9 |
| of which: for local use | - | - | - | - |
| for export | - | - | 9 | 9 |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 29 | 2 | 145 | 176 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1998 production as % of normal: | 86 | |||
| 1998/99 import requirement as % of normal: | 1100 | |||
| 1998/99 food aid requirement as % of normal: | - |
