FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - RWANDA* (10 September)
A locally-organized joint Government/FAO/WFP/EU- PASAR/FSRP/FEWS-NET mission has estimated food production in the 2001 B season at 2.7 million tonnes. Although at this level output is 10 percent less than in the same season last year, in cereal-equivalent the output is 9 percent higher. This reflects very favourable production of cereals, mostly sorghum the main cereal crop of the B season. In particular, areas affected by recurring drought in the past (Bugesera, Mayaga, Kibungo, and Umutara) obtained a good harvest this season.
The satisfactory production is the result of an increase of 7.5 percent in the area planted and normal and well distributed rains during the season. However, excessive precipitation in northern and eastern parts affected pulse crops. In the north-west provinces of Giseny and Ruhengeri and in Kibuye province, food production was better this season, reflecting an improved security situation. Prices of sorghum, sweet potatoes, cassava, maize and cooking bananas by the end of July were at the same level than in the previous year and declining.
Import requirements in the second half of the year have decreased, compared to the same period last year, to 143 000 tonnes of cereal-equivalent, which is expected to be fully covered by commercial imports. However, vulnerable households may need some food assistance.