NORTH AFRICA FACES ANOTHER YEAR OF POOR HARVESTS AND INCREASED CEREAL IMPORTS DUE TO DROUGHT - 5 April 2000

Abstract

Current crop prospects in North Africa for 2000 are unfavourable due to prolonged dry conditions since January. With the exception of high altitude locations and the Atlantic coastline which received some light rains in March, crop growing areas in the region extending across Morocco and northern Algeria have received little rain since January. Dry conditions have also affected parts of northern and central Tunisia and northern Libya. This has resulted in total crop loss in several areas of Moro cco and Algeria. In Egypt, by contrast, the mostly irrigated wheat crop is growing under favourable conditions so far and a good harvest is in prospect.