| Area: | 10 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Tropical wet-dry climate; one rainy season: May-October |
| Population: | 1.175 million (1996 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 320 (1995) |
| Specific characteristics of the country: | Low-income food-deficit country; coastal sahelian country |
| Logistics: | Port capacity and roads adequate |
| Major foodcrops: | Rice, millet and sorghum |
| Marketing year: | November/October; Lean season: July-September |
| Share of cereals in total calorie intake: | 63 percent |
CURRENT SITUATION
Abundant rains were received in September following a dry spell. Following below-normal precipitation from mid-July up to mid-August, which affected recently planted crops, widespread and above-normal rains were registered in late August and during the entire month of September. Coarse grains are now being harvested. Rice is developing satisfactorily. Grain-eating birds have been reported on early millet and maize. Blister beetles also attacked early millet in some regions. An assessment mission with FAO/WFP/NGOs and national services organised in late August reviewed the impact of the dry spell on crops. However, good growing conditions in September may slightly improve harvest prospects. Then, a joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission visited The Gambia from 13 to 17 October. Composed of experts or consultants from FAO/GIEWS, the DIAPER Programme and the Agrhymet Centre of CILSS, this Mission worked closely with the national services involved in the monitoring of rainy season (meteorology, hydrology, plant protection, agricultural statistics) and estimated 1997 cereal production at 84 700 tons which is 24 percent less than the 1996 level and below average. Coarse grain production decreased more (-20 percent) than that of rice (-12 percent).
|
Wheat |
Rice |
Coarse grains |
Total |
|
|
Normal Production |
- |
19 |
81 |
100 |
|
Normal Imports |
25 |
80 |
3 |
108 |
|
of which: Structural food aid |
1 |
2 |
3 |
6 |
|
1996/97 Domestic Availability |
- |
17 |
83 |
100 |
|
1996 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
- |
25 |
79 |
104 |
|
1996 Production (rice in milled terms) |
- |
17 |
79 |
96 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
4 |
4 |
|
1996/97 Utilization |
20 |
97 |
93 |
210 |
|
Food Use |
17 |
85 |
80 |
182 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
1 |
3 |
13 |
17 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
2 |
5 |
- |
7 |
|
Possible stock build up |
- |
4 |
- |
4 |
|
1996/97 Import Requirement |
20 |
80 |
10 |
110 |
|
Anticipated commercial imports |
19 |
78 |
- |
97 |
|
Food aid needs |
1 |
2 |
10 |
13 |
|
Current Aid Position | ||||
|
Food aid pledges |
- |
4 |
4 |
8 |
|
of which: Delivered |
- |
3 |
4 |
7 |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
15 |
72 |
68 |
155 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1996 production as % of normal: |
104 |
|||
|
1996/97 import requirement as % of normal: |
102 |
|||
|
1996/97 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
217 |
