FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - November 1997:

SUDAN

CURRENT SITUATION

Normal rains in most growing areas in the first dekad of October, which followed below-normal precipitation in some central parts in September, improved growing conditions for the 1997 coarse grains. Preliminary estimates indicate an area planted of some 12 million hectares, close to the good level of last year; a decrease in the area planted of sorghum partially compensating larger plantings of millet. Desert locusts have been reported in various areas but control measures have been taken. Overall, prospects for the harvest from late November are favourable. Crops are reported to be in good condition in the areas of Darfur and Kordofan where the harvest was reduced in the past two years.However in southern parts, where the first season cereal crops harvested in September was reduced due to insufficient and erratic precipitation, rains in the first dekad of October were below average and growing conditions continue to be unfavourable for the second crop season.

Prices of cereals remain stable with decreases in some areas where the harvest is about to start. The food supply situation in the states of Darfur and Kordofan, affected by a previous poor harvest, is expected to improve with the new harvest. However, the food situation is anticipated to deteriorate in the war-affected southern parts, where the recently harvested main season cereal crops were substantially reduced and prospects for the second crop season are poor. Food aid is required in these areas. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission will visit the country in mid-November to appraise the 1997 coarse grain crops and estimate import requirements for 1998, including food aid.