| Area: | 387 000 sq.km |
| Climate: | Centre and north-east tropical wet-dry; south and west semi-arid. One rainy season |
| (November-March) | |
| Population: | 11.83 million (1997 estimate); G.N.P. per caput: U.S.$ 540 (1995) |
| 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 1997 cereal production is estimated at 2.7 million tons, compared to 3.1 million tons in 1996. The maize crop amounts to 2.2 million tons, 16 percent lower than last year’s good harvest but slightly above average. The output of millet and sorghum is estimated at about 220 000 tons, about the same as the above-average crop in 1996.
The national food supply situation is expected to remain satisfactory during the 1997/98 marketing year. Maize supply is expected to cover requirements, including the replenishment of stocks, and to leave an exportable surplus.
| Wheat | Rice | Coarse grains | Total | |
| Normal Production (rice in paddy terms) | 240 | 4 | 1 880 | 2 124 |
| Normal Imports | 55 | 20 | - | 75 |
| of which: Structural food aid | 5 | - | - | 5 |
| 1997/98 Domestic Availability | 328 | - | 2 427 | 2 755 |
| 1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) | 300 | - | 2 425 | 2 725 |
| 1997 Production (rice in milled terms) | 300 | - | 2 425 | 2 725 |
| Possible stock drawdown | 28 | - | 2 | 30 |
| 1997/98 Utilization | 373 | 20 | 2 427 | 2 820 |
| Food Use | 335 | 20 | 1 696 | 2 051 |
| of which: local purchase requirement | - | - | (6) | (6) |
| Non-food use | 20 | - | 606 | 626 |
| Possible stock build up | 18 | - | 125 | 143 |
| 1997/98 Import Requirement | 45 | 20 | - | 65 |
| Anticipated commercial imports | 45 | 20 | - | 65 |
| Food aid needs | - | - | - | - |
| Current Aid Position | ||||
| Food aid pledges | 5 | - | 3 | 8 |
| of which: Delivered | - | - | - | - |
| Donor-financed local purchases | - | - | 6 | 6 |
| Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) | 28 | 2 | 143 | 173 |
| Indexes | ||||
| 1997 production as % of normal: | 128 | |||
| 1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: | 87 | |||
| 1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: | - |
