FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report - August 1997

GUINEA

CURRENT SITUATION

Rains started in late March in the extreme south-east, increased in the south in April and became abundant over the entire country in May and June. Cumulative precipitation as of the end of June is above average. The first maize crop, millet and sorghum are growing satisfactorily and are at emerging/tillering stage in the centre. Sorghum is still being planted in the north. Planting of rice is completed, except for swamp and low-lying areas rice in the south. As a result of below normal, though widespread rainfall in 1996, and shortage of fertilizers, aggregate cereal output in 1996 is estimated at 890 000 tons, which is about average.

In March, the price of local rice increased but was still lower than last year in the same period. Markets were well supplied with both local and imported rice. Quantities of rice imported during the first quarter of the year are much lower compared to last year. In April, the government imposed a ban on potato imports as local potatoes are currently being harvested and prices were decreasing substantially due to large amounts of imported potatoes on the markets. The cereal import requirement for 1997 is anticipated to be 375 000 tons. In June, it was estimated that about 545 000 Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees were in Guinea, most of whom are assisted with emergency food aid. With the ongoing peace process in Liberia, refugees are likely to begin returning while about 8 000 refugees from Sierra Leone have arrived, following civil disturbances. The caseload of refugees targeted for food aid distribution from January 1997 amounted to 293 000 Liberians and 173 000 Sierra-Leoneans. Following recent upheaval in Sierra Leone and subsequent population movements, the number of Sierra Leonean refugees will need to be reviewed.