| 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 weather was generally cool and dry in April, which facilitated drying of crops and allowed a timely harvest. Harvesting of the main season foodcrops is almost completed. The 1997 maize crop is estimated at some 2.2 million tons, 16 percent lower than last year’ good harvest but slightly above the five-year average. The output of millet and sorghum is estimated at about 220 000 tons, about the same as the above-average crop in 1996. Maize supply is expected to cover requirements, including the replenishment of stocks, and generate an exportable surplus.
The national food supply situation is expected to remain satisfactory during the 1997/98 marketing year. However, food availability and access are likely to be problematic in some districts in southern parts of the country, where rainfall was below average and the output of maize, sorghum, and millet is likely to be below average.
|
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 |
400 |
- |
2 515 |
2 915 |
|
1997 Production (rice in paddy terms) |
400 |
- |
2 515 |
2 915 |
|
1997 Production (rice in milled terms) |
400 |
- |
2 515 |
2 915 |
|
Possible stock drawdown |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
1997/98 Utilization |
445 |
20 |
2 515 |
2 980 |
|
Food Use |
335 |
20 |
1 749 |
2 104 |
|
of which: local purchase requirement |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Non-food use |
20 |
- |
641 |
661 |
|
Exports or Re-exports |
60 |
- |
125 |
185 |
|
Possible stock build up |
30 |
- |
- |
30 |
|
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 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Estimated Per Caput Consumption (kg/Year) |
28 |
2 |
148 |
178 |
|
Indexes | ||||
|
1997 production as % of normal: |
137 |
|||
|
1997/98 import requirement as % of normal: |
87 |
|||
|
1997/98 food aid requirement as % of normal: |
- |