| UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - AFRICAN STUDIES CENTER |
SPECIAL N E W S REPORT
CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY SITUATION IN LIBERIA
Rome, xx January 1999 -- Since 1996 it had been impossible for FAO/GIEWS to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the food supply situation in Liberia due to security reasons. With improved security following the installation of an elected government, GIEWS was able to field a short fact-finding mission to the country in mid-December 1998 to estimate food production in 1998 and forecast the cereal supply position for 1999 (January/December). Two officers, one from the Ministry of Agriculture and the other from the FAO Representation, were assigned to assist the Mission. Discussions were held with relevant Government officials, UN Agencies and NGOs, and limited field visits were made to inspect crop conditions.
The figures presented in the report indicate a significantly improved overall food situation. At the time of the Mission, the INGO's Bulk Seeds and Tools Committee was reviewing the outcome of the 1998 harvest through survey questionnaires from all farming districts. The analysis of the questionnaires was expected to be finalised by February 1999 and, therefore, the findings of the Mission may need to be revised according to the outcome of this analysis.
The Mission estimates paddy production in 1998 at 210 100 tonnes, up 25 percent on the estimate for 1997 and about 70 percent of the pre-civil strife 1986/90 average. Cassava production is estimated at 313 300 tonnes (fresh weight), which is 96 percent of the pre-crisis average. The main factors which contributed to the increase in paddy and cassava production include an expansion in planted area as a result of the return of large numbers of farm families to their homes, increased yields due to greater access to NGO-supplied inputs (especially seeds and tools) and improved crop husbandry practices as more extension services become available. In addition, improved varieties of cassava have become more readily available from a number of NGO-supported projects.
On the basis of an estimated population of about 2.8 million in 1999 and an estimated daily per caput cereal consumption of 101 kg, the Mission estimates that Liberia will need to import 155 000 tonnes of cereals to meet its consumption requirements. Commercial imports are anticipated at 100 000 tonnes of rice and 5 000 tonnes of wheat. The remaining 50 000 tonnes will need to be covered by food aid, estimated at 30 000 tonnes of wheat and 20 000 tonnes of maize products such as maize meal and CSB for distribution to vulnerable displaced people. Food aid in the form of rice is not foreseen.
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Please see the FAO Web site at: http://www.fao.org under Economics and GIEWS-Early Warning, then click on Special Alerts and Reports to access the full Special Report on Liberia
For further information contact: John Riddle, FAO Media Office: 39 06 57 05 32 59, or john.riddle@fao.org
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FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS, ROME
[ENDS]
Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 17:14:52 -0300 (GMT+3) From: IRIN - West Africa <irin-wa@wa.ocha.unon.org> Subject: LIBERIA: FAO Special Alert on Liberia 1999.1.29
Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar
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