Output estimated to be satisfactory

The output of the 2001 A season crops is estimated to be satisfactory, FAO said in its Africa August report. A locally organised FAO/WFP/UNICEF assessment, estimated food production at 85,000 tons of cereals, 68,000 tons of pulses, 483,000 tons of roots and tubers and 465,000 tons of bananas and plantains. This according to the team, is 15 percent, 4 percent and 1 percent respectively higher than in the 2000 A season. The mission, however, observed that the outputs remained below the pre-crisis (1988-1993) average levels due to insecurity and disruption of agricultural production since 1994. It said the area planted increased significantly this season reflecting a relatively better security situation in western parts, particularly in the provinces of Bubanza and Cibitoke, and the closure of regroupment camps in Bujumbura Rural province, which allowed farmers to return to their fields. The other factor which contributed to higher plantings this season was the timely seed distributions by the government and international agencies, mainly in Kirundo and Muyinga provinces, the worst affected by drought during the 2000 A season. FAO noted that the food and nutrition situation of vulnerable groups remains precarious. It said the situation was particularly difficult for some 324,000 internally displaced people and for drought affected persons in the provinces of Karuzi, Gitega, Kayanza and Muyinga. “A recent nutrition survey in seven provinces of the country indicated a 10 percent rate of acute global malnutrition. Similarly, it quoted a recent report by the medical NGO MSF, as indicating that the number of malnourished children admitted to its therapeutic feeding centres in Karuzi province had doubled in January 2001. Emergency food aid continues to be necessary for the vulnerable sections of the population, it added.