FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
Planting of the 2012 “vuli” season crops is underway in bi-modal areas
High maize and rice prices in most markets
Tighter food security situation following the start of the lean season together with higher food prices
Planting of 2012 “vuli” season crops is underway
In northern bi-modal rainfall areas, the 2012 “vuli” rainy season started on-time in September and planting of crops is underway. In general, rains have been erratic so far, with some crops, especially beans, requiring some re-planting. Rainfall forecasts, however, indicate above average amounts along the season, with likely favourable effects on crop yields and pasture conditions. At the same time, in central and southern uni-modal rainfall areas land is being prepared for planting “msimu” crops from November when seasonal rains are expected to start.
Aggregate cereal production for 2012 (including an average forecast of the 2012 “vuli” production in bi-modal rainfall areas for harvest early next year) is tentatively set at 6.5 million tonnes, about 3 percent above the previous five years average. Import requirements for 2012/13 (July/June) are estimated at 820 000 tonnes, including 650 000 tonnes of wheat, 100 000 tonnes of rice and 70 000 tonnes of maize.
