FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
Estimates for the 2012 harvest point to a large recovery in cereal production
The food supply situation has improved in 2012/13 compared to the previous year
However, access to food continues to be constrained by high food prices and the lingering effects of last year food crisis
Seasonably dry conditions prevail across the country and the 2013 cropping season is expected to start in June.
An above-average cereal harvest estimated following improved weather
Harvesting of the 2012 rainfed cereal crops was completed last November. Despite flooding in parts, adequate rainfall during the main cropping season has resulted in a substantial recovery in cereal production. According to the final estimates, the 2012 cereal output was estimated at about 219 000 tonnes, 36 percent higher than the 2011 drought-affected output and 4 percent above the average of the past five years.
In 2011, dry spells and poor rainfall distribution during the growing period (July to October) resulted in a 35 percent decline in cereal production compared to the previous year.
Access to food constrained by high food prices
The Gambia, in a normal year, relies on imports for nearly half of its cereal consumption requirements (mostly rice and wheat) and domestic cereal prices are strongly affected by world prices and the exchange rate of the Dalasi (GMD), the national currency.
The Dalasi has depreciated significantly over the past few years, which combined with high international commodity prices, has put an upward pressure on domestic prices of imported food commodities.
The improved domestic harvest position, coupled with adequate supply in most neighbouring countries and favourable trends in international food exports markets, is expected to lead to much improved food availability during the 2012/13 marketing year (November/October). However domestic prices of imported cereals are likely to stay high, in view of the continuing depreciation of the Dalasi. Access to food will remain difficult for several segments of the population.
Continued assistance is still needed, especially for vulnerable people
A significant portion of the population will continue to be food insecure this year mostly as a result of reduced access to food due to high food prices and the lingering effects of last year’s food crisis.
Last year, about 700 000 people have been affected by food insecurity, following a poor 2011 cereal production.
