FAO's first forecasts for cereal production in 2002 and utilization in 2002/03 indicate that output will remain below the expected level of utilization and stocks will have to be drawn down again in 2003 for the fourth consecutive year. However, supplies are expected to remain ample, particularly of wheat and coarse grains.

Despite a generally favourable global food outlook, some 34 countries around the world are experiencing food shortages. The emerging situation in southern Africa gives particular cause for concern (see box on page 6).

Launch of The Annual Review of the Humanitarian Aid Office

Press room, 16 April 2002

I am happy to have this opportunity to present 'ECHO 2001', the latest Annual Review of the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office, which details the work of ECHO during 2001.

The Review is intended to reach various audiences with a clear message about ECHO's activities in providing relief to those who are most vulnerable in crises, whether natural or man-made.

As of mid-February 2002, the number of countries facing serious food shortages throughout the world stands at 29 However, in several sub-regions the food supply situation has markedly improved compared to 1999/2000.

In eastern Africa, harvesting of the 2001/02 secondary cereal crops is almost complete in most countries, except in Ethiopia where planting is about to commence. In Kenya the food outlook is favourable, following sufficient rainfall during the season. In Somalia, harvest prospects have improved with better rains than during

Latest information indicates a slightly larger global cereal output in 2001, of 1 870 million tonnes (including rice in milled terms). However, even at this level, production would still be less than the anticipated utilization requirements in 2001/02, leading to a significant draw-down of cereal stocks.

While Afghanistan currently faces a grave food supply situation, food emergencies persist in many other countries (see box on page 6).

World cereal trade in 2001/02 is forecast at 233 million tonnes, unchanged from the previous season's

The outlook for 2001 cereal output has deteriorated since June due to persisting drought in some important producing countries. The latest forecasts put world production well below anticipated utilization in 2001/02, pointing to a substantial decline in stocks.

Food emergencies of varying intensity persist for 62 million people worldwide, according to FAO estimates in September, about the same number as at this time last year.

Cereal production in 2001 is now forecast at 1 842 million tonnes, 14 million tonnes or about 0.7 percent below

"Many families have invested all they have into the soil and are looking at the possibility of having nothing to eat this winter," reports Carrie Dullin, World Vision (WV) Armenia project manager in Syunik region.

"In total, 8,697 very poor and 16,588

Prague, 29 June 2001 (RFE/RL) -- Agricultural experts say that the continuing drought afflicting much of Western and Central Asia, as well as the Mideast, is increasingly straining