ReliefWeb

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Cereal output decreases in 2012 following poor rains

• Cereal imports forecast to rise in 2012/13 marketing year (April/March)

• Inflation rate slows in 2012

Prolonged dry spell reduces cereal output in 2012

Harvesting of the 2011/12 season’s cereal crops was completed in June, under generally dry conditions, which persisted throughout much of the season. In particular, between February and June precipitation levels were consistently below average, albeit a brief period of heavy rains in March. The poor rains coincided with the critical yield formation stage of the maize crop and as a result maize production is estimated at about 10 000 tonnes, 14 000 tonnes below last year’s good output. In addition to the dry conditions, an outbreak of quelea birds in some parts of the country, including areas in the Southern and Central districts in April 2012 resulted in some damage to cropped land. However, the implementation of control measures limited the impact. Overall, the 2012 cereal harvest is put at approximately 31 000 tonnes, including approximately 18 000 tonnes of sorghum.

The low cumulative rains also caused deterioration in pasture conditions, increasing pressure on existing resources in overpopulated areas, particularly in North West and Bobirwa.