Attachments
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
- Favourable weather conditions for 2025 secondary maize crops
- Cereal import requirements in 2025 forecast at near ‑average level
- National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast at about 2.7 percent in 2025
Favourable weather conditions for 2025 secondary maize crops
The main food crops are cassava and plantains, but the country also produces a small amount of maize. Cassava sowing operations take place from January to March, followed by planting activities that begin in April and are typically completed by the end of May. The growing cycle, from planting to harvest, generally lasts about six months for short-cycle varieties and nine months for long-cycle varieties. Planting of the 2025 secondary maize crop, to be harvested in June and July, was completed in March under overall favourable weather conditions. According to satellite-based imagery, precipitation amounts have been adequate and well distributed since the beginning of the season, benefitting soil moisture and resulting in near-average vegetation conditions as of mid-April. Harvesting of the 2024 main season maize crops finalized last January and the output is estimated at a near-average level following beneficial weather conditions during the season, which had a positive impact on yields.
Cereal import requirements in 2025 forecast at near ‑average level
Imports of cereals account for approximately 90 percent of the total cereal utilization. With a population of about 2.2 million people, total cereal import requirements in 2025 are forecast at a near-average level of 220 000 tonnes, including about 140 000 tonnes of wheat and 70 000 tonnes of rice.
National Gross Domestic Product (GDP) forecast at about 2.7 percent in 2025
The national economy is dominated by the petroleum sector, while agriculture contributes only to a small portion of the national GDP. In 2024, GDP grew by approximately 2.9 percent, primarily due to a surge in crude oil prices. In 2025, the economy is forecast to grow by about 2.7 percent. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the annual inflation rate is estimated at 2.1 percent in 2024 and it is forecast at 2.2 percent in 2025, mainly reflecting easing domestic food prices.