Attachments
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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Average harvest gathered in 2016
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Food security situation remains difficult for vulnerable populations
Average harvest gathered in 2016
Harvesting of rice, the major crop produced in Guinea-Bissau, was completed in January 2017. Above‑average and well‑distributed rainfall benefited crop development in the main producing zones of the country. Preliminary estimates put the 2016 aggregate cereals production at about 225 000 tonnes, 8 percent higher than the 2015 output and 3 percent above the average of the past five years. Production of rice (paddy), the most important staple, increased by 9 percent compared to the previous year’s output.
Cereal production had already recovered significantly the previous year following the 2014 reduced harvest. The 2015 aggregate cereal production was estimated at about 209 000 tonnes, 28 percent above the previous year’s output.
Food security situation remains difficult for vulnerable people
Guinea-Bissau is highly dependent on rice imports. Approximately 40 percent of the national cereal requirements are satisfied through imports, and cashew nut incomes normally permit farmers to complete their food crop production by purchasing imported rice. The producer price of cashew nuts increased significantly in 2015 and 2016, which resulted in a gain to farmers’ income. As a result, larger export volumes are anticipated this year. However, according to the last “Cadre Harmonisé” analysis conducted in the country, about 66 000 people are estimated to be in Phase: 3 Crisis and above