Attachments
FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
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Rice production estimated to have increased by 28 percent in 2015 from the 2014 reduced output
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Food security situation expected to improve significantly in 2015/16
Adequate rains in 2015 resulted in significant recovery of agricultural production
Harvesting of rice, the major crop produced in Guinea-Bissau, was completed in January 2016. There was a slow start of the rainy season; however, precipitation increased significantly from July to October, resulting in widespread planting of cereals. This, combined with increased Government and international support, led to a significant recovery in cereal production after the previous year’s reduced crop. According to official sources, aggregate cereal production in 2015 is estimated to have increased by 28 percent (compared to 2014) to about 208 600 tonnes. However, this level of production is still 9 percent below average. Production of rice (paddy), the most important staple, also increased by 28 percent compared to the previous year’s output.
Food security situation expected to improve in 2015/16
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 was estimated to have increased by 40‑70 percent in 2015, which resulted in a gain to farmers’ income. The combined effects of higher producer prices and increased domestic production have resulted in an improved food security situation in the 2015/16 marketing year (November/October). About 3 000 people are estimated to be in Phase: 3 “Crisis” and above according to the last “Cadre Harmonisé” analysis conducted in the country. This represents a 97 percent decrease compared to last year.