Seasonably dry conditions prevail. Reflecting
favourable growing conditions and an improved security situation, 1999
cereal production is expected to be similar to or above the previous year,
except in the north where fighting broke out in Lofa County during the
growing season. Agricultural production increased in Bong, Bomi, Montserrado
and Nimba counties, but not in Maryland, Sinoe and Grand Kru where poor
roads have made access to farms difficult. With the exception of Lofa County,
relative prevailing peace has exerted a positive influence on farming activities.
The cultivated area should be substantially higher than in 1998, with rice
production expected to be around 80 percent of pre-war level and 100 percent
for cassava. Although a shortage of basic agricultural inputs was a limiting
factor for farmers, it was minimized by substantial distribution of seeds
and tools and improved technical assistance to resettling farm families.
In Lofa County, most of the estimated 25 000 displaced people are farmers
who have not been able to harvest their crops. Several thousands have been
displaced from Voinjama and Kolahum camps in upper Lofa to Tarvey and Sinje
in lower Lofa.
The overall food situation has improved
significantly in 1999. Food supplies in urban markets are relatively stable,
and in general, prices are relatively lower than in 1998. Food supply in
rural areas continues to be tight. Rehabilitation programs allow resettlement
and reintegration of refugees and internally displaced persons through
provision of repatriation packages. However, humanitarian programmes for
Liberian returnees and Sierra Leonean refugees were disrupted by insecurity
and looting in Lofa county, where the nutritional and health conditions
of displaced people have deteriorated. About 90 000 refugees from Sierra
Leone remain in Liberia. The country continues to rely heavily on food
aid.
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