Attachments
REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
AFRICA
Drought conditions in Southern Africa have engendered significant cereal production downturns in 2024, while in North Africa, particularly Morocco, below‑average harvests are estimated due to rainfall deficits. In West Africa, favourable weather conditions are supporting above‑average cereal prospects in 2024, but ongoing conflicts in several areas of Sahelian countries and northern Nigeria remain a serious concern. In East Africa, although rainfall has been abundant, their erratic distribution and the ongoing conflict in the Sudan are likely to keep the aggregate cereal production below the five‑year average.
ASIA
Price‑driven expansions in cereal plantings are underpinning favourable production prospects in Far East Asia, where the aggregate wheat outturn is expected to reach a record high in 2024. Generally good weather conditions are supporting expectations of above‑average harvests in Central Asia, notably in Kazakhstan, the region’s leading producer. In Near East Asia, favourable weather conditions are forecast to boost the 2024 cereal production to a level above the five‑year average, though socioeconomic challenges and high inflation rates continue to limit farmers' access to inputs.
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
In South America, adverse weather conditions have curtailed production prospects of the 2024 maize crop in Brazil, though an above‑average harvest is still expected.
In Argentina, despite crop losses caused by a stunting disease, the 2024 maize output is expected to be slightly above the five‑year average. In Central America and the Caribbean, aggregate cereal production is forecast at a below‑average level due to dryness‑induced production shortfalls in Mexico and worsening insecurity in Haiti.