In some areas of the south, the secondary season crops will be harvested from December.

According to the findings of a joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM), which visited the country in August, the 2014 aggregate production of foodcrops increased by 11 per cent from the sharply reduced 2013 output, but still remains 58 per cent below the pre-crisis five-year average (2008-2012).

This year’s aggregate outcome is mainly driven by a significant increase in cassava production (+45 per cent), while cereal output declined by about 46 per cent from 2013.

The ongoing socio-political crisis and widespread insecurity severely disrupted agricultural and marketing activities and caused the depletion of already inadequate household productive assets.

This, coupled with erratic rainfall in western parts of the country and some pest attacks, led to a 23 per cent reduction in the planted area.

The livestock and fishing sectors were also severely affected by the crisis.

The decline in livestock numbers from last year due to theft, looting and mass slaughter of animals is estimated at 67 per cent for cattle and 77 per cent for small livestock and poultry, a daunting task for the future recovery of the overall agricultural sector.

Fish supplies declined by about 40 per cent from pre-crisis levels due to insecurity in fishing areas and loss of fishing equipment.

Further Reading

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