A study by Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that Food security has improved in Rwanda, leading to decline on staple food prices in Markets, following the new harvest season A— of September to February, 2013.
The GIEWS March, 2013 report shows that stable food security situation prevail as household food stocks in most areas have been replenished by the newly harvested 2013 A season crops.
However, several households in eastern agro-pastoral areas as well in subsistence farming highland areas in southern and western provinces that experienced a below average 2013 A season harvest are expected to face a long lean season as their meagre food stocks are quickly being depleted.
The report indicates that prices of the main staple foods have decline in most markets of Kigali, for instance in wholesale prices of beans declined by 14 percent between December 2012 and early March 2013 with the arrival on markets of newly harvested 2012 A season crops.
Currently, beans are traded at about USD 490 per tonne, similar to levels of March 2012.
Similarly, wholesale prices of rice, which were firm at record levels in the second semester of 2012, declined by 20 percent between January and early March 2013, at USD 1 015 per tonne. Prices of maize also declined between January and early March 2013 by about 20 percent in Ruhengeri, located in a producing area in the Northern province, while they remained stable at about USD 400 per tonne over the same period in the capital city due to the high local demand.
GIEWS reports and early warning system on food and agriculture on recent food price developments at world, regional and country level focus on developing countries.
For countries facing a serious food emergency, FAO/GIEWS and the World Food Programme also carry out joint Crop and Food Security Assessment Missions (CFSAMs). Their purpose is to provide timely and reliable information so that appropriate actions can be taken by the governments, the international community, and other parties
Rwanda’s land preparation and planting for the 2013 B season (February-July) is underway. The long rainy season started on time by mid-February and rainfall amounts are forecast at average to above average levels along the season. Heavy rains during the last dekad of February have caused flash floods in some northern and western parts of the country and some damage to paddy and sugar cane fields was reported.
Harvesting of the 2013 A season (September-February) has recently been completed. Although official estimates are not yet available, the season’s output is expected at below average levels.
Since end November 2012, an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Eastern Province induced local authorities to quarantine livestock within the infected districts. Cattle movements have been restricted and markets have been temporarily closed with negative consequences on the income of agro-pastoral households.
In particular, crop yields in eastern agro-pastoral districts have been severely affected by unfavourable A season rainfall. Erratic rains at the beginning of the season, followed by heavy rains and above average prevalence of crop diseases have also damaged crops in some subsistence farming highland areas in southern and western provinces.
To keep the world food supply and demand situation under continuous review, issue reports on the world food situation and provide early warnings of impending food crises in individual countries.
GIEWS Country Briefs provide up to date information on the food security situation of developing countries. The Country Briefs include information on current agricultural season and the harvest prospects for main staple food crops and livestock situation.
In addition, the briefs provide estimates and forecasts of cereal production and imports together with food price and policy developments. Other topical information may be included when relevant. The Briefs are updated no less than four times per year.