Successive years of drought and inadequate rains have seriously undermined crop and livestock production in Eritrea.
 

In 2004, Azmera rains (March-May), important for land preparation and replenishment of pastures, in key agricultural areas failed and the main Kremti rains (June-September) were late and ended early.
 

As a result, cereal production in 2004 is forecast at about 85 000 tonnes, less than half the average of the previous 12 years.
 

Pastoralists were seriously affected by the delayed rains, which resulted in early migration of livestock in parts. Serious feed shortages are expected in early 2005 in several parts of the country.
 

The cereal import requirement for 2004 is estimated at 422 000 tonnes of which about 80 000 tonnes are anticipated to be imported commercially.
 

With 80 000 tonnes of food aid pledged and in the pipeline, the uncovered deficit, for which international assistance is needed, is estimated at 262 000 tonnes.
 

In 2005, an estimated 2.3 million people, about two-thirds of the whole population - including in urban and peri-urban areas - will require food assistance to varying levels.
 

Timely support to crop and livestock production is urgently needed to revive production capacity in 2005. Short cycle and early maturing cereal seed varieties need to also be made available in case the apparent pattern of late rains in the last several years materialises.