The outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus resulted in a decline “on the order of 20 percent” of rice production in parts of Liberia, says the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. In a quarterly Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, FAO says Ebola severely affected agricultural production in western Africa. Liberia saw a 12 percent reduction nationwide in its rice crop, says FAO, with output down by 4 percent in Guinea and 8 percent in Sierra Leone. Rice is the leading staple crop in the Mano River area.
“The epidemic started to spread when crops were being planted and grew during the crop maintenance period, and then expanded rapidly during the critical harvesting period for the staple rice, maize and cassava crops,” said FAO. “Cash crop production was also affected.” FAO cited a World Bank report estimating cocoa production fell by one-third and coffee production by one-half in Guinea.
In a news release, FAO said, “Some 38 countries are at risk of food insecurity, including 29 in Africa, 3 more countries than reported in October.” FAO said world cereal production was forecast for “an all-time record of more than 2.5 billion tonnes in 2014” and the stocks-to-use ratio, a gauge of supply conditions, would reach 25.2 percent, highest in 13 years.