The country has had good rains which are well distributed. Maize which was planted late for lack of inputs, is reported in good state and it is hoped it will pull through to a good harvest. The country did not receive rains until the last dekad of December, as such planting and replanting had to be done following the improvement of the rains in January. Prospects for a good harvest will depend on the late withdrawal of the rains. Mauritius Reports mention a mild cyclone season with below normal rainfall recorded up to the end of January.
Additional rainfall is required to avoid loss in the sugarcane production.
Mozambique Northern parts of the country remained dry until January when the rainfall situation improved tremendously. Central and southern parts of the country have had above normal rains. Namibia Good rains are contributing to a good vegetation development. This is illustrated by the satellite images and has been confirmed by field reports. South Africa Normal to above normal rains have been received over most of the country and crop conditions are reported to be good.