The situation could deteriorate with an expected cassava crop failure in eastern parts due to pests and diseases. The food situation is also difficult in the main cities of the country, mainly Kinshasa with a population of 6-7 million. Distribution of humanitarian assistance remains constrained by persistent insecurity and very poor road conditions. After below-average rains in January and February, precipitation increased in early March and became particularly abundant in the south in midMarch. The security and the overall food supply situation improved in 2000 following the December 1999 ceasefire agreement between the government and opposition parties.
All areas are now accessible to humanitarian agencies.
Abundant rains were registered countrywide in March. The staple crops are sweet potatoes, cassava and plantains. After below-average rains in January and early February, rains increased in late February and became very abundant in midMarch.