Despite the good harvest, food assistance is still needed in Ethiopia

In 2003, crop production totalled 11.49 million tonnes, the joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Food Programme said.

Good rains, increased use of fertilizers and improved seeds contributed to the rise in production.

Nevertheless, 2.2 million Ethiopians will still need emergency assistance.

Still in need

The report calculated emergency food requirements for 2005 to be 387,500 tonnes.

On top of that, 89,000 tonnes of fortified blended food and vegetable oil for "targeted supplementary food distributions for a survival programme for children under five and pregnant and lactating women" will be needed.

The great majority of Ethiopians depend on agricultural activities

In eastern and southern Ethiopia, a prolonged drought has killed crops and drained wells.

Last year, a total of 965,000 tonnes of food assistance was needed to help seven million Ethiopians.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) recommend that the food assistance is bought locally.

"Local purchase of cereals for food assistance programmes is recommended as far as possible, so as to assist domestic markets and farmers," said Henri Josserand, chief of FAO's Global Information and Early Warning System.

Agriculture is the main economic activity in Ethiopia, representing 45% of gross domestic product.