and has been severely affected by the recent weakness in Ehe international economic situation as weII as by the prolonged drought and the destructive effects of the torrential rains of September 1984. C. Effects of drought and emergency programmes 1. Food situation 3I. fnadeguate and too-localized rainfall at the beginning of the rainy season aggravated the negative effects of the 1983 drought. However, the torrential rains of September 1984 followed by heavy rainfall in many islands in titcvember 1984 reeulted in a sLight improvement in agricultural production. ProducLion of the two principal crops during the 1984 campaign is estimated at 21525 tons of maize (175 tons less than the prior year) and at 51395 tons of beans, an increase of aloost 70 per cent over. However, the increase in agricultural production did not match population growth. Total consumption needs for 1.985 are estimated at 481000 tons of maize , 7 1200 tons of beans, I3r500 tons of wheatr 131750 tons of rice and 21490 tons of powdered milk. Taking into account stocks as at I January 1985, commercial imports foreseen for 1985 and conflrmed food aid, the global deficit is approximately 2,500 tons. 32. The low level of domestic food production has seriously affected the nutritional levels of the population of the country, especially on the islands of Santo Ant5o, Sto Nicolau, Maio and Santiago. Over 43r000 persons belonging to vulnerable groups are not, receiving food aid under the lrlorld F'ood Progr€mtn€. The @vernment is attempting to strengthen the mechanisms for the distribution of food aid to vulnerable groups, mobilizing the human and material resources of the army and the civil administration. 33. The Governmentr in co-ordination with the United Nations Office for Emergency Operations in Africa, has appealed for emergency assistance. 34. The unmet emergency needs for assistance presented at the country-specific
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the effects of drought and torrential rains on the country's food production and distribution, highlighting the need for emergency aid and assistance. It also touches on the government's efforts to strengthen food aid mechanisms and appeal for international assistance. These topics are closely related to humanitarian aid and relief, as well as agriculture and food security.

**Category**
Humanitarian aid and relief, Agriculture