The majority of the maize, an important staple in Angola, was at peak growth stage at the commencement of monitoring period. Similarly rice, an equally important staple and export crop was at peak biomass development and both were  being harvested in late April (VCIx 0.53) . Apart from these cereals, grain legumes such as soybeans play a growing role in the Angola agricultural sector. These crops mostly depend on a unimodal rainfall type, which is common to most countries in Southern Africa. Crop conditions were favorable between January and April as reflected in parts of Zaire, Bengo, Cuanza Sul, and Cuando-Cubango Provinces with VCIx between 0.8 and 1.0. Accumulated rainfall (RAIN) was above the average (+5%), while the temperature increased by 0.6°C.  Radiation on the other hand (RADPAR) was slightly below average (-2%). The Biomass was above average (BIOMSS +3%) due to good conditions that prevailed during growing season as the crop water requirements were sufficiently met. The CALF was unchanged despite last season’s droughts that ravaged the region. CropWatch’s estimated production for maize is slightly, though not significantly higher than that of the previous season.

Figure 3.38. Angola crop condition, January-April 2018

(a). Phenology of major crops