MOZAMBIQUE (19 May)
Harvesting of the 2003/04 main agricultural season crops is currently underway. Assessments by the national Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) and a Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission by FAO/WFP are being carried out. With substantial recovery in the south, early estimates point to an above-average national level production. Results should be finalized in June. The cropping season started almost a month late and has been characterized by dry spells up to mid-January. As a result, up to three replantings were necessary in the south of the country, while planting was delayed elsewhere. In March overflowing of several rivers in central provinces following heavy rains caused serious flood damage to crops. For example, about 600 hectares of cropland in the Dondo and Nhamatanda districts in Sofala province were reportedly submerged. However, emergency food assistance requirements are expected to be much lower than in the previous years primarily due to improved local food supplies.