SWAZILAND* (19 May)
According to the preliminary findings of the FAO/WFP/Government Rapid Assessment Mission from 12 to 20 February, the rainfall pattern of past three years has continued this year with a substantially below average rainfall in the lowveld and the dry middleveld areas. This has resulted in lack of sufficient forage for livestock causing some significant numbers of livestock deaths, further impoverishing the community in the drier areas of the country. Although February rains brought some relief from the prolonged dryness, its effect on crop harvest is doubtful.The mission has estimated 2004 maize production at 64 to 86 000 tonnes, or 13 to 35 percent below the five year average production level. The HIV/AIDS pandemic in the country is causing high death rates among heads of families, often resulting in failure to carry out normal agricultural tasks necessary for food security. With a self-sufficiency rate for cereals of only 36 percent in 2003, food security is mostly dependent on the purchasing power of the population. A joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission is currently assessing the food supply situation and prospects for 2004/05. Preliminary findings of the Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) indicate a food aid requirement of 20 000-25 000 tonnes during the coming 12 months.