FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - ANGOLA*(15 September)
An escalation of the civil war in August, particularly in the eastern province of Moxico, has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation in the country. Heavy fighting continues to increase the movement of rural populations from the countryside to provincial capitals in Moxico, Bie and Uige provinces, as well as to neighbouring Namibia, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to UN-OCHA reports, seven to eight children die daily in Luau town near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo due to starvation and malnutrition. The displaced population was estimated by the end of June at 2.5 million or 20 percent of the national population. Inadequate food aid pledges has also resulted in WFP having to cover only 1.1 million people of the 1.9 million estimated in need of emergency food assistance in accessible areas. Food distributions are likely to be reduced further if more pledges are not received. Donors are urged to make further contributions to prevent a deterioration of the already precarious food situation of the vulnerable populations.
The 2000 cereal harvest was estimated by an FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission at 504 000 tonnes, some 6 percent below last year and the second consecutive decline in production reflecting insecurity, irregular rains during the season and shortages of essential inputs. Main staple maize decreased by 8 percent. However, there was an increase in noncereal crops, particularly rootcrops.
Cereal import requirement for 2000/01 (April/March) is estimated at 753 000 tonnes, of which 333 000 tonnes are required as emergency food aid.
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