FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - JAMAICA (11 September)
The country has been struck by a long severe drought earlier in the year which affected some 2 800 hectares of growing important foodcrops, such as roots and tubers, plantains, fruits and vegetables. About 2 500 to 3 000 rural families were seriously affected. The majority of these farmers were left with no seedlings to plant and almost no farm inputs. Emergency rehabilitation projects from the international community to assist the affected small farmers are being prepared in response to the appeal made by the Government.