FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - ZAMBIA (10 September)
Latest official estimates indicate a bumper 2000 cereal harvest of 1.5 million tonnes, 43 percent higher than the reduced crop of last year. The maize crop is estimated at 1.3 million tonnes against 856 000 tonnes in 1999. Despite severe floods in early March and crop losses along the Zambezi Valley, the abundant rains during the growing season resulted in higher plantings and yields of the maize crop.
Early forecast points to a 2000 wheat crop of 90 000 tonnes, unchanged from last year's above average level.
Reflecting the good output, prices of maize are declining in the markets. If the production forecast materializes, the country is expected to be self-sufficient in marketing year 2000/01 (May/April). The overall food supply situation is anticipated to improve after two years of poor harvest. However, large numbers of vulnerable people will still experience food difficulties.
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