Above-normal precipitation in October and first week of November, particularly in central and eastern parts, provided adequate soil moisture for planting of the 2003 cereal crops, which has started. However, prospects are poor reflecting disruption in the agricultural sector following land acquisition activities and prices of seeds beyond the reach of large numbers of farmers.
The grave food situation is worsening, following a sharply reduced maize harvest coupled with the country’s prevailing economic crisis. Shortages of basic foods including bread, maize, milk and sugar are reported in urban and rural areas, with bakeries closing due to lack of wheat. Increasing cases of malnutrition are reported from different locations. About half of the population, or 6.7 million people, are in need of emergency food assistance until next March, mostly in rural areas. Against an exceptional maize deficit of some 1.7 million tonnes in marketing year 2002/03 (May/April) the Government announced contracts for almost 1 million tonnes at the end of September, but by late October, only 480 000 tonnes had been received. Food aid received reached 167 000 tonnes. Food aid distributions are being delayed as a result of controversies with the Government about the politicisation of the assistance and the ban on several WFP implementing partners. WFP suspended all its distributions in several areas in October. In urban areas, soaring inflation which reached 137 percent by the end of September and continuous deterioration of the economy have further curtailed access to food for the majority of the population.
There is urgent need to expedite commercial imports and delivery of additional food assistance to avoid a further deterioration of the country’s food security situation.