FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 01/00 - ANGOLA* (10 February)
The escalation of the civil war in recent months has resulted in a deterioration of the food situation in the country and is disrupting agricultural activities. The outlook for the 2000 cereal crops is uncertain. Overall good rains since the beginning of the season have provided adequate soil conditions for planting and crop developing, despite localized floods in early January in southern areas. However, persistent movements of population fleeing from violence, are likely to negatively affect production.
Fighting has intensified in recent months along the southern border with Namibia and in many other areas of the province of Kuando Kubango. The number of Angolan refugees in Namibia has increased to 9 000, while in the eastern border with Zambia the number of refugees has reached 170 000. Insecurity incidents are also reported from Huila, Huambo and Benguela provinces.
The food situation is particularly critical for the internal displaced population, estimated at 2 million. Malnutrition is on the increase among this people and daily deaths for starvation have been reported from Coconda municipality in Huila and from other areas. However, persistent insecurity hamper access to the population in need of emergency food assistance in several parts, including Andulo, province of Bie, Kuando Kubango, Kuito, Moxico and Zaire.
Food aid is being distributed to some 1.1 million people, including 6 000 affected by recent floods. Against overall food aid requirements for the 1999/2000 marketing year (April/March) of 180 000 tonnes of cereals, 123 000 tonnes have been pledged by end-January, of which 100 000 tonnes have been delivered.
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