FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - MOZAMBIQUE (10 September)

The 2001 cereal production is officially estimated at 1.5 million tonnes, 7 percent higher than in the previous year. The maize crop is put at 1.14 million tonnes, 12 percent higher mainly due to an expansion in the area planted. Despite severe floods in central provinces that resulted in localized crop losses, and prolonged dry weather in southern provinces, abundant rains in the main growing areas of the north benefited the maize crop.

At this level of production, the country will have an exportable surplus of 100 000 tonnes of maize in marketing year 2001/02 (April/March). Prices of maize have increased sharply since mid-May, particularly in northern areas, and are well above last year�s levels. The highest price increase was reported in the northern province of Tete where market prices in August were 155 percent above their level of July. This mainly reflects strong demand from neighbouring Malawi where production decreased significantly.

By contrast, import requirements of wheat and rice, in which Mozambique has a structural deficit, are estimated at 227 000 tonnes and 140 000 tonnes respectively.

Despite the satisfactory overall food supply situation, there have been reports of food shortages in the southern provinces of Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane, affected by dry weather during the 2000/01 season. The situation is particularly serious as these areas were the worst affected by the severe floods of last year and coping mechanisms of households are becoming exhausted. In Chowke district, 20 000 people were reported to be experiencing food difficulties. The Government is undertaking a detailed assessment of the situation in the affected provinces. However, food aid is being provided by WFP in these areas, considered as chronically food insecure, and an expansion of the operations is under consideration.