FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/01 - ZAMBIA (5 November)
Planting of the 2002 maize crop, to be harvested from April next year, is underway. Above-average rains in October, particularly in southern areas, benefited sowing operations and earlier planted crops. Availability of seeds and fertilizers for the new season is reported to be adequate to meet requirements.
Harvesting of the 2001 irrigated wheat crop is well advanced. The output is forecast at 75 000 tonnes, 17 percent lower than the previous year’s level.
The 2001 maize harvest was sharply reduced by excessive rains, coupled with dry weather in southern parts. A final official production estimate has not been released. FAO’s preliminary estimates point to a maize crop of 950 000 tonnes, some 28 percent lower than last year. At this level, and taking into account available stocks, there is an estimated deficit of 300 000 tonnes of maize in marketing year 2001/02 (May/April) to be covered through commercial imports and food aid. The Government’s Food Reserve Agency has announced tenders for purchase of 150 000 tonnes of maize from South Africa, to be supplied from November 2001 to March 2002. It has also announced a ban on maize exports.
Following reports of emerging food shortages in parts, the Government launched an appeal to the international community in mid-July for 98 000 tonnes of food aid to assist 2 million people in the 42 districts out of the 73 in the country, that had been declared to be in a state of emergency. It has also started distribution of maize in eastern parts of the country. WFP plans to distribute about 42 000 tonnes of food aid to 1.28 million most affected people in 23 districts.