FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops and Shortages 06/02 - ZAMBIA (4 June)
An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited the country from 15 to 24 April 2002 and estimated the 2002 output of the main staple maize at 606 000 tonnes, 24 percent below last year’s poor harvest and 42 percent lower than the normal crop of 2000. Prolonged dry spells during the 2001/02 growing season in five of the nine provinces of Zambia sharply reduced yields and production of cereals. Cereal import requirements for marketing year 2002/03 (May/April) were estimated at 626 000 tonnes. Commercial imports were projected at 351 000 tonnes and emergency food aid requirements for 2.329 million most affected people at 174 000 tonnes. This leaves an uncovered deficit of 101 000 tonnes. Additional Government and external assistance is needed to cover the gap.
The most affected area is the Southern Province, where 60 percent of the population was estimated to be in need of relief food. Emergency supply of seeds (maize, sorghum, groundnuts) to drought affected farming families is urgently required for the main planting season starting in October 2002.