Abundant rains in southern and central parts in the third dekad of October and first week of November benefited planting of the 2003 cereal crops, mainly maize. However, more rains are needed in north-eastern parts where unseasonable dry weather prevails. To support this season’s maize production, following two consecutive poor harvests, the Government has implemented a programme to distribute 48 000 tonnes of fertilizers at subsidized prices to 120 000 small farmers.
Harvesting of winter maize, provisionally estimated at 15 000 tonnes, is temporarily easing the tight food supply situation following the reduced 2002 main season maize output and delayed commercial imports and food aid distributions. Against maize import requirements in marketing year 2002/03 (May/April) of 575 000 tonnes, planned commercial imports by private millers amount to 150 000 tonnes and the Government issued granted tenders to private traders for additional 300 000 tonnes. However, imports received in the country are much lower and by early November amounted to about 50 000 tonnes - mostly informal trade from Mozambique and Tanzania. Prices of maize, which have increased moderately since June, remained stable during October. However, the situation could deteriorate rapidly as millers stocks are expected to last only until early next year.
The number of people in need of relief assistance is estimated at 2.9 million, or one-quarter of the population. The food situation is particularly serious for vulnerable groups in remote areas which have exhausted their food stocks. While WFP monthly food aid requirements are 21 000 tonnes, only half of the targeted population could be reached in October due to shortages in the food aid pipeline. Food distributions are likely to be further delayed by the Government’s decision in late October to refuse food aid supplies produced with genetically modified organisms (GMO’s). WFP is using recent cash contributions to purchase non-GM commodities in the region while removing some 15 000 tonnes already in the country and re-allocating to other countries of the sub-region which have accepted GM grain. There is urgent need to find alternative sources of food.