MOZAMBIQUE (28 February)
Heavy precipitation in the third dekad of February eased dry conditions in parts of southern provinces of Gaza, Maputo and Inhambane affected by severe dry weather since the beginning of the season. However, rains are likely to have arrived too late to prevent significant reductions in yield potential of cereal crops. Elsewhere in the country, the abundant rains in February benefited crops in central parts, stressed by a dry spell in previous weeks, and maintained abundant soil moisture in the main growing areas of the north, where torrential rains resulted in floods earlier in the season.
Prices of maize, which declined sharply after the good 2002 cereal harvest, have increased steadily since June, but the expected demand from neighbouring countries, mainly Malawi, is expected to be much lower than a year ago.
The number of vulnerable people in need of food assistance in southern provinces, affected by a succession of reduced harvests, and parts of central provinces, has been revised upwards to 660 000 (less than 4 percent of the total population). Against food aid requirements of 50 000 tonnes in 2002/03 (April/March), all has been pledged.