FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/01 - ANGOLA* (5 February)
Prospects for the 2001 foodcrops, to be harvested from April, are uncertain reflecting erratic rains since the beginning of the season. Prolonged dry spells in parts have coincided with excessive precipitation in others. Dry weather during January in southern parts has stressed developing cereal crops and more rains are needed in these areas. By contrast, heavy rains in late January in the Northwestern province of Cabinda resulted in loss of life and damage to infrastructure and crops. The total area planted is estimated to have been reduced by the intensification of the civil conflict at sowing time, which could result in another below-average output. A reduced cereal crop for the third consecutive year would aggravate the precarious food supply situation of the country, reinforcing the heavy reliance on food assistance.
The food supply situation continues to deteriorate with the persistent civil conflict. The security situation in the interior of the country remained unstable with violent incidents reported in the northern province of Uije, the northwest province of Bengo and the central province of Bie. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), estimated at 2.5 million people last June has continued to increase, particularly in Bie. Fresh waves of displaced people were also recorded in Benguela in the west, Huila and Kuando Kubango in the south, Malange in the north and Moxico in the east. While the food and nutritional situation of the IDPs is extremely critical, food aid distributions continue to be problematic due to insecurity and food aid pledges falling below requirements. By the end of January, WFP had received pledges for only 60 percent of its current operation in Angola. This has led to a one-third reduction in the number of beneficiaries, from 1.5 million to 1 million and to cuts in the rations distributed. The current food pipeline is facing imminent shortfalls. Additional resources are urgently needed to avoid further cuts in distributions in March and April and consequent human suffering.
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