FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 02/01 - MALAWI (26 February)
Continuous heavy rains since late January have resulted in serious floods in 13 of the country’s 27 districts, particularly in southern areas along the Shire River. Official reports indicate that 200 000 people are displaced due to the floods. Many areas are inaccessible as a result of damage to roads and bridges. It is estimated that 50 000 hectares of crops have been lost to the floods in the affected areas. The Government has appealed for international assistance to cope with the disaster.
Prospects for the 2001 cereal crops have deteriorated with the excessive rains in February that are likely to have resulted in yield reductions. A dry spell and high temperatures in January in some southern districts, mainly Balaka, Zomba and Mwanza, also negatively affected yields in these areas. Latest forecasts point to a maize crop below the 2.5 million tonnes of last year's bumper harvest, but still above average. The final outturn will depend on the rains in the remaining of the growing season.
The overall food supply situation is satisfactory reflecting last year's good harvest and adequate stocks. Also at household level the food security situation is reported to be generally satisfactory.
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