Next page in this section:
New states struggle with change
Related pages:
Transition countries of Cold War era grapple to provide basic food basket
Achieving food for all remains a difficult challenge for many countries undergoing transition from centrally planned to market economies, and is especially hard for those dislocated by war and civil strife.
Several Central and Eastern European Countries (CEEC) have made economic progress and strengthened food security. But more marked problems exist in some countries of the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia.
According to FAO, nine countries of this vast region are in the low-income food-deficit bracket -- Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
These states have a gross domestic product (GDP) per caput of less than $ 1 395 annually. The poorest receive salaries or benefits of only US$ 5 to $15 per month, not enough even to pay for the basic food requirements.
Georgia
The GDP has fallen by over 50 percent since
independence. Shortages of foreign exchange, and the lack of
agricultural credit and fuel stand in the way of increased
food production. Some 600 000 - 700 000 people
remain in need of food assistance.
Armenia
The economy is beginning to recover slowly, but many people
still cannot afford an adequate diet. Some 400 000
people have been targeted for food assistance.
Azerbaijan
The economy continues to decline and substantial revenues
from the oil industry are not expected for another two to
three years. About 550 000 displaced and other
vulnerable people require food aid to meet their basic food
needs.
Tajikistan
The precarious food supply situation throughout the country
is exacerbating ethnic tensions. Some 600 000 people
would risk chronic food shortage without help from outside.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
The food situation remains difficult in Bosnia-Herzegovina,
despite an improvement in basic food production after
hostilities ended. People in urban areas are seriously
affected due to reduced purchasing power, widespread
unemployment and low salaries.
