ZAMBIA (1 June)
An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission that visited the country from 21 April to 10 May 2003, found that there has been a substantial recovery in the 2003 cereal production from the reduced levels of the past two years. Production of maize, the country’s main staple crop, was estimated at about 1.16 million tonnes, almost double the output of 2002 season (602 000 tonnes) and about 28 percent of the average for the last five years. Production of other crops, mainly cassava and sweet potatoes, was also satisfactory. In cereal equivalent the aggregate crop production is estimated at 1.5 million tonnes, markedly better than the 1 million tonnes during 2002/03. This reflects more favourable rainfall over much of the country, highly effective fertilizer distribution programme by the Government (with 50 percent subsidy) and the combined effort of various national and international NGOs and the Government in providing seeds of various crops. In the Southern province, affected by dry spells and floods during the growing season, maize production revived from last year’s very low level to a more normal level of about 210 000 tonnes achieved in 2001. There are, however, localized pockets of poor harvest due to either lack of adequate rainfall or flooding. WFP plans to provide food assistance to 128 044 people, or approximately 20 000 households. The requirements will be met through local purchases.