FAO/GIEWS: Africa Report No.3 - December 2003 p.42

  MOZAMBIQUE

An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission in May estimated the 2003 cereal production at over 1.8 million tonnes, some 2.7 percent above last year’s level. Import requirements are estimated at 744 000 tonnes, mainly rice and wheat, but also maize meal for southern areas, because moving maize from the surplus areas of North to the South remains uncompetitive due to high internal transport costs. Commercial imports are estimated at 539 000 tonnes and food aid at 205 000 tonnes, of which 121 000 tonnes are emergency food aid for large numbers affected by drought in southern provinces. Local purchases of maize will complement the emergency food aid requirements.