NAMIBIA (13 February)
In Namibia,2003production was estimated at 102 000 tonnes, 38 percent above the reduced level of 2002. The first half of the rainy season (October-December 2003) has been satisfactory. However, as a result of the delayed and below-normal rainfall in parts of the country (e.g. the northeast), the Government has issued an appeal for emergency agricultural assistance. The government will be able to import food commercially to make up for the shortfall. Food distribution is already ongoing from the programme which the Government started during the previous drought situation. WFP will supplement these efforts by targeting about 114 000 orphans and other vulnerable children.