In its recent publication "Food Security Watch", FEWS NET highlighted the dangers caused by a series of disasters: "Cyclone Favio and rainfall deficits in the first half of the cropping season have increased levels of acute food insecurity for thousands of households in southern and central Mozambique", it said.
"Flooding along the Zambezi River in early 2007 displaced thousands of households in central Mozambique, and Cyclone Favio, which struck southern coastal areas of the country, destroyed the homes, crops and other assets of more than 150,000 people", this report warns. "Across southern and parts of central Mozambique, cumulative rainfall was less than 70 percent of the five-year average during the first half of the agricultural season".
For some, the long dry spell has drastically reduced or led to the complete failure of the main season maize production.
Despite this, FEWS NET found that markets in the south are still well supplied with maize, and prices are currently below the five-year average.
This is due in part to an excellent harvest last year.
However, FEWS NET expects some households in Gaza, Maputo and parts of Inhambane provinces to face food deficits, with the added danger of higher maize prices to come. It warns that poorer households may need food aid.
The report contains some positive news: rainfall late in the growing season has improved pasture and water availability and is expected to lead to good second season production.
FEWS NET is a USAID-funded network that works with international, national, and regional partners to provide early warning and vulnerability information on food security issues.
Its staff are based in the United States and in many African states, including Mozambique.
SOURCE: AIM
