150,000 need food aid in tiny kingdom

A joint report by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) estimates that close to 150,000 people in Swaziland are in need of food assistance. Although the government has already allocated 1,500 mt of maize for distribution to the most vulnerable, it still falls short of the 188,000 mt needed over the next six months. Maize production is down by some 18 percent and 37 percent below the average of the last five years. The regions most affected by the poor harvest are the Middleveld, the Lowveld and the Lobombo Plateau. Like several other southern African countries, erratic rainfall and an over-reliance on imported maize has contributed to the current food shortages. The Highveld is the only region where cereal production is estimated to have increased. Logistical problems and the government's decision to stop subsidising national fertilisers also contributed to the current poor harvest, the report said The two organisations said: "Poor access to tractors, equipment and purchased inputs in some areas of the Middleveld delayed planting. Also, the price of fertiliser on the private market is becoming increasingly difficult to afford." Swaziland's economy is largely dependent on the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Almost 66 percent of the population live below the poverty line and unemployment is at 40 percent, although higher in the rural areas. The report added: "The recent dramatic increases in food prices have pushed a greater proportion of the population below the poverty line, and worsened the situation of those who were already struggling." The report also noted that school dropout rates for Swazi children who are living in vulnerable households had increased. "The rational is that the quarterly school fees can feed a family for a month," the report added. The price of maize and wheat have continued to rise since October and it is likely that they will rise even further, given the situation. Swaziland is a net importer of maize, wheat, dairy products and other food commodities. In a normal year, roughly 60 percent of the food consumed in the country is imported. The report recommended that maize prices be lowered in order to make it more accessible to those most in need. It also suggested that drought affected farmers begin planting immediately to prepare for the next season. "People seriously affected will require six months of direct assistance and those moderately affected will need assistance for three months. In less affected areas food-for-work may be more appropriate than free distribution," the report said.