Welcome rain falls on Mozambique's southern region

The recent cold front that left parts of Southern Africa shivering also brought welcome rains to the region, especially to drought-stricken southern Mozambique. According to the latest Famine Early Warning System Networks (FEWSNET) report, rainfall during the last week was much higher than during the entire month of October in Gaza and Inhambane provinces, and saw a rise in the levels of the Limpopo and Save rivers. Mozambique has suffered a long run of devastating droughts and floods, leaving an estimated 659,000 people in 40 districts dependent on food aid. The latest good rain has fallen on dry ground, preventing any serious flooding so far. "The timely onset of the rains has led to an increase in agricultural activity, and households have started planting in the rain-fed areas," the FEWSNET report said. However, because rainfall was low from April to September, little production from rain-watered crops during this period was likely. The National Directorate of Agriculture's early warning department has predicted an average increase of 3.8 percent in planted area across the country for the coming agricultural season. Improved conditions could lead to a production increase of 6 percent for cereals and pulses, and 6.5 percent for cassava, the directorate said. It recommended, though, that farmers look out for possible pest outbreaks, especially locusts and groundnut caterpillars, after the onset of the rains in the southern regions. Prospects for rain were also looking positive for the central regions, but the north would have to wait until January for the good rains, the report said. For the full report: http://www.fews.net/current/monthlies/report/?submit=y&m=1001058&f=mz&l=en