Household food security set to improve

Food security is likely to improve in Mozambique as desperately needed rains signal the end of the dry season, but food aid will remain crucial for the next few months, humanitarian workers warn. According to the latest bulletin by the US-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), household food security in drought-affected south and central areas of Mozambique are expected to recover as water, food aid and seasonal fruits and vegetables become available. "Rains have thus far been near to above normal in most districts, providing favorable conditions for land preparation and planting - the availability of water for agriculture, livestock and human consumption has improved - although the overall outlook appears positive, continued monitoring is necessary," the report said. The Technical Secretariat for Food Security and Nutrition (SETSAN), a governmental organisation in charge of food security, indicated in October that 801,000 people were in need of immediate food assistance. "Currently WFP (United Nations World Food Programme) is providing food for 510,000 people and this figure will be up to 718,000 by January," WFP spokesperson in Mozambique, Maria Saldanha, told IRIN. According to the FEWS NET report, 90 percent of emergency needs are being met. As for the remaining 10 percent, "We are still waiting for $3.5 million from donors for drought relief – these funds are coming through," Saldanha commented. Rains can be a mixed blessing for Mozambique, causing localised flooding during the cyclone season that peaks in January and February. "Unfortunately, Mozambique suffers from drought and then floods as soon as the rains start," Saldanha warned.