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Dept for International Development

Answer

John Barrett: To ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what the latest crop forecasts are in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement. [127934] Hilary Benn: Zimbabwe's maize crop was harvested in May. A joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission to Zimbabwe (19 June 2003) indicated that although national cereal production was considerably up on last year, a significant food gap remains. The Report estimated that cereal production for consumption in 2003-04 will be 980,000 tonnes. This is 41 per cent. higher than last year, but 51 per cent. below the 2000-01 harvest, which was itself significantly below average. Production of maize, the main staple, is forecast at 803,000 tonnes. This is 61 per cent. up on last year, but 46 per cent. lower than in 2000-01 and represents less than half of the national requirement. Wheat production has dramatically declined. Although food is now available in many areas, some areas (such as Matabeleland), will require food throughout the year. By January/February of 2004, the UN estimate that 5.5 million Zimbabweans will need help obtaining food. The UK government have just approved support for another £8 million for food aid through organisations such as CAFOD, Save the Children and Christian Aid. This includes food aid for vulnerable groups such as farm workers, children and the chronically ill. The European Commission has also contributed è25 million (of which the UK share is about è5 million) to this year's WFP emergency appeal.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

127934; 410 c91-2W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Crops Cereals Production Zimbabwe EU aid Food aid Maize

Contains statistics

Yes

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk