The Food Crisis in Southern Africa: Background and Issues (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Dec. 6, 2002 |
| Report Number |
RS21301 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Charles E. Hanrahan, Resources, Science and Industry Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Six Southern Africa countries - Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Swaziland - are facing severe food shortages. An estimated 14.4 million will need about 1 million metric tons of food aid to meet minimum consumption requirements before the next harvest in April 2003. Among the causes of the current food crisis are drought, floods, disruptions of commercial farming, depletion of strategic grain reserves, and poor economic performance. The United States and other donors have responded, mainly via the United Nations World Food Program, with commodity donations and other forms of assistance. U.S. donations account for almost half of the total international donor response. How the United States and other donors will meet the remaining food need may be examined during the 108th Congress.
