Narrow window for planting in southern Africa
Delayed rainfall causes concern
Crisis outcomes are present in most deficit-producing parts of southern Africa as poor households have largely exhausted their food stocks from the 2023 harvest, the report said.
The delayed start of the rainy season has narrowed the planting window across southern Africa. This is according to a report by the Famine Early Warning System Network.
It said crisis outcomes are present in most deficit-producing parts of the region as poor households have largely exhausted their food stocks from the 2023 harvest.
This is amid high and rising food prices and limited agricultural labour opportunities due to El Niño-induced dryness in November.
It added that dry and hot conditions in November led to the wilting of crops planted in October.
“However, moderate rainfall in mid-December has supported planting and replanting and the recovery of pasture and water resources, particularly across central and southern areas of the region.”
The report said before the onset of rainfall in mid-December, pasture conditions and water availability for livestock were deteriorating, resulting in poor livestock body conditions and livestock deaths in some areas of southern Zimbabwe.
Although the rain received from mid-December is supporting crop and livestock production, its late onset has shortened the agricultural season and likely reduced the area planted.
Lean season
“Lower-than-normal planting is likely resulting in below-average labour opportunities, impacting poor household access to income for market food purchases during the lean season.”
The report added that as the lean season progresses, food prices have remained elevated across monitored markets in the region.
“Headline inflation has been increasing and remains close to the upper end of government targets in a few countries.”
However, stable fuel prices in November kept transport price inflation moderate, offsetting annual food price inflation increases, it said.
Disconcerting
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani recently highlighted Namibia’s disconcerting import of about 82 000 tonnes of maize last year.
He said reports indicate that the harvest for the 2023/2024 season is projected to cover a mere 42% of the country’s white maize grain demand, a staple which holds an important place in the larders of numerous households across the country, especially amidst the persisting spectre of food insecurity.
According to him, almost 58 000 Namibians are currently experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity.