UN foresees lean year for region

THIS year’s total maize production in southern Africa has been estimated at 14,8 million tonnes, according to preliminary forecasts of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

In the April issue of the FAO’s Crop Prospects and Food Situation Report, the UN agency says this is about the same as last year’s below-average crop. It says harvest prospects vary considerably from country to country, with significant crop losses due to floods in some parts of the region and reduced yields due to long dry spells in other parts.According to the FAO, higher maize prices due to drought in South Africa, which is the region’s main maize exporter, will affect importers such as Swaziland and Lesotho.Food prices have also risen in Madagascar because of crop damage from excess rainfall.Although the world cereal supply has improved, 33 countries are in crisis.The world cereal production for 2007 is forecast to increase 4,4 per cent to a record 2 0882 million tonnes.It says harvest prospects vary considerably from country to country, with significant crop losses due to floods in some parts of the region and reduced yields due to long dry spells in other parts.According to the FAO, higher maize prices due to drought in South Africa, which is the region’s main maize exporter, will affect importers such as Swaziland and Lesotho.Food prices have also risen in Madagascar because of crop damage from excess rainfall.Although the world cereal supply has improved, 33 countries are in crisis.The world cereal production for 2007 is forecast to increase 4,4 per cent to a record 2 0882 million tonnes.