Twenty-three African countries face food emergencies despite normal or above-average food production in others during 2004, says the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
In its latest report, the UN agency said food security in sub-Saharan Africa has been hit by several factors, including drought, invasions by crop-devouring locusts and civil conflicts. According to the document, food needs in the 2003-2004 period amounted to 3.1 million tonnes, of which 2.8 million tonnes have been delivered so far. Some 4 million tonnes were delivered in 2002/2003.
Due to production shortfall in several countries, food needs are expected to increase in 2004-05, although the actual aid requirements will only be known after the ongoing harvests in eastern and western Africa.
Point Source
PracticalSustenance.Net