Food crisis looms in Eritrea

2005-01-19 10:06

Rome - United Nations food agencies warned on Tuesday of a worsening crisis in Eritrea, where an estimated 2.3 million people, two-thirds of the population, will require food aid in 2005.

The warning came in a joint assessment of the crop and food situation in the Horn of Africa country by the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Food Programme published on Tuesday.

"In 2005, an estimated 2.3 million people, about two-thirds of the whole population, will require food assistance to varying levels," the joint report said.

Several parts of the country faced "serious food shortages" from early in the year, it added.

The country's problems stem from successive years of drought and inadequate rains, which the agencies say have seriously undermined crop and livestock production.

Late and inadequate rains mean that cereal production is forecast at about 85 000 tonnes, less than half the average of the previous 12 years.

The agencies said international assistance is needed to plug a food aid shortfall of around 180 000 tonnes.

- AFP