Zambia: 'Unprecedented drought'

2005-03-23 10:21

Lusaka - Zambia needs at least 300 000 tonnes of maize to avert a food shortfall in the wake of a countrywide drought that came after last year's food surplus, Agriculture Minister Mundia Sikatana said on Wednesday.

The country has about 111 000 tonnes of maize in its reserve but needs 300 000 tonnes of corn, said Sikatana in a statement.

"This scanty rainfall has happened as a complete opposite to the weather bureau forecast," he said.

Last year, Zambia recorded an unprecedented food surplus, enabling it to export to neighbouring Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

As a result of the drought, the Zambian government earlier this month announced a ban on maize exports to neighbouring countries.

The government estimates that its current reserves of corn will run out in three months.

"The situation is unprecedented because there is not many known seasons when Zambia has had drought in February, as that is when we usually have the heaviest rains and even floods," Sikatana said.

Low rainfall in most parts of Zambia has affected maize yields while some crops have failed to mature due to the scorching heat. - AFP

- SAPA