Urgent need for agricultural inputs in southern Mozambique

Figure 1. Areas that require close monitoring of household food security through March 2008   FULL-SIZE IMAGE Source: USGS/FEWS NET

As the main rainy and agriculture season is now starting in much of the country, attention must immediately be directed to ensuring farmers have adequate access to agricultural inputs for planting between now and December. The seasonal forecast is positive across the country, but adequate access to a steady supply of inputs is crucial for its success, particularly in the drought affected areas of the south, where households have not been able to retain seed from the previous season and seed shortages are widespread. Insufficient or delayed delivery of seeds may limit the area that can be planted or delay planting. This will prolong the lean season for households and expose crops to an abnormal vegetative cycle, increasing the risk of crop disease and erratic performance.

At least 460,000 people in need of food aid until March 2008 are being assisted in seven provinces of central and southern Mozambique affected by drought and floods this year. These households have limited food access, due to lack of income following crop failures this year, a lack of alternative income sources, and above normal food prices, particularly in southern markets, that restrict market purchases.

Food security conditions have not deteriorated further following the harvest in May. While the peak of the lean season in December approaches, ongoing humanitarian interventions and limited earnings and consumption from second season harvests are preventing further deterioration of food security. However, food security may deteriorate in the interior of Gaza and Inhambane provinces and in parts of the central region if the upcoming agricultural season is poor. The three livelihood zones highlighted in Figure 1 require close monitoring between now and the next major harvest in March 2008, due to failure of the second season production and the limitations on available coping strategies.

The forecast for the current season indicates the likelihood of normal to above normal rainfall. Contingency plans should be developed for the potential flooding in at risk zones along the main river basins namely, the Zambeze, Pungué, Búzi, Limpopo, Umbelúzi and Incomati. Localized inundations may also occur in other sub-basins. Extreme weather events may include tropical depressions, storms or cyclones. Such events are likely during the rainy season, and may displace people and disrupt local household livelihoods, necessitating emergency humanitarian assistance.

Seasonal calendar and critical events

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