- Despite recording harvest boom during the past two seasons, food monitors still believe that an estimated 500,000 Malawians might go hungry because some part of the country experience food insecurity due to chronic problems.
Southern African food monitoring organisation, the Famine Early Warning Network (FEWS) warned that any worsening economic conditions means over 500,000 Malawians need to be watched against food insecurity, for their entitlements will be reduced.
FEWS believe that a reduction in both cash crop and food by private traders would definitely push entitlements below the needs of the people, leaving the people with no other option other than ringing bells for some kind of support.
According to the findings of a recent study on Malawi’s Vulnerability Assessment Committee, there were no significant missing food entitlements linked to the hazards experienced in both the growing season or the projected economic indicators.
Malawian authorities have found themselves in a dilemma - how to dispose of the current excess maize without creating food insecurity, especially in the event of crop failure.
The third round crop estimates figures released by the government of Malawi put the maize production at 3.44 million metric tons, which is an increase of 33.7 percent over the last year’s production.
Going by the consumption requirement of 2.2 million metric tonnes, the 2007 harvest undoubtedly a huge surplus of 1.2 million metric tons.
Except tobacco, there was increase of production in all other harvested crops in 2007. Due to favourable weather conditions, cotton production has increased by 8.7, despite a reduction of area under cultivation.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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