Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Sunday Times (Johannesburg) - August 18, 2002
Five deaths a day in camps set up for ex-Unita soldiers.
ZAMBIA:
Two million face starvation as food runs out this month, government says; Total crop failure in the south due to drought;
Maize shortage estimated at 630 000 tons. Production fell by 30% in 2000/2001 - thus no reserves when crops failed this year;
Extreme vulnerability to hunger due to high HIV/Aids rate.
ZIMBABWE:
Farm invasions blamed for huge drop in grain production;
Erratic rainfall also blamed for poor harvest, with southern and western Matabeleland and Masvingo regions worst hit;
Estimated six million in need of food aid, as maize deficit falls to 1.5 million tons;
Evidence emerges that Mugabe government is halting aid to political opponents; Highest HIV/Aids rate in Southern Africa.
MOZAMBIQUE:
Prolonged drought, after two years of flooding, has affected an area of 90 000ha and about 100 000 households;
UN agencies say more than 500 000 people need food aid;
Situation compounded by sharp rise in staple food prices and delays in maize delivery, particularly from South Africa.
MALAWI:
Worst affected country, with hundreds already dead. Three million face starvation, mainly in the south. President Bakili Muluzi declares a state of emergency in February;
Maize production fell by 10% - compounding the situation after surplus grain was sold after 2000's bumper harvest;
Almost 500 000 tons of food needed to avert widespread hunger; HIV/Aids taking its toll.
LESOTHO:
Poor harvest after heavy rains, frost, hailstorms and tornadoes. Government declares a state of famine in April;
2002 harvest 60% below normal, and 500 000 people need emergency food aid, UN says;
HIV/Aids also taking its toll.
SWAZILAND:
Second year of bad weather blamed for food shortages. UN says production is down 18% on last year's poor harvest;
More than 100 000 tons of cereal need to be imported;
Two-thirds of the population live below the poverty line, while maize and wheat prices continue to rise;
HIV/Aids also undermining food security.
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