Mozambique government ponders reducing food assistance and increasing seed provision

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Mozambique government ponders reducing food assistance and increasing seed provision

8:50 CAT | 04 Apr 2017

IFCR Twitter (File photo) / For illustration purposes only

The government is considering reducing emergency food aid in favour of providing seeds to farmers in drought-affected areas that currently offer conditions for the practice of agriculture.

National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC) spokesman Paulo Tomás made the announcement at a press conference in Maputo on Friday, saying that recent rains had now created conditions for the practice of agriculture in the areas affected by the drought.

Tomás said the government and its partners needed 772 tons of seeds, including 540 tons of corn and 100 tons of bean seeds, to kick-start the season’s second growing campaign.

“This aid will benefit 100,000 farmers in the affected areas, which is why it we are appealing to all those who want to support the channelling of seeds and agricultural inputs,” he said.

He said that the rains and strong winds registered since October 2016 had affected 1.4 million people, totally destroying 43,000 houses, 108 health units and 1,858 classrooms.

Concerning Cyclone Dineo, Tomas noted that the survey carried out for the emergency replacement of destroyed infrastructure in Inhambane pointed to the need for 470 million meticais (US$6.9 million) in aid, of which about 98 percent was already available.

Thirty-seven school tents, providing 1,424 covered classrooms had been pitched, he added.

“We need to mobilise more resources with partners and intensify partnerships between the public and private sector,” Tomas acknowledged.

He added that, despite better conditions. The red alert was still in place and a survey was under way to gauge the seriousness of conditions on the ground. A final report would be sent to the authorities for decision making.

Source: AIM Moçambique