A decline in cereal production in several low-income food-deficit countries this year could lead to a tighter food supply situation with 28 countries facing serious food scracity, according to a new United Nations report.
After four successive years of relatively strong growth, cereal production in many LIFDCs is expected to rise by just over 1 per cent in 2007, says the latest Crop Prospects and Food Situation report.
Moreover, if the largest producers -- China and India --are excluded, overall cereal output of rest of the LIFDCs is forecast to decline slightly from last year. Continued high international prices are also exacerbating the problem, the UN food agency noted.
Countries which have experienced severe droughts or irregular rains, are facing reduced crop yields. Zimbabwe, Swaziland and Lesotho have maize -- the main staple crop in these countries -- will drop by 50 per cent on average.
Meanwhile in Morocco, the cereal crop is estimated at just one-quarter of what it was last year.
Several Southern African countries are reporting record or above-average
harvests, and apart from Somalia, most East African countries estimate increased output.
The report classifies 28 countries as requiring external assistance to overcome food shortages.
In one of these countries, Nepal, a major obstacle to provide relief is the limited access to vulnerable populations. A total of 42 out of the country's 75 districts are estimated to be food deficient, with chronic and widespread food insecurity prevailing in some hilly regions.
Violence and subsequent security problems in countries such as Sudan, Somalia and Iraq have adversely affected food security.
In Iraq, over 1.8 million people have been internally displaced while more than two million have fled the country, according to humanitarian agencies.
The other countries on list include Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Ctted Ivoire etc.
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