afrol News, 25 July - 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.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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