2006-2007: Worst Annual Harvest Ever For Swaziland

The lowest annual harvest in Swaziland was recorded for the year 2006/07 as a result of a prolonged dry spell and high temperatures that ravaged the country. Around 400,000 people will need approximately 40,000 tons of food assistance to meet the needs from now until the next harvest in April 2008, according to the report by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Maize production in 2006/07 is nearly 60 percent below last year’s level, while prices of major cereals have increased considerably in response to local shortages and as a result of significant maize price increases in South Africa, the main exporter to Swaziland. The FAO/WFP assessment recommends a targeted approach for food aid, and timely provision of agricultural inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, credit facilities and access to tractors, to support the hungry African nation until the next cropping season.

Readers can access the complete news article at http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2007/1000563/index.html.