§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what support she has provided to agencies working in Malawi to tackle the food shortages there. [47611]
§ Hilary BennWe have provided £1.9 million since January for direct food relief in Malawi, including grants to non-Governmental organisations which are providing support to 180,000 beneficiaries, mainly children and pregnant and breast-feeding mothers, in the Districts of Balaka, Machinga, Dedza and Mchinji. In addition, in November we provided £3.5 million for nation-wide cash for work programmes and £3.75 million for free distribution of agricultural inputs. Both programmes were targeted at vulnerable households. To help prevent future food shortages, we are working with Government to help prepare a National Food Security Strategy.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the food shortages in Malawi; and if she will make a statement. [48070]
§ Hilary BennThere are severe localised food shortages in parts of Malawi. At this time of year most households depend on the market for basic foods, but grain prices have risen enormously, reducing access by the poor. The maize crop to be harvested from April onwards will provide some relief, but consumption of green maize may have had a significant impact on overall yields and therefore on household food security. Shortages can be expected throughout the 2002–03 agricultural season.