§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they agree with the report published in July 2001 by the Zimbabwe Network for Informal Settlement Action. [HL2479]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Baroness Amos)We are aware of the report by the Zimbabwe Network for Informal Settlement Action and agree with a number of its findings on the plight of commercial farm workers. While original estimates of the extent of displacements have not been realised, none the less there has been a devastating impact on most farm workers' livelihoods resulting from the Government of Zimbabwe's land resettlement programme. The UK is deeply concerned about these communities and is working bilaterally and with other development partners to help address their needs.
§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Amos on 6 February (WA 91) on emergency food sent to Zimbabwe, why 8,200 tonnes of maize was re-routed from Tanzania; what is the result of this; and when the shipment will be made to Tanzania. [HL2773]
§ Baroness AmosMaize meal re-routed from Tanzania was part of a US Government pledge to the WFP for use in the Great Lakes Region. This is being replaced by the US. WFP officials agreed that this action would not adversely impact their work in East Africa, where many countries have a good harvest and regional maize stocks are high. By contrast, the food crisis was worsening rapidly in Zimbabwe.
The Earl of Caithness asked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Amos on 6 February (WA 91), which 19 districts in Zimbabwe have received food aid; and on what basis they were chosen. [HL2774]
§ Baroness AmosThe World Food Programme's current plans cover the following 19 districts; Muzarabani, Guruve and Mt Darwin in Mashonaland Central Province; Kariba in Mashonaland West; Bikita, Chiredzi, Chivi, Masvingo, Mwenezi and Zaka in Masvingo Province; Chipinge in Manicaland; Hwange and Tsholotsho in Matebeleland North; Gwanda, Insiza, Matobo and Umzingwane in Matabeleland South; and Mberengwa and Zvishavane in Midlands Province. District selection has been30WA based on poverty, health and nutrition indicators and on food security surveys.
In addition to these plans in mainly rural areas, people in urban and peri-urban areas also require assistance. The programme is being extended to take account of these populations and the forecast impact of a poor maize harvest as a result of drought in the middle of the growing season.
§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Amos on 6 February (WA 91), whether any food aid has been delivered to the Zimbabwean Government in the last year. [HL2775]
§ Baroness AmosDonors have not channelled food aid through Zimbabwean Government systems.
§ The Earl of Caithnessasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Amos on 6 February (WA 91), what is the value of the food aid mentioned. [HL2776]
§ Baroness AmosThe value of these commodities is approximately 5.2 million US dollars.