§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with other donors in relation to the World Food Programme's shortfall in funds for the southern Africa food crisis; and if she will make a statement. [107548]
§ Clare ShortThe World Food Programme's ․507 million appeal in July 2002 is now 76 per cent. funded. Both the Prime Minister and I have written to other donors to urge further contributions. The international communities response to the crisis has funded enough food and other supplies to avoid a major catastrophe. DFID officials meet regularly with WFP and other donors, including USAID and the EU, to monitor the food security position in southern Africa. The UK has contributed more that £106 million in humanitarian assistance to Southern Africa since September 2001. The UK share of EU assistance was over £21 million.
§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment her Department has made of the southern Africa food crisis after mid-May; and if she will make a statement. [107549]
§ Clare ShortSouthern Africa has suffered a serious humanitarian crisis since late 2001. Harvests are due across the region starting in April. Early forecasts are304W for variable but generally improved crops. If these forecasts are accurate, then there should be a significant reduction in the scale of the crisis in the region. There will be little need for food aid in Malawi and Zambia, but continuing pockets of need in Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland.
However, there continues to be a major crisis in Zimbabwe. There is likely to be a 1 million tonne shortfall in maize production, and although the number needing food aid in the coming months may drop from the present level of 7 million, this figure is almost certain to climb again by the end of the year.