§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what action he will take in response to the report of 15 October of the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation on expected harvests in East Africa. [133763]
§ Hilary BennThe Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Foodcrops and Shortages report of October 2003 presents a mixed picture of prospects in East 489W Africa. In general production is expected to be better than last year. FAO judges, however, that in a number of countries low production is anticipated. This is expected to lead to the requirement for international assistance in the form of food aid.
The FAO reports are an important element in building up a picture of likely humanitarian needs. As one of the largest contributors of humanitarian assistance, including food aid, in Africa, we use the FAO reports, along with other evidence from Government, INGO and UN sources to target our humanitarian response.