Zimbabwe hosted a two-day regional conference on food security in June sponsored
by the Dutch Institute for Advocacy on Development Policy and Christian Care
Zimbabwe to look at ways to increase food supply and security in the region.
John De Waard, a representative from the Dutch embassy, urged African nations
to learn from Europe’s agricultural policies in setting their own.
Meanwhile the World Food Projected released a report outlining current food
emergencies in Africa. Among the nations facing food problems are:
Sudan – two WFP officials were killed and four injured in an attack in Sudan.
Although air drops of food to southern Sudan began in early June, hunger is
now spreading to communities who a few months ago did not need it.Angola – cereal production for 1998 is forecasted to increase 38 percent
from last year, but continued problems with transportation mean international
aid will need to continue at least through 1999. Daily attacks by what’s
left of UNITA continueUganda – increased fighting has kept aid work to a minimum.
Burundi – WFP dropped major food shipments in Karuzi and Kirundu provinces.
Sources:
National Food Security Seminar Begins. Panafrican News Agency, June 17, 1998.
WFP Emergency Report No. 24 – Africa. June 12, 1998.