This bulletin is being issued for information only and reflects the current situation and details available at this time. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is not seeking funding or other assistance from donors for this operation.

The situation

Initial indications from the currently ongoing Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) and annual crop forecasting assessments are that the crop harvest will be significantly reduced this season in Southern Africa. This is confirmed by the latest June 2012 regional inter-agency standing committee office (RIACSO) Food Security Matrix, prepared jointly by FAO, FEWSNET, OCHA and WFP. While general food security conditions appear favourable, localised acute food insecurity is being experienced in southern Malawi, the semi-arid districts of southern and central Mozambique, the southern and western provinces of Zimbabwe, most parts of Lesotho and some parts of Angola. An overall view of results is available and presented in the Humanitarian Bulletin Southern Africa issue 2 June 2012.

In Malawi it is estimated that 1.63 million people are food insecure and will require support for 3 to 6 months. While in Lesotho, following the failure of two successive crop seasons due to flooding and adverse weather, maize production fell by 77 percent compared to the 2010/11 season; which was already not a very good year. Angola is equally experiencing the worst drought in recent memory; with 1,833,900 people affected, of whom 533,000 are children under 5 years. In Zimbabwe, the national cereal production is estimated at 33 per cent less than the 2010/11 season harvest and 15% below the 2006 – 2011 average. In Mozambique, the areas for concern include southern and central regions of the country.

More countries and regions will require close monitoring as we approach the normal hunger period especially including Zambia and Swaziland. The Regional Vulnerability Assessment Committee (RVAC) dissemination meeting will take place at the end of July, where official data on food security will be released.