Key Messages

Across the country, the majority of rural households are currently able to meet their basic food needs. However, Stressed (IPC Phase 2) food insecurity outcomes exist among the poorer households in areas in the central and southern regions due to reduced crop yields caused by mid-season dryness during the 2011/12 main season. From July to December Stressed (IPC Phase 2) acute food insecurity conditions are expected to persist in the districts of Chigubo, Funhalouro, Panda, Chicualacuala, Magude, Chemba, Changara, Chiuta, Machanga and Mutarara.

Local markets continue to be well supplied favoring food access to the majority of households. Crops such as maize, rice, groundnuts, cassava and beans are available in markets. In general, prices from May to June have decreased or remained stable in most markets, but purchasing power is expected to decline as seasonal price increases start in July. Overall, food prices remain above the five-year average.

Although production from the second cropping season (April to September) is limited compared to the main cropping season, it is currently playing an important role in minimizing the shortfalls from the main season in some areas. Some of the districts with climate conditions adequate for a second cropping season include Mutarara and Machanga.