KEY MESSAGES

-November dryness caused a delay in the start of season in many areas across the region.

-Poor rains during the 2011/12 agriculture season and low rainfall in November have resulted in persistent below-average vegetation conditions and reduced water availability.

-Good rains in early December could help reduce moisture deficits.

-Zambia has reported army worm infestations in several provinces and efforts to control the worms and replant crops are underway.