Famine Early Warning Systems Network

National

Midway through the harvest period, most high producing regions of the country are reporting good cereal, beans, and horticultural production levels. However, it has been observed that there is a marked increase in basic staple food supplies in markets around the country. As a result, cereal prices in most major market centers are declining. Average maize prices in Huambo have decreased by 15 percent since the previous month, and in Bie and Malanje, maize prices have declined by 20 and 10 percent within the last month, respectively. The exception to this downward trend are in Lubango in Huila Province, a major supplier of food crops to Namibe and Cunene Provinces, where average maize prices increased by 13 percent since the previous month. 

Areas of Concern: Southern Livestock, Millet, Sorghum Livelihood zone and Sub humid livestock and maize zone

• Menongue and Cuangar municipalities in the Province of Cuando Cubango have reported an outbreak of Foot-and-mouth disease, which has already caused around 1,500 cattle deaths. Given that there are large portions of the province that are yet to be inspected, and there is high degree of movement of cattle between provincial borders (especially between Cuangar and Okalupalelona in Namibia), more infections are expected.
• In Namibe Province, the maize harvest period is almost over and local MINAGRI officers estimate that production in the province is 10 percent higher than then production during the previous agricultural season. Harvests of sorghum and millet are expected to be even better than maize production, given that these crops are hardier than maize and more drought resistant. It is also expected that that horticultural production, especially tomato production, will be an improvement from the previous season because of the recent installation of boreholes that are used for irrigation. Current maize prices are still the same compared to last month. Pasture conditions in the Bibala and Camucuio areas are deteriorating, however livestock is still in good shape, and prices per animal are on average AKZ 115,000.
• In Cunene Province, the harvest period is at a midway point and local MINAGRI officers are estimating that cereal production will now be even lower than the 2012-2013 season, which was when the region was affected by a severe drought. Maize prices in the area are 10 percent higher than last month and prices for beans are 20 percent higher than the previous month. The detection of   FMD in the transhumant areas of Cubango, has forced the government to issue a ban on the movement of all animals (in and out) in Cuanhama, Namacunde, and Cuvelai. This ban is also extended to animals coming to or from Namibia. The FMD outbreak comes after a  dermafilose  outbreak last month. It is reported that the FMD has already caused around 1,000 cattle deaths, and more are expected to die because the virus is highly infectious and animal conditions are poor. It should be noted that the municipality of Cuvelai is the last remaining area with relatively good pasture and some quantities of drinking water still available. So, this ban on the movement of livestock will further hamper pastoralist coping strategies this consumption year.