Allan Odhiambo
3 February 2010
An estimated 3.8 million Kenyans will require emergency food aid this month amid a relentless rally in prices of key cereals.
The latest outlook report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) shows that the 2009 drought continues to impact on the country's food situation."Harvesting of 2009 long-rains season maize crop, which accounts for 80 per cent of total annual production, is about to be completed and production is officially forecast at 1.84 million tonnes, about 28 per cent below average," the report said blaming the situation on erratic and low cumulative rainfall levels estimated at between 10 to 50 per cent of normal.
The failed rains mainly affected maize yields in Eastern, Coast and parts of Rift Valley province.
"This has been the third consecutive season with inadequate rainfall. Dry weather conditions have also been severe in north western and eastern pastoral regions, deteriorating pasture availability and livestock body conditions with consequent increase of mortality rates."
But in what is likely to draw further concern among households, the survey by FAO revealed a relentless increase in local food prices despite recent improved weather conditions over several growing areas.
"Food prices remain at above average levels, reportedly as a consequence of inflated transportation costs for imported maize, due to congestion in Mombasa port," FAO said.
n Nairobi, according to estimates, the January 2010 wholesale price of maize was Sh30,600 ($408) per tonne, compared to Sh23,025 ($307) per tonne 12 months earlier and to Sh16,725 ($223) per tonne realised 24 months earlier.Full story HERE
