UN helps Lesotho with food security
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) says buying maize directly from small farmers in Lesotho is having a beneficial effect on local communities. he crops are bought from farmers who use conservation techniques to produce a surplus – amid the country’s worst drought in 30 years. By buying the maize directly from a group of local small-scale farmers rather than from neighbouring South Africa, the WFP saves US$45/t and helps stimulate the local agricultural economy. “This is a win-win situation,” WFP executive director Josette Sheeran said. In the first-ever direct purchase in Lesotho, WFP paid 20 farmers from the isolated and impoverished district of Qacha’s Nek around US$2 800 for 8t of their maize – a considerable sum in a country where more than a third of the population lives on less than $1 a day. “WFP is committed to buying locally whenever possible because – as this historic deal proves – even a small purchase can have a huge impact on the lives of small-scale farmers,” Sheeran said. S o far this year, WFP has bought 7 000t of food in Lesotho at a cost of US$2,3 million. – BuaNews
1,5 million Africans affected by floods
Torrential rains have claimed at least 270 lives in Africa since July. ccording to the World Food Programme, an estimated 1,5 million people have so far been affected by Africa’s worst flooding in decades, and this figure could rise. he rains have contaminated water sources, destroyed bridges and roads and washed away over 3 238ha of food crops in Uganda alone. housands have been displaced and face severe health risks and food shortages, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Crescent Societies has warned of possible epidemics of diseases such as cholera in the region. SA deputy foreign affairs minister Aziz Pahad said the floods highlighted climate change and the importance of dialogue on this matter. – Staff reporter
