Source: Famine Early Warning System Network
Country: Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
KEY MESSAGES
• As the agricultural season drawsto a close, above normal rains in April in the southern parts of the region could improve pasture conditions. However, they are unlikely to mitigate the impact of earlier periods of extended dryness on crop production. Additionally, recent wet conditions, along with possibility of continued rains, may cause cob-rot among crops drying in the field.
• Seasonal analysis indicates that rainfall distribution in many areas was unfavorable, with extensive dry spells as well as excessive rains in several areas. This factor, in addition to other challenges, is expected to result in reduced yields this season, which has already been confirmed by early official national production estimates.