Blog Post

Improved Food Access in Mozambique

Harvests are now ongoing across Mozambique, improving food availability throughout the country, says a new report from FEWS Net.  In the southern and central areas of the country, food security outcomes are forecast to improve from Stressed (IPC Phase 2) to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) in June. In addition, second season harvests (expected in July-September) are developing well due to extended rains, with reasonably favorable prospects for maize, beans, and vegetables. This second-season production will further improve poor households’ food availability and access.

Staple food prices also saw a seasonal decline in April, according to the report. Maize prices fell by an average of 31 percent from March. While staple food prices remain above their five-year averages, this seasonal decrease is expected to further increase available food supplies and improve households’ food access.

The report points out however, that despite this progress, there will remain localized areas of Stressed (IPC Phase 2) or Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food insecurity through September. This remaining food insecurity is due to ongoing armed conflict, flooding and cyclone events, and erratic rainfall in the central areas of the country. These areas may continue to need targeted humanitarian aid. The country’s Vulnerability Assessment Group plans to carry out a nationwide food security assessment in June to determine the amount and type of humanitarian interventions needed, as well as the locations which will require the most targeted aid.

By: Sara Gustafson, IFPRI