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Zambia Food Security Outlook Update September 2013

Countries
Zambia
Sources
FEWS NET
Publication date
Origin
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Minimal acute food insecurity expected through December

KEY MESSAGES

• Despite prevailing livelihood protection deficits in the south due to a reduced 2012/13 harvest, Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity outcomes are projected through December. Poor households are mostly relying on the sale and consumption of wild fruits, brewing, charcoal burning, and limited labor in order to meet their basic food needs. Households eligible for Government assistance will start receiving food in September.

• Although the country has adequate maize stocks to meet demand for at least nine months, maize and meal prices have remained higher than the previous season and the five year average. As the lean season starts in November and demand for staple market supplies increases, maize and meal prices will increase further, reducing the purchasing power for market dependent households.

• The recent seasonal forecast indicates that the country will likely receive normal to above normal rainfall during the 2013-2014 growing season. This forecast suggeststhat there will be timely planting.