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Zambia to import non-GM maize from South Africa to help deal with food crisis
(Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002 -- CropChoice news) --
BBC Monitoring International Reports:
Zambia is to receive 2,000 tonnes of non-genetically modified yellow maize
from South Africa. This is according to UN special envoy for humanitarian
crisis in the southern African region, James Morris. He said this is part of
the UN response to the hunger situation that affects 2.5 million people in
Zambia.
Morris said the imports will also include wheat, because it is easy to find
and not expensive. The UN envoy said the decision was reached at a meeting
with Vice-President Enock Kavindele and other government officials. He said
rice would be difficult to source, and too expensive, adding that the UN
would consider buying maize within Zambia, where it is available.
He also announced the launch of a consolidated appeal involving UN agencies
and NGOs to the hunger situation in southern Africa. Morris described the
hunger situation in Zambia as critical, because 70 per cent of the
population is below 18 years old. | |
