EU humanitarian aid in response to crisis in South Africa

Sumario: August 7, 2002: Humanitarian Crisis in Southern Africa; Commission response to rise to almost Euro150 million (Brussels)

In response to the continuing humanitarian food crisis in Southern Africa, the Commission has announced that spending will rise to €148.5 million by September. This amount is destined primarily for the hardest hit countries in the region: Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia(1). In mid-July, the Commission issued details of the €88.5 million already approved in aid for these three countries. The extra €60 million announced today will be in €30 of humanitarian aid, managed by the Humanitarian Aid Office ECHO, and €30 million in food aid (the equivalent of approximately 80 000 tonnes of cereal), managed by the Europe Aid Co-operation Office. It is estimated that 300 000 tonnes of cereal, financed by the Commission, will be distributed in the region this year. In total, the Commission contribution to the crisis will correspond to around 20% of the food needs estimated for the region. Food and humanitarian aid has already been delivered to countries in the region via the Commission's partners which include the World Food Program, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and local Governments.

Of the €88.5 million already approved. €82 million is made up mainly of food aid and €6.5 million is in the form of humanitarian aid. The remaining €60 million is due to be programmed and approved in September. Details of the breakdown of the €88.5 million and an overview of the situation in the different countries in the region are given below. Meeting on 22 July, the General Affairs Council discussed the situation in the region and issued Conclusions where it called for further efforts to alleviate the situation and for countries in the region to help find a solution to the crisis.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is the worst hit country in the current food security crisis in Southern Africa, facing the most important food deficit in the region. Drought, successive poor harvest, collapse of the economy, forced land acquisition, pre- and post-electoral tensions have made for a political and humanitarian crisis. The EuropeAid Co-operation Office has responded to the current crisis with €53.5 million of food aid (approximately 120 000 tonnes). Food aid provided by the Commission in Zimbabwe will continue to be exclusively distributed by NGOs, either directly or as implementing partners of WFP. In addition, on 17 June, ECHO adopted an initial financing decision of €2 million focusing specifically on hungry children and other vulnerable groups.

Malawi

Poverty in Malawi is widespread and severe, with the lowest per capita income in the entire Southern African Region (€215 per year). Many the major problems are much more related to poverty and therefore to income deficit of the population than to food availability in the country. The short, medium and long-term strategy currently implemented by the Commission has therefore been designed on the basis on an attentive analysis of the structural causes of the crisis, and with the aim to give a sustainable response to the difficulties the population and the nation are presently facing.

The Commission has responded quickly to the emergency appeal for intervention issued by the Government of Malawi. The EuropeAid Co-operation Office has responded with €12.5 million (equivalent to around 55 000 tonnes) re-allocated from existing programs. A nutritional support equivalent to 15.000 tonnes are being distributed to the most vulnerable groups during April 2002 to March 2003 to an estimated 700.000 malnourished children and 350.000 pregnant and lactating mother. Around 37.000 tonnes of white maize have already been locally purchased and will be stocked to the national strategic grain reserve by the end of August to reinforce the national capacity to respond to the crisis. This support will increase up to €28.5 million with an allocation of €16 million, currently being approved by the Commission, to purchase through regional procurement around 40.000 tonnes of maize to be distributed free to the targeted vulnerable population.

ECHO is providing an additional €1.5 million in support of Nutritional Rehabilitation Units, including the provision of Likuni Phala (blended food made of corn and soya), plus nutritional equipment, kits, standard forms, supporting drugs and medical supplies. This money is also going to establish a national Nutritional Monitoring System with the Ministry of Health and Population and to reinforce the Food Security Surveillance System, through the Ministry of Agriculture.

Zambia

The situation in Zambia is being closely followed by the EU Delegation. The areas worst affected are the southern province and western region of Zambia. The current difficulties are exacerbated by the dramatic increase in refugee arrivals from Angola during the last months of 2001. Immediate food needs are covered by donors pledges but food aid could be allocated by the Commission in September. So far, ECHO has allocated €3 million for the immediate provision of water, sanitation and vaccination needs in refugee affected areas. Further humanitarian assistance decisions are possible. ECHO will specifically focus on assisting the early targeting of vulnerable groups.

Other countries in the Region

The situation in neighboring countries (including Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland) is being closely followed by Commission Delegations in the region, by regular evaluation missions and close contacts with governments and other donors. Needs arising are and will be addressed by the whole range of instruments at the Commission's disposal (food aid, humanitarian aid and longer-term development aid).

(1) This amount does not include a separate package worth €125 million for Angola, including €32 million in food aid and €10 million in humanitarian aid. Details can be found in IP/02/771 of 29 May

Ref: EC02-158EN
Fuente UE: Comisión Europea
Foro NU:
Fecha: 7/8/2002

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