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COUNTRY:        LESOTHO
ORIGINE:        FAO
TITLE:          SPECIAL REPORT FAO/WFP CROP AND FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT 
MISSION TO LESOTHO
DATE:           10 June 2003
OVERVIEW:       Following two consecutive years of poor harvests, the 
Government of Lesotho requested FAO and WFP for assistance in reviewing the 
country's food situation and outlook for the 2003/04 marketing year. 
Consequently, an FAO/ WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission was 
fielded from 22 April to 1 May, 2003 to estimate the current season cereal 
production, assess the overall food supply situation and forecast import 
requirements for 2003/04 marketing year (April/March), including food 
assistance needs.
The Mission received full cooperation from the Ministry of Agriculture and 
Food Security, the Ministry of Economic Planning, the Disaster Management 
Authority, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Marketing, and the Bureau of 
Statistics. Discussions were also held with relevant UN agencies including 
UNICEF, WHO, UNDP, as well as donor representatives, NGOs, and grain 
importers. The Mission split into two groups and was able to cover all the 
ten districts of the country. Interviews were conducted with each District 
Agricultural Officer and staff from crops, livestock, extension, disaster 
management, nutrition, and health divisions to get information and their 
assessment of the situation within their districts. Interviews were also 
conducted with Village Chiefs, farmers, households and traders. Overall, 
more than 120 interviews were conducted during the course of the mission.