SPECIAL NEWS REPORT BY FAO/WFP CROP-AND-FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT MISSION TO FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA ISSUED
Press Release
SAG/48
WFP/1051
SPECIAL NEWS REPORT BY FAO/WFP CROP-AND-FOOD SUPPLY ASSESSMENT MISSION TO FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA ISSUED
19990713 ROME, 13 July (FAO/WFP) -- In March 1999, escalating civil unrest in the Kosovo Province of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Kosovo) led to a large-scale influx of refugees to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, amongst other parts of the region. At the peak of the crisis in early June, an estimated 250,000 Kosovar refugees were estimated to be in the country, of which an estimated 150,000 were hosted by families, mainly in rural areas, and the remainder housed in refugee camps.In view of concerns about the impact of the crisis on the food security situation of the country, a joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Food Programme (WFP) crop-and-food supply assessment mission was fielded to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia from 11 to 17 June. The mission gave special attention to the impact of the large influx of refugees on the hosting population, including food consumption patterns, health and nutrition status and access to food supplies. The mission's findings are based on discussions with government ministries and departments and local authorities, United Nations and bilateral agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in the country and on field visits to selected areas, including household interviews. In the limited time available, three field visits were carried out in some of the major agricultural production areas, as well as areas affected by the refugee influx.
The mission found that the impact of the refugee crisis on agricultural production, food prices, and the overall food security in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia appears to have been small, thanks to the quick response of the international agencies and NGOs in supplying food and other types of emergency assistance. The mission found no evidence of significant food shortage or malnutrition problems in the country.
However, the crisis has undoubtedly aggravated the general economic instability already being experienced by the country, as a result of which, the mission noted a significant increase in poverty levels. Affected households are having increasing difficulty paying for everyday expenses, and changes in food habits were noted. The major factor has been the collapse of trade with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, one of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's most important export markets and a vital source of
raw materials. The loss of the important fruit and vegetable market, in particular, is reflected in lower producer prices so far this year, and farmers' financial situation has deteriorated. Non-agricultural households are also affected as interruption in the supply of raw materials for the manufacturing industry has led to an unwelcome increase in the unemployment rate in 1999.
The mission forecasts Macedonian cereal production in 1999 at 759,000 tonnes, virtually unchanged from the estimated output in 1998 and well above the average of the past few years. At the forecast level, cereal production would cover about 80 per cent of the domestic requirement. Thus, the cereal import requirement for the marketing year 1999/2000 (July/June) is estimated at 117,000 tonnes, a normal level compared to the past few years, and comprising: 30,000 tonnes of wheat; 71,000 tonnes of maize; and 16,000 tonnes of other cereals. As in the past few years, the cereal import requirement is expected to be met mostly through commercial imports.
Against the requirement of wheat estimated by the mission, food aid of 10,000 tonnes of wheat have already been pledged for families that are hosting refugees. The food needs of the refugees have been excluded when calculating the cereal balance. Their needs are being met through a separate international assistance programme.
This report is prepared on the responsibility of the FAO and WFP secretariats with information from official and unofficial sources. Since conditions may change rapidly, please contact the undersigned for further information if required.
Abdur Rashid, Chief, GIEWS FAO Fax: 0039-06-5705-4495; e-mail:GIEWS1@FAO.ORG
J. Cheng-Hopkins, Regional Director, OAC, WFP Fax: 0039-06-6513-2863; e-Mail: Judy.Cheng-Hopkins@WFP.ORG
The special report is available on the Internet at the following URL address: http://www.fao.org/giews/
Inquiries should be directed to:
FAO Media-Office (Media-Office@fao.org) John Riddle, 0039-06-5705 3259, John.Riddle@FAO.Org Liliane Kambirigi, 0039-06-5705 3223, Liliane.Kambirigi@FAO.Org Erwin Northoff, 0039-06-5705 3105; e-mail: Erwin.Northoff@FAO.Org
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