The trend according to the report is due to the improved own food production. However, it stated that Swaziland continued to suffer from one of the most devastating dry seasons in recent history. “It is expected,” the report in its executive summary stated, “about 287 000 people amongst the rural population will face shortage of 30259 metric tones.”

Further, it said over E85 million (R85 million in South African Rands) expenditure will be needed as relief. “There will be need to provide food aid and or cash intervention to prevent a humanitarian crisis,” the report added.

However, it warned that the number might rise owing to a number of factors like the HIV and AIDS pandemic and the escalating commodity prices. VAC said the country’s economy is rather sluggish and this has negative impact in the delivery of basic services and catering for the population.

“Well over two thirds of the country’s population lives in conditions of poverty and level of unemployment stands at 28.2 percent.”

There was basically, a slight increase in production from 46 000 tonnes in the 2006/07 agricultural season to 62 000 tonnes for 2007/08 agricultural season. The production according to the report, will not meet the domestic consumption requirement.

The poor rain distribution around the country and persisted dry spells over the years have had the highest number of people classified as vulnerable to food insecurity.