(Ecofin Agency) - Mozambique lost 11pct of total land plowed and sown during ongoing agricultural season. According to council of ministers who made the announcement, the loss is as a result of El Niño which worsened drought in the region.

“From the analysis, it appears that there is still a possibility of production in the north and centre of the country, while in the south it is considered the campaign failed,” said Mouzinho Saide, spokesperson of government cited by newspapers Noticias.

The failure exposes some 375,000 people to a risk of food insecurity, by June. A figure which could rise to 1.7 million people, by the next raining season, if there is no change till then.

Lost areas have been estimated to 518,000 hectares where should have been grown cereals (maize, rice) and vegetables.

Aaron Akinocho