Swaziland: Amid Global Food Crisis, UN Helps Boost Farm Production

Posted to the web 23 July 2008 The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is helping poor farmers to boost their agricultural production in Swaziland, one of many countries suffering as a result of the global food crisis. Further exacerbating the current situation in Swaziland is last year's drought, the worst the Southern African nation has faced in 15 years, ruining harvests and inputs for this year's crop. To assist farmers, FAO and the Government have established Input Trade Fairs to supply much-needed supplies. These fairs - funded by the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) - give planters cash vouchers to allow them to select the seeds, fertilizers, tools and other items they need. The events also are an opportunity for local seed... [read full story]