25 June 2009
Johannesburg — A more than two fold increase in Zimbabwe's production of its staple, maize, in 2009 will not be enough to rid the country of food insecurity.
A crop report by the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP), released on 25 June, said: "National production of maize in 2009 is estimated at 1.14 million tons, an increase of 130 percent on that of the record low harvest of 2008 [471,000 tons]. Total domestic cereal availability for 2009/10 is estimated to be 1.39 million tons."
WFP spokesperson Peter Smerdon told IRIN the maize harvest "looks very good, but last year was very bad". National food requirement is around 1.7 million tons.
The increase in maize production is tempered by the forecast for a winter wheat crop of just 12,000 tons, "the lowest ever and dramatically down from 242,000 tons in 2006," a consequence of high input costs, "financial liquidity" problems and intermittent electricity supplies to power irrigation equipment.
Initial forecasts were that about 2.8 million people would require food assistance by March 2010, a substantial decrease from the 7 million beneficiaries during the March 2009 "lean season" - the month prior to the main harvest in April.
Smerdon said 600,000 people were already receiving food assistance as part of WFP's safety net programme and estimates of those requiring food relief could be revised after vulnerability assessment in August determines the level of assistance required.
The June 2008 FAO/WFP crop assessment initially forecast that 5.1 million people would require food aid in the first quarter of 2009, but this number increased to 7 million. A shortfall in donor funding resulted in WFP reducing cereal rations to 5kg per person - less than half the recommended monthly minimum of 12kg.
WFP's Jan Delbaere, a co-leader of the crop assessment mission, said in a statement: "This year's improved harvest comes after two consecutive years of poor production, having depleted their food stocks and sold livestock and other assets to cope with the effects of recent crises, many rural households are still struggling to survive."
Declining population
The crop assessment report attributed a better maize harvest to "well-distributed rainfall ... in spite of the fact that inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizer, fuel and draught power were in short supply and expensive."
"With the total utilization of cereals at about 2.07 million tons including 1.74 million tons for direct human consumption for the revised projected population of 11 million, the resulting cereal import requirement is estimated at 680,000 tons, of which the maize deficit accounts for about 70 percent," the report said.
Zimbabwe's population decline from more than 12 million to 11 million was cited as being caused by HIV/AIDS deaths and a "significant amount of out-migration" caused by the collapse of the country's economy.
The Central Statistics Office "accepts a low figure of 350,000 as out-migrants since 2002. On the other hand the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has been using three million as a planning figure for the purpose of remittance calculations."
More maize from less land
The increased maize production was achieved despite a reduced area under cultivation from 1.7 million hectares in 2008 to 1.4 million in 2009 and "had rainfall this year been similar to that of 2007/08 production might have been disastrously low."
Seed and fertilizer worth US$ 31 million were donated by SADC [Southern African Development Community] but in most areas they were delivered too late for effective use
A limited availability of agricultural inputs, high costs, late deliveries and the unsuitability of certain seeds combined to constrain maize production.
"Seed and fertilizer worth US$ 31 million were donated by SADC [Southern African Development Community] but in most areas they were delivered too late for effective use ... [and] was not always the most suitable for the agro-ecological zones where it was distributed," the report said.
A lack of animal draught power was also being compounded by food insecurity as livestock was slaughtered in the wake of the poor 2007/2008 harvest.
"In late 2008 many smallholders sold off their livestock, including cattle, in order to raise money for food, transport, school fees and other expenses following the poor main harvest. Undoubtedly some of these cattle were sold to larger farmers wishing to increase their herd size," the report said.
Among its recommendations was emergency assistance by both government and the international community for the delivery of quality seed by September 2009 - a few months ahead of the planting season. The two UN agencies also called for the provision of credit lines and contractual guarantees for the purchase of inputs, the revival of agricultural extension officers and the rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation schemes.
[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations ]
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Read the following book on the GMO game they are playing on us. If we eat GMO , we might as well eat plastic fruit; RIDICULOUS !!!!
SEEDS OF DECEPTION BY JEFFREY SMITH
“ A must read for truthseekers. “ [www.seedsofdeception.com]
PARABLE OF THE GMO GAME AND ITS ORIGINATOR (Satan aka D-Evil )
And Jesus said another parable to them, saying,
“ The kingdom of heaven is like a man which planted good seed in his field:
But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares (GMO / FAKE) among the wheat (NATURAL), and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
So the servants of the householder came and said to him, Sir, didn’t you plant good seed in thy field ?
Where did these weeds (GMO/ FAKE) come from ?
The Householder said to them, An enemy (D-Evil) has done this.
The servants said to him, Do you want us to pull up the weeds ?
The Householder said, No ; we don’t want to hurt the NATURAL plants by accident.
Let the GMO /FAKE & NATURAL grow together until the harvest.
And in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather together first the tares (GMO/ FAKE) , and bind them in bundles to burn them (In The Lake Of Fire & Brimstone).
Then gather the wheat into my barn. (PARADISE) “ [Matthew 13:24 -30 - Paraphrased]
ROACH GENES IN CORN [http://ixquick.com/do/metasearch.pl?query=Roach+genes+in+corn&cat=web&pl=f f&language=english]
AIDS VIRUS IN CORN [http://ixquick.com/do/metasearch.pl]
[This inspiring poem was featuring in the movie “Coach Carter ”]
Our Deepest Fear Is Not That We Are Inadequate, Our Deepest Fear Is That We Are Powerful Beyond Measure. It Is Our Light , Not Our Darkness That Most Frightens Us.
We Ask Ourselves, Who Am I To Be Brilliant, Gorgeous, Talented, And Fabulous ?
Actually Who Are We Not To Be ? You Are A Child Of God.
Your Playing Small Doesn’t Serve The World.
There Is Nothing Enlightened About Shrinking So That Other People Won’t Feel Insecure Around You.
We Are All Meant To Shine, As Children Do.
We Were Born To Make Manifest The Glory Of God That Is Within Us.
It’s Not Just In Some Of Us; It’s In Everyone.
And When We Let Our Own Light Shine We Unconsciously Give Other People Permission To Do The Same.
And As We Are Liberated From Our Own Fear, Our Presence Automatically Liberates Others
- Marianne Williamson -
[NOTE – BEING AFRAID AND REFUSING TO GET INVOLVED WON’T STOP US FROM DYING. BUT BEING AFRAID CAN PREVENT US FROM LIVING]
(Nkosi Sikeleli Africa )
God bless Africa May her glory be lifted high Hear our petitions .
God bless us, Your children God we ask You to protect our nation Intervene and end all conflicts Protect us, protect our nation, our nation.
From the blue of our heaven, From the depths of our sea, Over our eternal mountain ranges, Where the cliffs give answer.
Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land.
[Enoch Mankayi Sontonga]
[http://www.infowars.com/infowars.asx] / [gcnlive.com] / [http://alexjonesringtones.net/]
WAKE UP ! STAY UP MY BROTHERS & SISTERS ! BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
- Life Is a Game. Have Fun. [ Luke 18:17 / Isaiah 11:6 ]
"Uplift".........it's on!
Since Mr. "Upliftdarace" likes to cut-&-paste, please allow me to respond in kind...........
Mr. Uplift:
I grew tired of your cut-&-paste doggerel, so I decided to fact-check your claims that Black Africans actually “invented” the things you have claimed they did (courtesy of the Black Inventors Museum in Los Angeles, California). Most of your claims are out and out WRONG or complete fabrications! Maybe you’ve heard of this “invention” called Wikipedia?
I have put counter-claims to your assertions that Black Africans “invented” many of the things you claim they have. As a matter of FACT it is somewhat disingenuous of you NOT to mention that most of these “inventors” were people of African descent living in the United States (coincidence? I think not)! I have placed contrary evidence to your assertions in parentheses directly underneath each of your fallacious assertions:
(You said:)
“HERE’S SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT BLACK AFRICANS HAVE DONE : BLACK AFRICAN INVENTORS AND THEIR INVENTIONS” The type of Invention is capitalized (e.g. TRAFFIC SIGNAL, MOTOR, etc..) Here are some major Black Africans who have had an impact on the world With their initiative These are INVENTORS . This Listing includes The Inventor’s Name, Their Invention and in some cases the date the invention was recognized and the invention’s U.S. patent number.
(Following this, you began with the following "examples" to prove your hypothesis:)
- Sarah Boone - IRONING BOARD - April 26, 1892
(Ironing Board - On 16 February 1858 W. Vandenburg and J. Harvey patented an ironing table that made pressing sleeves and pant legs easier.[4] A truly portable folding ironing board was first patented in Canada in 1875 by John B. Porter of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The invention also included a removable press board used for sleeves.)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ironing_board
Ms. Boone actually “invented” an “improved” ironing board but did not, in fact, “invent” the ironing board:
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African_American_inventors_and_scienti sts
• John A. Burr - LAWN MOWER
(The first lawn mower was invented by Edwin Budding in 1827 in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Budding's mower was designed primarily to cut the lawn on sports grounds and expensive gardens as a superior alternative to the scythe and was patented in 1830.)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawn_mower
Mr. Burr did actually receive a patent for a “rotary” lawn mower, but did NOT “invent” the lawn mower.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African_American_inventors_and_scienti sts
• Marie V. Brittan Brown - HOME SECURITY SYSTEM - Dec 2, 1969
Ms. Brown actually invented the VIDEO home security system, NOT the HOME SECURITY SYSTEM.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_African_American_inventors_and_scienti sts
• Buridge & Marshman – TYPEWRITER
(Per Wikipedia: “No single person invented the typewriter. As with the automobile, telephone, and telegraph, a number of people contributed insights and inventions that eventually resulted in commercially successful instruments. In fact, historians have estimated that some form of typewriter was invented 52 times as tinkerers tried to come up with a workable design.[1]
In 1714, Henry Mill obtained a patent in Britain for a machine that, from the patent, appears to have been similar to a typewriter, but nothing further is known.Other early developers of typewriting machines include Pellegrino Turri, who also invented carbon paper. Many of these early machines, including Turri's, were developed to enable the blind to write.)
- A Black guy (Burridge or Marshman) might’ve designed a “better” typewriter, but they definitely did NOT “invent” the typewriter.
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typewriter
• George Carruthers - X-RAY MACHINE
(Shay M. Anderson and Ryan W. Preuninger formulated mathematical equations for X-rays. Physicist Johann Hittorf observed tubes with energy rays extending from a negative electrode. William Crookes investigated the effects of energy discharges on rare gases. Heinrich Hertz began experimenting and demonstrated that cathode rays could penetrate very thin metal foil (such as aluminium). In 1887, Nikola Tesla began to investigate X-rays and produced the bremsstrahlung process. In 1895, Wilhelm Röntgen began observing and further documenting X-rays while experimenting with vacuum tubes.
One of the first X-ray photographs was made of the hand of Röntgen's wife. The image displayed both her wedding ring and bones. as the new scientific wonder and seized upon by entertainers. Circus patrons viewed their own skeletons and were given pictures of their own bony hands wearing silhouetted jewelry.)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-ray_machine
Again, Mr. Carruthers may actually have designed a “better” x-ray machine, but it is dishonest to suggest he “invented” the x-ray machine.
• George Washington Carver - PEANUT BUTTER - PAINTS – PAINT STAINS – ETC
NO ONE should ever question the genius of George Washington Carver! (my words)
• John Clark - TRACK ATHLETE TRAINER
(Who? If you’re going to mention athlete’s, then why not Michael Jordan? Why not Pele? Why not Tiger Woods? What about Jackie Robinson or Jesse Owens? And who the hell is John Clark? Is he a footballer?)
• W.A. Dietz – SHOE
(The earliest known shoes date from about 8000 to 7000 BCE and were found in Oregon, USA in 1938.[1] However, the materials used for making shoes (typically tanned leather) do not normally last for thousands of years, so shoes were probably in use long before this. Physical anthropologist Erik Trinkaus believes he has found evidence that the use of shoes began in the period between about 40,000 and 26,000 years ago……)
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoe
Again, Mr. Dietz may have designed a “better” shoe, but come on! You really expect us to believe this guy “invented” SHOES?
• Joseph Dickinson - PLAYER PIANO - ARM FOR RECORD PLAYER
Who? The explanation it too long to paste, but there's no mention of Mr. Dickinson, here’s the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Player_piano
• P.B. Downing - POSTAL LETTER BOX
(you’re f*&%’in kidding me, right? – Someone “invented” the mailbox? Hooray!)
• Charles R. Drew - BLOOD PLASMA STORAGE SYSTEM
(Another brilliant mind, but was born & raised in the U.S.!)
• T. Elkins - TOILET (COMMODE)
Another great example! I don’t think there was anyone named ELKINS alive when the toilet was “invented”), too long an explanation, except there’s no mention of any Black “ELKINS” in India in this time period!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toilet
• Robert Flemming Jr. – GUITAR
DUDE! The Guitar is a 2,000 year-old instrument! How many Black men lived in Greece 2000 years ago!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guitar
• Cathleen McCoy Garrett SIREN - HORN LIGHT INDICATOR
I won’t even bother explaining why you are wrong, simply because the next one is a perfect example of your dishonest posts!
• George F. Grant - GOLF TEE
(Let me ask you one question on this one? How many Black guys were in Scotland in the 19th century? Mr. Grant clearly did not “invent” the Tee……. He received a patent for a design that was never actually manufactured.
“In 1899, an African-American dentist, Dr. George Franklin Grant obtaned a patent for an "improved golf tee".[3] This tee consisted of a wood cone with a rubber sleeve to support the ball, but it is not known to have ever been marketed.”)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_tee
I was going to look at more of your “examples” of great African “inventors” (and I did!), but your “interpretation” of what an “invention” actually IS, is somewhat suspect. Most of these “great innovators” were just adding improvements to devices or concepts that pre-existed their work – THAT IS NOT AN INVENTION!
That’s sort of like me asking what white people (the West) have done with things we actually KNOW black people invented – like fire! Scientists generally agree that mankind originated in Africa (so can we ALL agree that fire is an African “invention?) I mean, who didn’t see “Quest for Fire”?), they probably figured out fire before many of them left for better locations and turned into white people.
Or maybe……….. It’s like asking what Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF henchmen have done with Zimbabwe since they inherited it from the racist regime of Ian Smith! Most of the people you mentioned in your encyclopedic diarrhea merely improved on something “invented” by others who happen NOT to be Black! Has Robert Mugabe actually "improved" anything that the racist white man Ian Smith "invented" in ZImbabwe? Maybe the CIO or the Green Bombers.......
Anyway, my original intent was to just tell you to STFU, I knew your “cut-&-paste” posts were factually incorrect, but I wanted others here to know it and to be able to fact-check it themselves so you couldn’t accuse me of lying.
So from now on, STOP with the intellectually dishonest claims that Black people invented THIS or THAT! Besides, I’m not claiming white people are better either, most important stuff was invented by the Chinese 2000 years ago anyway, everything else has just been an evolutionary improvement cycle over something the Chinese “invented” anyway!
Anyway,, if you have anything constructive to the conversation on these boards, then feel free to post them. But don't give us a cut-&-paste serving of sh*te that can't even hold up to a minimum fact-check. You got something to say - say it - just don't post lies, exaggerations and fabrications as some retarded bibliography for your incoherent rantings..........
By the way, I think white people (the West) have done pretty good with fire since it was “invented” by Africans………. What do you think?
Oh my God! I think I’m turning into J-hollow!
“Total Empowerment!”
IRIN (so called UN NGO) and others are the quickest to predict a lot of bad news that seem not to happen. A lot was made about the "failure" of GNU and how it would fail immediately and this has not happened. In fact Zimbabweans polled seem to think and feel positive toward the GNU. So called "GOOD news Bad news" is not news at all but cynical view of Zimbabwe. This seems to be what NGO's do better, than actually effecting change. Another word for NGO is "nothing good in our organization".