Africa: Ebola halts harvest, international trade in affected African countries
"Ebola is a disease against agricultural productivity, a disease against youth and a disease that destroys food production," Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma said in a live satellite address to those attending the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue on Oct. 16.
Kanayo Nwanze, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development, explained that 40% of farms were abandoned in the areas affected due to fears of contracting the disease. As 80% of farmers produce 80-90% of the food consumed in the region, Ebola has had a significant impact on both national and regional food security.
Stephen O'Connell, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) chief economist, reported that food prices recently have begun to rise sharply in urban areas in Liberia, reflecting slowdowns in container shipping and uncertainty about future supplies. Regional trade has been reduced by land border closings. Internal transport has slowed, reflecting official and unofficial restrictions on movement and higher fuel costs.
Nwanze said preparations need to be made now for the aftermath of the outbreak, which he hopes will be stemmed before the end of the year. If not, there will be a major regional food crisis, with areas having a glut of food because they can't sell it while other areas have a total lack of food and soaring market prices.
Sesay said monetary assistance is needed right now.
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