EMERGENCY FOOD PRODUCTION

The distribution and control of fertilizer and tools will be managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development (DARNDR) through the existing government network which has been reinforced by additional manpower during the emergency. DARNDR will distribute the commodities free of charge to the affected farmers. Existing efforts aimed at increasing small farm production will be augmented in two ways: 1) through the widespread distribution and use of fertilizer; and 2) by making available sufficient quantities of tools needed for replanting and for the rehabilitation of key agricultural infrastructure (i.e., preparation of cropland, clearing of irrigation systems, access roads, etc.). Specifically, approximately 2,300 tons of fertilizer will be provided; and a total of 36,000 basic hand tools including shovels, machetes, hoes, picks, axes, pruning shears, and wheelbarrows will be purchased and distributed. The fertilizer will be used in replanting food crops, including corn, sorghum, two types of beans, three types of peas, and garden vegetables on an estimated 37,000 hectares of cropland. In addition, DARNDR will be given assistance in meeting the transportation and distribution costs associated with the delivery of agricultural inputs and tools to the disaster zones.