National food security stock policies and procedures in sub-Saharan Africa : case studies

Subjects examined include food security objectives, organizations, use of the national food security stock, information/early warning systems, stock maintenance, pest control measures, the role of external donors, and the impacts of stocking policy. The following are among the study"s major findings. (1) Chad"s food security stock objective of providing famine relief to the disaster-stricken is managed cooperatively by the government and international donors. Responsibility for building and maintaining security stocks currently rests heavily on the shoulders of USAID. (2) Malawi"s objective is to have maize stocks readily available to feed needy rural Malawians, fill the commercial food gap, stabilize prices, and aid Mozambican refugees when donor pledges are insufficient. ADMARC, a parastatal, is responsible for maize price stabilization and maintenance of the grain reserve. (3) Mali is unique in that it has special warehouses and procedures used only for security reserve grain. A 3-month grain supply is held in reserve, under the control of a donor group, and private merchants are expected to supply the market under normal conditions. The system has worked well, but at a high cost to donors. (4) Zambia"s situation regarding reserves is extremely political and fluid, as a new government (in place since late 1991) is attempting to identify or create a satisfactory security stock managing organization. The target size of the security stock is also under scrutiny.