National Food Crop Farmers Association " A Growing Food Crisis for the Poor"

National Food Crop Farmers (NFFA motto: “food for the nation”)
(Press release 2008)

It has now become a public debate whether there is a food crisis or not. It is the view of the NFFA that there is a food crisis which is projected to become worse by the end of the year if government intends to increase the cost of fuel.

The food crisis is certainly not going to be felt by the more privileged in society but certainly when it comes to the poor and the minimally paid workers, we have to be honest that it will be more of a burden.

The term food crisis in our opinion can be either a shortage of food or alternatively high prices for food, beyond the reach of the poor and average class in society. The view that we are not starving as a population to justify there is no food crisis is an outdated view in this modern era.

The blatant fact is that food prices are increasing and the purchasing power of the citizenry has declined drastically. The unavailability of basic food stuff such as flour and rice, two main staples which are a fundamental part of our food reveals that we have a problem.

Although we cannot produce wheat for flour, we can certainly produce rice. However, as with everything else concerning agriculture there seems to be no urgency in dealing with matters concerning our local food security. There seems to be a major hindrance to implementation.

The NFFA would like to remind the population that in the dry season food production is at its highest and as such prices are at its lowest, with the onset of the rainy season, reduced production attributed to floods, pests and diseases would mean higher prices for the cost of food, further reducing our purchasing power and if not a food crisis, then personal financial crisis hence, the less food one can purchase - same difference. Food crisis, if not for the rich, then for the poor. Yes food crisis for the poor.