The distribution of food supplies to some residents in the Rupununi has begun as several far off communities are now faced with food shortages following the end of what was described as the worst droughts to hit the region since 1988.
Back in January, Regional Executive Officer Carl Parker had told Stabroek News that if continued, the drought also posed the risk of a food shortage.
It would now seem that that prediction has now become a reality for some residents in the Rupununi as the regional administration is now tasked with sourcing food supplies for distribution as well as combating a persistent caterpillar infestation that are damaging crops in varying sections of the region.
Regional Chairman Brian Allicock said on Saturday that rainfall in the region has eased and they are now experiencing bouts of passing showers.
Further, Allicock stated that an analysis of the weather pattern in the area over the last three years was done which presented a theory that the water level in the region will not rise beyond a certain point.
As a result, the water is in creeks, lakes or rivers are not expected to overflow, thus potentially hampering the ability of the fish population to swim upstream to spawn.
He noted that this would ultimately give rise to smaller fish populations and less fish being available for consumption for those who depend on them for food.
But smaller fish populations are not the only indicators of a food shortage in the area as several Ministry of Agriculture field officers stationed in the region are working tirelessly to assist farmers in dealing with growing caterpillar infestations which are damaging the crops on farms since the rains began.
The chairman noted that while the teams are out in the field doing their best, sometimes when the field officers get to the farms, the caterpillars would have already done their damage, thus they are unable to assist all the farms that are being affected.
Meanwhile, food distribution began 2 to 3 weeks ago as Toshaos from several villages have already started requesting food relief for their villages; the distribution was started in five villages inclusive of Moco-Moco, Kumu and Shulinab.
Allicock noted that Food for the Poor has since offered some assistance to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) by donating food supplies and three rotator blades to the RDC which were subsequently distributed to villages to residents with their farms. The non-profit organization has also aided in the distribution process.
But while grateful for the assistance from the organization, the RDC remains hopeful that the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) would be able to assist in the sourcing of additional food supplies since there is a limited amount of supplies that are available.
Allicock explained that while he cannot say for sure the total quantity of food supplies that has been distributed, close to 75 bags of rice have already been distributed to villages in the South Pakaraimas and Central Rupununi as they are said to be affected the most.
On the other hand, while three of the eight wells in the North Rupununi have been completed, the continuation of works on the remaining wells will now be dictated by the amount of rainfall that is expected in the next few weeks.
The chairman noted that if the rains continue, a request will be made to have the works halted until the dry season.
Meantime, the Brazilian army is expected to commence works for the drilling of wells in the South Pakaraimas later this year in the month of August.
