Korea, Democratic People's Republic (DPRK)

Major Assessment Begins In Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
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Published on 26 September 2012

Experts on agriculture, nutrition and food security from FAO and WFP are preparing the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) in DPR Korea. The CFSAM commenced on 24 September 2012

WFP/Monira Begum

An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) is underway in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea from 24 September to 8 October 2012.

The mission will conduct field work during 26 September to 6 October, and will then make a presentation of its prelinary findings to the international community based in Pyongyang on October 8. The CFSAM report is expected to be published in November.

The objective of the CFSAM  is to assess the 2012 main harvest, forecast the 2013 production of winter and spring crops, estimate cereal import requirements for the 2012/13 marketing year (November/October), to assess the household food security situation and estimate food assistance needs. The mission will also assess the impact of the recent dry spells and flooding on  agricultural production.
 
 
The CFSAM was requested by the Government of DPRK and the mission is a joint effort between FAO and WFP, with the support of the local authorities. The mission members consist of experts on agriculture, nutrition and food security.  Korean speaking international staff from WFP will accompany the teams in the field.

The participants will divide into four teams and visit 26 counties and cities in  ten of DPR Korea's 11 provinces: North Hwanghae (Sariwon, Songrim, Hwangju, Pyongsan), South Hwanghae (Unryul, Jaeryong, Sinwon, Paechon), South Hamgyong (Hamhung, Tonghungsan District, Hamju, Yongwang, Kowon), Kangwon (Anbyon, tongchon, Chonnae), South Pyongan (Mundok, Anju, Kaechon), North Pyongan (Sinuiju, Pibyon, Hyangsan), South Hamgyong (Hamhung, Tanchon), North Hamgyong (Kiju, Chonjin, Orang, Chongam), Ryanggang (Hyesan, Pachon).

County selection was done by prioritising areas affected by the dry spell, floods and/or tropical storms, but include also those which are expecting good yields.

WFP is also currently involved in a national nutrition survey, the findings of which will be published later in the year.

WFP Offices
About the author

Marcus Prior

Spokesperson for South and East Asia

Marcus Prior, a former journalist, was WFP's East Africa spokesperson before coming to Bangkok in 2010 to head up public relations in South and East Asia.