A recent joint mission to the country by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) mission to the country has reported a "sizeable reduction" in rice and maize production this year. The agencies estimate that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will need to import 1,865,000 tonnes of cereals in 2001 to cover the deficit between what is available and what is needed.

Severe electricity and fuel shortages have exacerbated the emergency, drastically reducing the ability of the country's irrigation systems to cope with the drought, according to the report of the FAO/WFP mission.

The report also points to growing disparities in access to food between different sectors of society. It cites the example of the relative scarcity facing urban areas, which are far from the main sources of food production and are estimated to have up to 25 per cent less cereal than rural areas.

The joint mission has concluded that over the short term, outside food aid will continue to play a major role in guaranteeing food security in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Looking to the country's long-term situation, the report emphasizes that prospects will depend on rehabilitating agricultural production, which will also require continued international assistance.