United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York)
22 July 2008
press release
FOOD SECURITY UPDATE
The overall food security situation in the drought affected areas has not improved due to cumulative effects of belg/gu rainfall failure, armyworm outbreaks, continually increasing food prices and shortage of emergency resources.
Malnutrition conditions remain to be of high concern in Amhara Region particularly in Menz Gera woreda of North Shoa zone, OCHA reports. In response, the Regional Food Security Program and Disaster Prevention Coordination Office (FSPDPCO) is to supply emergency food to the affected population.
The Oromiya Regional Emergency Nutritional Coordination Unit (R/ENCU) reports that food security in the region has deteriorated especially in Moyale woreda of Borena, Arsi Negelle woreda of East Shoa, and Girawa, Gursum, Meta and Bedeno woredas of East Hararghe zones. CARE reports high malnutrition and shortage of water resulting in pasture depletion in Borena and East Hararghe zones. According to WFP, although recent rains have improved pasture conditions, physical condition of livestock in the lowland areas of the region continues to be below normal. WFP also reports increased death of livestock in Dire Dawa and East Hararghe. Furthermore, Save the Children US’s on-going rapid MUAC assessment in Liben woreda of Guji zone indicates increased malnutrition cases, as reported by R/ENCU. Meanwhile, MSF Greece’s recently conducted MUAC mass screening in Siraro woreda of West Arsi zone shows reduced Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) levels and admission rates.
The dry hagaa season in Somali Region is causing further stress on pasture and water availability in Fik, Degehabur and Shinile zones, according to WFP. Increased death of livestock has been reported in Gode, Afder and Liben zones by the agency. Early human and livestock migration from Doboweyn, Shilabo, Danot and parts of Warder to Kebridehar, Gode and Gashamo woredas have also been reported. Prices of food items remain high in the region while poor physical livestock conditions impose reduced prices of livestock. Increased cases of malnutrition particularly in Kelafo, Mustahil, Adadle, Danan, Elkari and Chariti woredas are noted by WFP.
WFP reports that malnutrition cases in children under five are increasing in Damot Gale, Sodo Zuria, and Dugna Fango woredas of Welayita zone in SNNPR. Malnutrition situation also remains a challenge in the areas including South Omo, Kembata Tembaro, Dawro, Gamo Gofa, and Konso Special woredas. A total of 1,877 farmers in Welayita and Gamo Gofa zones lost crops due to hailstorms, torrential rain, and armyworm infestation. Furthermore, UNICEF reports that heavy rain has flooded 16 kebeles in Shashego woreda of Hadiya zone on 8 July affecting 23,750 people. A disaster assessment is being undertaken.
Shortage of rain remains a challenge in Afar. WFP notes that water rationing for human and livestock use has continued especially in Elidaar, Kori, Bidu and Erepti woredas. APDA reports high malnutrition cases in Kori, Teru, Dubti, and Northern Elidar woredas in the region. Livestock death is reported in Teru woreda while many areas have reported death of pack animals including donkeys and camels. South East Tigray experiences water and pasture shortages. WFP reports that cereal prices are high with limited supply. However, water and pasture condition in most drought affected woredas is normal. For more information contact: ocha-eth@un.org, care.eth@ethionet.et, wfp.addisababa@wfp.org, gammadsafayi@yahoo.com & kmcdonald@unicef.org
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
WFP reported that the emergency relief and Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) pipelines have broken. The report notes the up-coming shipment of cereals and blended food during July and August will not be sufficient to meet estimated requirements. The current WFP shortfall against the national relief pipeline currently stands at 175,647 MT at the value of US$ 141.7 million. WFP faces shortfalls of 63,000 MT of cereals valued at US$ 51.1 million for PSNP response, while US$ 18 million is required to cover 17,000 MT of food for the Targeted Supplementary Feeding (TSF) program. WFP notes the emergency food reserve level has currently declined to 19,000 MT following Emergency Food Security Reserve Administration’s (EFSRA) approval of two loans; 23,000 MT of cereals for relief and 16,000 MT for PSNP requirements. WFP further indicates shortage of fuel has impeded some response activities.
In view of resource constraints, a prioritization exercise conducted by WFP, Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA), Food Security Coordination Bureau (FSCB) and donors recommends a one third reduction of rations for the July allocations. According to the plan, the entire relief caseload of 4.6 million beneficiaries will receive reduced rations of 10 kg/person/month of cereals. Approximately 2.6 million relief beneficiaries located in highest hotspot areas will receive one kg of pulses and 0.3kg of oil. In addition, three kgs of corn-soya blend (CSB) will be distributed to 35 percent of these beneficiaries. WFP also plans to support 2.79 million beneficiaries located in PSNP priority hotspot areas, who need food assistance as a result of drought in their areas, with reduced ration of 10 kg of cereal and reduced non-cereal rations of one kg of pulses, 0.3 kg of blended food being for the 35 percent of the PSNP beneficiaries.
The total amount of mixed commodities (cereals, pulses, oil and blended food) allocated during January to July is 133,600MT for the relief component, out of which 88,503 MT has been dispatched.
WFP’s report indicates that the power supply to local famix producers has improved to a 12 hours power cut per week (from a five days power cut in two weeks); seven local famix suppliers have signed an agreement with the Ethiopian Grain Trade Enterprise (EGTE) for the first lot of subsidized maize supply. For more information contact: wfp.addisababa@wfp.org
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