The number of people needing humanitarian assistance in Somalia has dropped by 25 percent to 2 million in the last six months, easing one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, according to a UN study published August 23, 2010.

But the report, by the Nairobi-based Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) of the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) with FEWSNET, warned that though Somalia received above average rains, boosting food production and livestock farming, these gains could easily be reversed.

This is particularly relevant as the outlook for the next rainy season is poor.

"The current situation indicates an improvement but with 27 percent of the population still in crisis the needs remain very significant. And if the next rain season is poor, then the numbers in crisis will rise again" said Grainne Moloney, FSNAU's Chief Technical Advisor.

The recent long rainy season from April to the end of June was good. The season, also known as Gu, received above normal rainfall in most of the country, boosting production of maize and sorghum and improving conditions in the livestock sector, the major economic activity of the country.

These findings come after a prolonged drought reduced crop production, killed livestock and pushed 42 percent of Somalia's 7.5 million people into crisis in 2009, the situation was exacerbated by high food prices and high levels of civil insecurity.

"We are seeing some positive indicators in the agricultural sector, yet for the pastoralists in central, Hiran regions and parts of the north, they will need many more good seasons of rain to fully recover their herd sizes," added Grainne.

It is estimated that 40 000 pastoralists have recently become destitute following the drought.

The FSNAU set up by FAO to provide aid agencies with reliable nutrition and food security data from Somalia also reported that although Somalia's nutrition situation has slightly improved in the north of the country, 90 percent of the estimated 35 000 severely malnourished children in the country remain in the conflict-stricken South Central zone.

The study also highlighted the needs of the Internally Displaced Populations (IDPs), who have been forced from their homes due to conflict in recent years. The UN estimates that there are 1.41 million IDPs in Somalia.

FSNAU reported that the epicentre of the humanitarian crisis continues to be in central and Hiran regions, largely due to the long-term effects of the drought, high food prices and insecurity.