Food Security Update
The meher (June-October) rains have resumed in several parts of Gambella, SNNPR and some parts of Amhara and Oromia following prolonged dry spells. The renewed rains have rejuvenated pasture and water sources, particularly in the western half of the country. However, while the rains are needed to improve crop performance in midland and highland areas, heavy rains could cause damage to maturing crops in the lowlands. Performance of the meher rains has been below average this year in eastern and southern parts of the country, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS-NET)/WFP Food Security Outlook for October 2009 to March 2010. In northern and eastern areas, the rains started late, performed erratically and ceased early. Consequently, the meher harvest (October-January) has been delayed in most meher-producing areas. Meher rain performance in Gambella has also been poor, contributing to belownormal harvest prospects.
The FEWS-NET/WFP report further indicates that the lean season, which normally runs through September, has extended in eastern, south-eastern and southern zones of Tigray; parts of Amhara (Wag Hemra, North and South Wollo, North Shoa and Oromia zones); and in eastern and central Oromia (Arsi, East Hararghe, West Hararghe, East Shoa, West Shoa and the rift valley areas of West Arsi zone). In these areas, high-yielding long-cycle crops had been replaced by lower-yielding short-cycle crops due to the poor performance of the last belg (February-May) rains; those crops are currently at an early stage of development.
Food and livelihood security in pastoralist areas also remains fragile, with reports of livestock migration in most of the belg-dependent southern parts of SNNPR, particularly in Konso Special woreda, Derashe, Burji and Amaro woredas and in the dominantly pastoral areas of South Omo zone. However, prospects for the annual coffee yield are reportedly good, despite poor rainfall performance in the coffee-growing zones of SNNPR. In Afar, the karma rains have not sufficiently rejuvenated grazing land, but in Somali, normal to above normal deyr rains have relieved the severe water and pasture shortages in seven zones (Warder, Korahe, Fik, Gode, Liben, Afder and Degehabur). For more information contact: wfp.addisababa@wfp.org & ethiopia@fews.net
Seasonal Flooding in Somali Region
In mid-October, seasonal flooding in Gode, Degehabur and Korahe zones (Somali Region) have caused some localized displacement. FAO reports that seasonal flooding in the Wabishebelle basin areas of Kelafo and Mustahil woredas (Gode zone) has affected approximately 16,000 households. In addition, WFP reports that seasonal flooding of Fafan valley has affected permanent settlers in Maraato kebele (Kebridehar). The flooding has reportedly displaced approximately 980 households in Maraato, El-Ogaden and Huderyli kebeles. A joint UN mission visited the affected areas and identified priority requirements. In response, FAO is planning to distribute approximately 60 metric tons (MT) of seed for planting once flood waters recede in affected areas. Additional seed needs, as well as requirements for supplementary animal health services to contain possible disease outbreaks and provision of agricultural tools are required. UNICEF has dispatched 2,130 non-food items to benefit similar number of affected households in Kelafo, Mustahil and Kebridehar woredas and water treatment chemicals that will enable more than 12,000 families to have access to clean water for two months. Flooding in Somali Region is a regular phenomenon, which in most cases assists in replenishing livelihoods. Most agro-pastoralists take advantage of the floods to plant short-cycle crops, while pastoralists benefit from the rejuvenated pasture and water sources. However, the situation, particularly around the Wabishebelle basin areas, requires close monitoring in case of large-scale flooding. The Somali Region flood contingency plan is awaiting regional level endorsement for implementation. For more information contact: wfp.addisababa@wfp.org, sophie.gordon@fao.org & kmcdonald@unicef.org
