OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
21 July 2008


Source:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

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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