WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 23 / 2001 - Date 08 June 2001


This report includes:
(A) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Tajikistan
(B) Russian Federation/ Northern Caucasus: (1) Ingushetia, (2) Chechnya
(C) Southern Africa: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia, (3) Malawi
(D) Kenya
(E) West Africa: (1) Guinea, (2) Sierra Leone
(F) Chad
(G) East Timor

>From Francesco Strippoli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser; available on the
Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from
Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org.

For information on resources, donors are requested to contact
Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2009. Media
queries should be directed to Trevor.Rowe@wfp.org, telephone 39 06 6513
2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici,
00148 Rome, Italy.



(A)  West and Central Asia

(1) Afghanistan

(a) Based on their joint crop assessment carried out last month in 28
provinces, WFP and FAO have estimated the total cereal output in
Afghanistan this year to approximately 2.04 million tons - about half that
of total domestic requirements. With the wheat production estimated to be
about 40 percent less than even last year's extremely low output, millions
of Afghans are facing possible starvation later this year. Many of them
have already sold most of their livestock and other assets. Over the past
few months, one million people have left their villages in search of food
and water or fleeing the ongoing civil war. Another low harvest will fuel
a new wave of migration to Afghan cities or to unwelcoming neighbouring
countries.

(b) In addition to the drought which led many farmers to plant less land
this year, the agricultural sector is suffering from the lack of
appropriate seed and fertilisers, attacks by locusts in the north, and the
fact that about 50 percent of the irrigation infrastructure is in total
disrepair. The present available irrigated lands and the rain-fed areas
are very unlikely to produce enough to cover the population's food
requirements even if the rains improve. With another low harvest, WFP is
planning to appeal for more resources soon to supplement the USD 76
million emergency operation launched in April to assist 3.8 million
people.

(c) WFP is still discussing with the Taliban authorities to obtain the
authorisation of recruiting women to conduct the general bakeries' survey
in Kabul.


(2) Pakistan

(a) WFP completed food distributions for the month of May in all camps.
65,650 refugees in the camps at Akhora Khattak and New Shamshatoo have
received WFP monthly food ration. In Jalozai, WFP in collaboration with
Shelter Now International distributed for the first time a total of 610
tons of food to 51,810 people. An agreement with the Government on the
status of the residents of Jalozai and the future humanitarian assistance
to be provided has yet to be obtained.

(b) In Akhora Khattak, 16,493 people have been receiving WFP assistance
for the past three years. Since most of these families have now access to
an alternative source of income, WFP decided with UNHCR that food
assistance will be terminated with effect from July. Food rations for the
month of June will, as usual, be delivered in the third week of the month.

(c) As a result of a delayed shipment, WFP wheat stock has declined
considerably and a further delay might disrupt food distribution in the
camps. As the current number of beneficiaries has far exceeded the
caseload foreseen in the emergency operation, the food pledged will soon
be exhausted. WFP is preparing a new document seeking an expansion of its
emergency operation with additional food commodities.


(3) Tajikistan

(a) May temperatures have been higher than usual and precipitation levels
have been much lower than the standard average level for May (14 mm
against 152 mm), according to the Meteorological Institute's figures.

(b) Following a Government's request, WFP and FAO are currently organizing
a FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission at the end of June. In
order to normalize the food supply situation in the country, authorities
believe that there is a need for 500,000 tons of wheat, 10 000 tons of
vegetable oil, 10 000 tons of meat products and 15 000 tons of sugar to
fill the gap. Reports from the field continue to indicate that the
situation in the country is more serious than last year. In Kulyab area,
WFP reported that a crop evaluation of some WFP Land Lease projects showed
that the average harvest might be between 0.3 and 0.5 tons / hectare.

(c) No new contributions have been confirmed for WFP emergency operation
and the shortfall still stands at 58 percent (74,164 tons).



(B) Russian Federation/ Northern Caucasus: (1) Ingushetia, (2) Chechnya

During the second half of May a total of 1,900 tons of WFP food
commodities was distributed to approximately 131,000 beneficiaries in both
Inguhetia and Chechnya. Government of Chechnya decided to establish
several centres for temporary accommodation of IDPs returning from
Ingushetia, expecting that their numbers will increase by the end of this
year. However, so far IDPs are considering the security situation too
unstable to decide to return to Chechnya.


(1) Ingushetia

(a) According to the DRC statistics data, a total of 148,677 IDPs are
registered, out of which 20,365 IDPs live in official camps, 29,967 IDPs
in spontaneous settlements, 98,345 IDPs hosted by residents. Following the
official request of EMERCOM, WFP resumed food distribution to IDPs living
in camps and spontaneous settlements, in collaboration with NGO partners
(DRC, IR and Saudi Arabian Red Crescent (SARC). During the last two weeks
of May, 1,150 tons of WFP food commodities were distributed to a total of
81,260 IDPs in Nazran, Karabulak, Sunzha and Malgobek regions. SARC is
expected to complete the distribution for May for around 3,700 IDPs in
"Satsita" camp, within the next few days.

(b) While food distributions were on-going, WFP food monitors conducted
throughout Ingushetia 168 such interviews with IDP households who,
generally expressed no complaints as for the quality of the commodities.
WFP monitors paid 40 random visits to 18 distribution points of DRC and to
"Alina" and "Sputnik" camps where IR implements distribution. WFP monitors
identified about 150 IDPs in camps who were not included in the
distribution lists, who will be receive assistance once verified by WFP.


(2) Chechnya

(a) WFP in collaboration with DRC, PINF and CPCD distributed a total of
703 tons of food to 49,668 IDPs and vulnerable persons in Chechnya during
the last two weeks of May. As CPCD started the distribution in late May,
only 5,166 beneficiaries out of the total planned 28,000 people were
effectively served by the end of May.



(C) Southern Africa: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia, (3) Malawi

(1) Angola

(a) During this week, the security situation remained unstable in most
provinces. Arrivals of new IDPs were reported in the provinces of Bie,
Kuanza Sul, Moxico, Kuando Kubango, and Uige. A number of attacks and
ambushes were reported in the provinces of Benguela, Bie, Cunene, Huambo,
Lunda Norte, Malange and Moxico.

(b) Faced with a sudden influx of thousands of people in Camacupa in Bié
province, WFP in collaboration with CARE, began on 2 June distributing
food to 7,292 newly displaced persons, after having carried out a
verification exercise. Urgent distribution of food started for children
some three weeks ago through Community Kitchens and SFC run by Caritas and
MSF-B, but security constraints delayed more comprehensive assistance. The
majority of these IDPs arrived in a state of extreme vulnerability from
Cuemba and other municipalities. At least 60 new arrivals are registered
in the camps each day. Over 600 severely malnourished children have been
transported to a Therapeutic Feeding Center (TFC) in Kuito. WFP intends to
distribute on 7-8 June food to a further 900 families of malnourished
chidren.

(c) From 22 May to 02 June, WFP Food Aid and VAM monitors traveled to
Cunene province in order to assess various proposed programs, including
several Food for Work initiatives, as well as facilitate the work of the
provincial vulnerability assessment group.  Due to insecurity around
Kuanhama municipality, WFP temporarily suspended food distribution to IDPs
in Cuvelai.

(d) 496 new IDPs have been reported in Namacunde municipality.  However,
WFP was unable to assess their needs as the roads destroyed from flooding
have still not been repaired.  WFP is currently considering emergency
assistance for these people.

(e) The situation in Kwanza Sul has stabilized somewhat after attacks last
week in the areas of Wake and Kilenda. WFP and NGOs are currently trying
to access the area in order to verify 1,141 families displaced as a result
of those attacks and re-assess the situation of nearly 5,000 families who
were taking part in a WFP-supported resettlement programme.

(f) WFP carried out, last week an evaluation of horticultural projects in
Uige province.  The projects, initiated together with Danish Refugee
Council and MINADER, cover a total of 2,167 displaced families, each of
them receiving about 100 sq. meters of land.  The evaluation found that
notwithstanding some shortages of irrigation materials, a successful
harvest is expected this year.


(2) Namibia

(a) On 4 and 5 June, WFP distributed food in Osire, reducing the food
ration scale to 87 percent (in kilo-calorie terms) as a result of some
shortages. Urgent regional procurement is underway for maize, CSB, oil and
sugar and a shipment of pulses is expected in July.  A Supplementary
Feeding Workgroup will be established to improve the implementation and
reporting of the Supplementary Feeding Center (SFC) at Osire.


(3) Malawi

(a) According to the Department of Disaster Preparedness Relief and
Rehabilitation, a total of 561,205 persons have been affected by the
floods.  Under the 3 month EMOP, WFP aims to assist 208,500 beneficiaries
with food aid while the Government intends to support 352,705 persons not
targeted by WFP. As of 6 June, WFP has distributed a total of 1,685 tons
of food to the flood victims. This includes 63,675 beneficiaires assisted
under the Immediate Response Emergency Operation (IREO) and 116,851
beneficiaries targeted during the first EMOP distribution cycle.

(b) The Government and NGOs continue to give priority to seed distribution
programmes. The Department of Disaster Preparedness Relief and
Rehabilitation, FAO and NGOs agreed to distribute FAO-donated seeds to the
worst-affected districts of Chikwawa and Nsanje, whereas seeds received
from other donors, including NGOs would be allocated other affected
districts. The Ministry of Agriculture is currently distributing 500 tons
of maize seeds donated by the EU.  The distribution is being hampered by a
lack of resources to cover transportation and distribution costs.

(c) WFP is looking into the possibility of procuring 301 tons of beans to
be distributed during the second distribution cycle of the EMOP. In order
to ensure timely and efficient distribution as well as to prevent
leakages, WFP has contracted the transportation of food aid to local
transporters who have proven their efficiency.

(d) The distribution of the 166 tons of seeds and other farm inputs
donated by FAO will commence in Chikwawa and Nsanje districts during the
week beginning on 11 June.  FAO are also providing vaccination/treatment
to 5,000 cattle, 8,000 goats, 800 sheep and 150,000 chickens to fight
against diseases.



(D) Kenya

(a) The general weather performance in May is below normal in most areas
of the country, according to the Kenya Meteorological Department, FEWS-NET
and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Marginal agricultural
districts of eastern province and most of the pastoral districts
experienced dry spell last month, leading to deteriorating condition of
rainfed crops, pasture, browse and water points. However, high potential
districts of Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley provinces received near
normal amounts of rainfall and consequently show an improved condition of
crop, pasture and vegetation.

(b) During the last two weeks of May, WFP assistance under the EMOP
reached a total number of 3,517,675 beneficiaries, including 2,408,040
people assisted through the General food distribution programme and
1,109,635 persons through the Expanded School Feeding Programme (ESFP).
WFP distributed 33,251 tons of food during the last two weeks of May.

(c) After consultation with Government, UN and NGO partners, WFP reduced
the ration scale for the SFC programme due to pipeline constraints and
general improvement of the overall nutritional situation across the
drought-affected districts. WFP has allocated 1,523 tons of UNIMIX for the
May distribution (currently in progress) and is expecting to face
shortfalls around June or July. UNICEF is already considering local
purchases.

(d) WFP dispatched 5,967 tons of food (corresponding to the total
requirements for the school feeding programme from May to July) to seven
districts (Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, Mwingi, Kajiado, Narok and Laikipia)
during the last two weeks of May. Food for the remaining five districts
(Baringo, Koibatek, Tharaka, Mbeere and Nyeri) will be delivered after
transport contracts have been signed with respective contractors. During
the schools' term II /2001, WFP will distribute 9,829 tons of food, while
the Government will provide 1,500 tons of beans. No vegetable oil is
available to complement the food basket.

(e) Insecurity in Samburu district has caused the suspension of food
distribution in Baragui and Serolipi, and the restriction of movements of
UN personnel in part of this area. Movement of WFP commodities and staff
was further constrained by recent rains which destroyed some roads,
bridges and provoked a number of land slides.

(f) WFP/VAM has been piloting a Standard Analytical Framework (SAF) for
chronic vulnerability in Kenya. The results of the SAF will feed directly
into the CSO and CP for Kenya. In preparation thereof, WFP/VAM conducted a
training Of WFP, NGOs and Governemnt representatives, involved in the EMOP
implemnetation. The Participatory Vulnerability Profiling (PVP), aiming at
collecting and analysing primary data took place from 7 to 27 May.



(E) West Africa: (1) Guinea, (2) Sierra Leone

(1) Guinea

(a) Reports from NGOs indicate that a large number of Kamajor fighters
have returned to Sierra Leone, leaving their families behind in the
"Parrot's Beak". The calm security situation in the "Parrot's Beak"
enabled the resumption of distributions to the displaced and vulnerable
Guinean population on 01 June. The situation in the Albadaria and Dabola
refugee camps is stable as well, and food distributions in those camps
were carried out without any incident.

(b) During the week, WFP distributed a total of 198 tons of food to 19,944
beneficiaries. Under EMOP 6312.01, WFP resumed assistance to 5,384 IDPs in
the "Languette" on 01 June, distributing through Première Urgence 72 tons
of food in Guéckédou Prefecture. Under PRRO 6271.00, WFP in collaboration
with Première Urgence carried out a general distribution for 4,500
refugees in the camp of Boreah, and distributed sugar to some 9,000
beneficiaries. The distribution of sugar had to be done separately as the
commodity was not available in Kissidougou on the date of the general
distribution. The total number of refugees assisted in Boreah during the
first week of June was thus 13,500.

(c) No regular transfers of refugees from the "Languette" were organised
during this week, but small numbers of refugees keep arriving on foot to
Katkama. 4,483 refugees were transferred this week from Katkama to
Telikoro and Boreah, respectively sheltering 7,874 and 11,645 persons. 152
refugees were relocated from Forecariah to Sembakounya camp (Dabola) via
the transit centre of Mambiya, bringing the total number of refugees
relocated since the beginning of the operation to 1,257. The camp of
Sembakounya received some further 343 refugees relocated from Banian
(Kissidougou-Faranah axis), bringing the population of the camp to 6,924.
The 495 newly arrived refugees were assisted by WFP through OCPH/CARITAS
and International Rescue Committee (IRC).

(d) The nutrition survey in Kuankan camp, Macenta Prefecture, covering
2,700 under five children started on 03 June. In addition to an
anthropomorphical survey, socio-economic data on food utilisation, source
of incomes and farming opportunities will also be collected. Findings and
recommendations will be available within one or two weeks. An evaluation
is underway in the SFC and TFC in Kissidougou Prefecture in relation to
the increased numbers of malnourished children over the last weeks.

(e) With current PRRO stocks amounting to 15,114 tons of food, WFP food
pipeline is expected to be adequate until end of August for all
commodities, except for CSB where the needs are covered only until June.


(2) Sierra Leone

(a) The peace process in the country continues to gain ground, with no
reports of cease-fire violations during this week. The disarmament of
Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and Civil Defense Forces (CDF) forces is
on-going in Port Loko and Kambia districts and is scheduled to start in
Lunsar early next week. Meanwhile the Sierra Leone Army has completed its
deployment in Kambia district. In the past three weeks a total of 996
unaccompanied or ex-combatant children have been released by RUF and CDF.
This includes 200 children handed over this week by the RUF in Daru. The
children are currently hosted at the Interim Care Center (ICC), managed by
Save the Children (SCF), where they will receive WFP assistance.

(b) During this week, WFP distributed a total of 418 tons of food to
28,060 beneficiaries, under various programmes. WFP completed the
distribution of 294 tons of food to 25,459 IDPs currently in camps located
in the western area and whose place of origin is still considered as
unsafe. WFP intends to assist this week 4,250 farm families through Food
For Agriculture programme (FFAg) implemented in collaboration with ICRC in
Maforki chiefdom (Port Loko district). WFP is currently distributing food
to 1,361 farm families supported by ICRC in Kholifa Mabang and Malal Mara
chiefdoms. WFP visited various institutions in the town of Port Loko
(Government hospital and the ICC operated by CARITAS) to determine the
food needs. A total of 630 vulnerable individuals would benefit from WFP
assistance through these Institutions.

(c) Returning refugees continue to arrive by boat from Conakry, each boat
transporting 300 to 400 people. Returnees are then accommodated in
Waterloo or Jui transit camps for onward transportation to Lungi, Gerihun
and Barri chiefdom. WFP has assisted them with a total of 34 tons of food.

(d) On 5 June, WFP visited Lunsar and Makeni to look at the commencement
of the Disarmement, Demobolisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme. The
DDR camp at Lunsar is currently under construction. Because of the
unpredictable security situation, limited quantities of food will be
pre-positioned there. A site has yet to be identified for the DDR camps in
Makeni and Magburaka.

(e) WFP is expecting to face a serious break in the pipeline in September
and October unless additional donations are made and received immediately.
In order to meet food requirements up to the end of the year, WFP requires
additional donations of 10,400 tons of cereals, 1,150 tons of pulses,
1,515 tons of oil, 860 tons of CSB, 770 tons of sugar and 280 tons of
salt.



(F) Chad

(a) Following the announcement of the presidential elections provisory
results, the opposition candidates denounced a number of fraud and
irregularities and called upon their supporters for street manifestation.
Minor clashes between opposition supporters and police forces caused the
death of one person. The opposition leaders were arrested for one day on
29 May. The UN Security Management Team decided to limit movements of UN
staff.

(b) Within the framework of EMOP 10026.0, WFP organised during this week a
training session on food management, distribution, monitoring and
reporting for Government counterpart, WFP, FAO and implementing partners
staff.

(c) The nutritional situation remains precarious. During this week, WFP
signed a letter of Understanding with the Minister of Health, authorising
the extension of WFP nutritional assistance programme to new areas in the
Kanem province as well as the opening of new centres in Batha and Guéra
provinces.

(d) WFP conducted a post-distribution monitoring (PDM) exercise in
Ouaddaï, Guéra and Biltine provinces, following a recent one-month food
distribution. Preliminary findings indicate that targeting criteria were
generally adhered to, and that food reached the intended beneficiaries.



(G) East Timor

(a) The overall security situation has remained stable since December 2000
with all districts still under security phase I. However, the
socio-political climate has been tense and recent incidents testify the
increasing volatility of the security situation. Political and gang
violence has been a major concern, especially as elections approach.

(b) The overall food security situation appears to have improved markedly
in the past year. Utilised agricultural area has increased as farmers now
have the opportunity to extend their crops far beyond the village borders.
The last five months' regular and intense rainfalls have been highly
beneficial, and in some districts, the harvest started as early as
February with good yields. On the whole, recent reports indicate
relatively good maize and rice harvests for year 2001. Furthermore, farm
animals have quickly reproduced since last year and can be found in much
larger numbers throughout the territory. However, Oecussi and mountainous
areas in the western part of the territory remain the most vulnerable
areas.

(c) From December 2000 to March 2001, WFP delivered a total of 5,328 tons
of food (corresponding to an average of 1,332 tons per month). During the
rainy season, floods and landslides made roads in Sector West and Ambeno
enclave, impassable. Despite these constraints, WFP carried out all
planned food movements. Food was mainly distributed under the Vulnerable
Group Feeding (VGF) programme (with 72,800 beneficiaries targeted).
Following discussions with UNTAET and implementing partners and in light
of positive food security reports, WFP decided to phase out the VGF
programme after the harvest in April/May. General distributions in
geographically vulnerable areas also accounted for a large share of
distributions in December and January. WFP school feeding programme was
launched in February and progressively implemented in 45 schools over 9
districts. It is scheduled to stop in July, with the end of the school
year. A total of 54,473 people participated in FFW projects between last
December and March and received more than 1,700 tons of food. FFW projects
consisted of both agricultural and infrastructure rehabilitation
activities.

(d) 5,987 refugees returned from West Timor between December 2000 and
March 2001. UNHCR estimates that around 400-500 people will return every
week over the coming months. According to UNHCR, restrictions on food
quantities that are allowed for refugees to return to East Timor have been
imposed by the Refugee Taskforce of the Government of Indonesia (Sattgas).
>From December to March, total food quantities distributed under the
returnee and resettlement programmes amounted to a total of 93 tons for
more than 7,000 beneficiaries.

(e) WFP's contract for the use of a helicopter MIL 171 was terminated at
the end of March. From December to March, WFP airlifted a total of 444
tons of food and non-food items to remote and vulnerable areas. WFP
provided transport and logistical assistance to a number of UN agencies,
NGOs and UNTAET Departments.

(f) An Audit and an Evaluation mission visited and reviewed East Timor
operations in December and February, respectively. The Evaluation
mission's report will be presented at the Executive Board session in
October 2001. Its recommendations focused on various key issues, including
the speed and adequacy of WFP initial response to the crisis, needs
assessment, targeting, delivery, distribution of food.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons

(End WFP Emergency Report No 23)


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