WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 12 / 2003 - Date 21 March 2003


This report includes:

A) West and Central Asia Region: (1) Iraq, (2) Iran, (3) Afghanistan
B) Eastern and Central Africa Region: (1) Eritrea, (2) Ethiopia,
   (3) Sudan, (4) Burundi, (5) Uganda
C) Southern Africa Region: (1) Mozambique, (2) Madagascar, (3) Zambia,
   (4) Zimbabwe, (5) Angola, (6) Namibia, (7) Malawi, (8) Swaziland,
   (9) Lesotho
D) West Africa Region: (1) Central African Republic, (2) Côte d'Ivoire
E) Asia Region: (1) DPR Korea
F) Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Ecuador, (2) Nicaragua,
   (3) Colombia
G) Eastern Europe Region: (1) Russian Federation, (2) Armenia


>From David Morton, Director of the Transport, Preparedness and Response
Division (OTP); available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page
(www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Carlo.Scaramella@wfp.org, Chief of the
Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (OEP).

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 Region: (1) Iraq, (2) Iran, (3) Afghanistan

1)  Iraq

(a)  WFP intends to launch a phased series of humanitarian operations to
ensure that the Iraqi people will continue to receive their basic food
needs over the coming weeks and months. With possibly the entire
population of Iraq requiring food aid, the full operation could cost over
one billion US dollars and could become "the largest humanitarian
operation in history". WFP has already prepositioned sufficient supplies
in neighbouring countries to feed two million people for one month. These
stocks will help cover the initial phase of the conflict, when WFP faces
the potential flow of Iraqi refugees into neighbouring countries. In this
period of the operation, WFP estimates that about 2.1 million people may
require emergency assistance. This stage will also include as many
cross-border operations as required and as possible to help those people
inside Iraq who might be in dire need of food aid. WFP may at a later
stage be called upon to sustain the monthly food rationing system in Iraq.
After 12 years of economic sanctions, this distribution system offers a
lifeline for the majority of Iraqi's; WFP might be called upon to assist
the entire population of Iraq, about 27 million people. It is hoped that
after some months of providing such assistance, Iraq would be able to
re-organize its own food rationing system and WFP could scale down its
operation. At that stage, WFP could continue to support up to a potential
five million refugees sheltering outside Iraq as well as displaced and
vulnerable populations inside the country.

(b)  During hostilities, some 800 national WFP staff members will continue
to work inside Iraq as long as security conditions permit and food
supplies last. In the centre and south of Iraq, where the Iraqi Government
is responsible for the Oil-for-Food Programme, warehouses are almost
empty. WFP believes that most people have enough food to sustain them for
a maximum of six weeks. The humanitarian operation for Iraq is
logistically difficult and filled with unknowns and uncertainties. These
include: the war's duration, the intensity of military operations and the
state of silos, mills and roads. WFP has made extensive plans for the
crisis. With staff members already in place, contracts with trucking
companies drafted and communication equipment installed, a very complex
transport network is ready to spring into action at a moment's notice, if
so required.


2)  Iran

(a)  WFP preparations to provide emergency food assistance for a possible
influx of Iraqi refugees were per 18 March in an advanced state. A WFP
sub-office has been established in Kermanshah near Iran's border with Iraq
and the establishment of another sub-office in Ahwaz in Khuzestan province
is under way. 12 plots of land have been set aside for up to 500,000 Iraqi
refugees and BAFIA and UNHCR have prepared three sites to shelter an
initial 60,000 refugees in Khuzestan province.

(b)  As of 16 March, a total number of 267,542 Afghan refugees had been
repatriated from Iran since April 2002. A further 135,114 Afghans returned
on their own, making a total of 402,656 Afghan returnees.

(c)  The pipeline for WFP's PRRO for Afghan and current Iraqi refugees is
solid until July, but additional funds are urgently required for the Iraqi
crisis.


3)  Afghanistan

(a)  Following US air strikes against Iraq on 20 March, all UN offices in
the country were closed for 48 hours, as requested by UNSECOORD.

(b)  From 13 to 19 March, 880 tons of food was distributed to 82,160
beneficiaries through the Food for Work/Food for Asset Creation scheme;
190 tons of food was distributed to 296,800 beneficiaries through the Food
for Education scheme; 230 tons of food was distributed to 120,620
beneficiaries through the Urban Vulnerable Bakery Projects and 13 tons of
food was distributed to 2,360 beneficiaries through the Supplementary
Feeding scheme. As of 16 March, a total of 37,400 tons of food, amounting
to 78 percent of planned commodities, were distributed to beneficiaries of
the Winterisation programme.



B)  Eastern and Central Africa Region: (1) Eritrea, (2) Ethiopia, (3)
Sudan, (4) Burundi, (5) Uganda

1)  Eritrea

(a)  The ongoing drought continues to have widespread effects across the
country. WFP field monitors reported that villagers in Gash Barka have
begun to migrate to neighbouring areas in search of day labour in order to
survive. As a consequence of parents withdrawing their children from
school in order to migrate, student drop-out rates in January and February
have risen to 10 percent, compared with 2 percent during the same period
last year. Villagers have noted that food security problems have been
compounded in recent months by limited spending power and a lack of
cereals available on local markets. In Anseba region the price of
available food has nearly doubled. The limited relief food available is
shared among community members, resulting in households receiving an
average of only 4 to 5 kg of wheat per month. Similar findings have been
reported in the Debub region, where coping mechanisms have included
collecting leaves of the wild trees to supplement food supplies. Water
shortages continued to worsen in many parts of the country and severe
water shortages are feared by April. The lack of available fodder and
water is having critical effects on livestock across the country. In the
Gela Nhefi (Maekel region), the Ministry of Agriculture reported that
1,500 cattle and 2,000 goats and sheep, amounting to 20 percent of
livestock in the area, have died due to the drought.

(b)  On 18 March, WFP held its quarterly meeting with donor
representatives. WFP presented a frank picture of the present situation
and offered three scenarios for discussion. The first scenario would allow
WFP to support 1,341,000 beneficiaries targeted under EMOP 10261 and PRRO
10192, excluding 200,000 demobilized soldiers and 40,000 expected
returnees. Currently there are only enough resources available in stock
and in the pipeline to allow these operations to continue until the end of
May. Scenario II proposes the current caseload of 841,145 beneficiaries
comprised of half of the originally targeted drought beneficiaries and
most of those under the PRRO (such as IDPs in and out of camp, primary
school children, malnourished children under five and other vulnerable
groups). Resources are available to proceed at such a level only until the
end of July. The third scenario would not target any drought-affected
beneficiaries, and would cover only 254,145 of the planned beneficiaries
under the PRRO. This would allow operations to continue until the end of
December 2003. Given the limited availability of resources, the general
view of the meeting appeared to favour the second option. WFP will further
discuss with the Government to determine the most acceptable and realistic
course of action.


2)  Ethiopia

(a)  Confirmed contributions cover only around 59 percent of requirements,
with cereals 60 percent covered and blended food 40 percent covered. There
is a need to pre-position supplies in May and June for remote areas
inaccessible during the main rains in July, August and September. In some
areas a rapid reassessment is being undertaken which is expected to result
in a marginal increase in the number of people in need of assistance
between April and September.

(b)  The Emergency Food Security Reserve has been under pressure in recent
months. Donors have accelerated shipments for March and April which will
speed up repayments to the Reserve and make cereals available for loans
against future contributions. Nevertheless, it is crucial that repayments
from local and regional purchases, as well as international purchases,
keep to agreed schedules.


3)  Sudan

(a)  Heavy fighting took place between SSMU forces and SPLA around Mankien
area in Mayom province, Unity State. Several clashes between SSIM and SPLA
forces also took place in the State during the first week of February,
resulting in the capture of Bau by SPLA forces. The security situation in
western Darfur around Jebal-marra Mountain worsened significantly during
the last week of February, as an armed group invaded the town of Gulu, 185
km northwest of Nyala, killing 36 persons and injuring about one hundred.
The security situation in the refugees' settlement area continued to be
unsatisfactory. As a precautionary measure, residents of locations close
to the Sudan/Eritrea border were advised by the government to relocate to
other areas, resulting in some population displacement.

(b)  On 19 March WFP and UNICEF issued a joint statement saying that
efforts had begun to deliver humanitarian supplies to 115,000 drought and
war-affected persons in the Blue Nile State, eastern Sudan. A joint
Government, UN and NGO assessment in February concluded that more than 90
percent of the population is in need of food assistance. The initial
intervention will target both government controlled and SPLM/A controlled
areas. WFP will truck and airdrop 934 tons of food to cover the needs of
more than 79,000 people for one month. UNICEF will provide essential
medicine, water and sanitation supplies.

(c)  WFP distributed 7,744 tons of food to 756,725 beneficiaries, with
3,446 tons of food distributed to 226,725 beneficiaries in the Northern
Sector and 4,298 tons distributed to about 530,000 beneficiaries in the
Southern Sector. A total of 1,580 tons of mixed commodities were
distributed to cover all refugee activities. 20 refugee camps in four
States were covered by PRRO 10122.00 with a total population of 91,103
refugees. Coordination meetings were held in Kassala town between UN
agencies and NGOs to coordinate efforts to provide assistance to new
refugees in Kassala State.

(d)  At present, there is a break in the pipeline for EMOP 10048.01 of
mixed commodities including Oil, Corn Soya Blend (CSB), Sugar and Salt. A
break in the pipeline of Pulses is expected in April. A recent
contribution of 25,000 tons of wheat is estimated to last until June. For
PRRO10122.0, there is currently a break in the pipeline of CSB, Salt and
Sugar and a break in the pipeline of Pulses is expected in April. In
addition, there will be a break in the pipeline of Cereals in May 2003.


4)  Burundi

(a)  The security situation deteriorated in various provinces. From 03 to
09 March fighting factions of both the FDD and the FNL continued attacks,
robbery and looting of rural households. Army pursuit operations provoked
confrontations with rebels and caused displacement of civilians. From 10
to 16 March Ruyigi province remained inaccessible to humanitarian aid
workers. Incursions took place in Muyinga and armed robberies were
reported in Gitega, Cibitoke, Bujumbura Rural and Bujumbura Mairie
provinces. Implementation of the provisions of the Arusha Peace Accord
remained a major preoccupation. A working session of the accord's
Implementation Monitoring Committee opened on 17 March. On 04 March WFP
signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) with the Minister of External
Relations and Cooperation for the implementation of the 36-months Great
Lakes regional Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation, PRRO 10062.1.

(b)  From 03 to 09 March, WFP distributed 2,122 tons of food to 199,770
beneficiaries. 205 tons of food was provided to 3,640 participants through
WFP's Food For Work projects. A planned 690.87 tons of food to 62,800
recipients in Bujumbura Rural, Kayanza and Gitega provinces could not be
delivered due to lack of security. From 10 to 16 March WFP, in partnership
with CARE, distributed 1,956 tons of food to 201,130 vulnerable people in
four provinces. 66 tons of food was provided to 1,208 participants through
FFW projects and 46 tons was distributed to 2,729 vulnerable individuals
in social centres.

(c)  Insecurity and insufficient stocks of pulses and cereals continued to
hamper distributions. As of 18 March, in-country stocks stood at 3,486.76
tons. Urgent new dispatches are needed to respond to food requirements.


5)  Uganda

(a)  The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) declared a unilateral ceasefire on
02 March in order to start negotiations with the Government of Uganda
(GOU) to end the conflict. The GOU agreed on a five days ceasefire with
effect from 10 March, which was extended to 20 March. The Presidential
Peace Team (PPT) has to date not met with the LRA rebels after two futile
appointments through the Acholi religious leaders in northern Uganda. It
is too early to predict an outcome, but the timing of the ceasefire is
crucial to allow Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to access their
fields for the March/April planting season after missing two consecutive
planting seasons in a row.

(b)  An assessment mission by UN agencies, NGOs and District officials was
carried out from 11 to 15 March in Katakwi District to assess the
humanitarian situation among the displaced population in the district as a
result of renewed raids by the Karimojong. A food needs assessment is
planned in Chwa County, Kitgum District to assess the effects of drought,
LRA incursions and the incessant raids of the marauding Karimojong
warriors in the district.

(c)  In February WFP started distributing 1,000 tons of food commodities
on a monthly basis to avert acute hunger among 59,000 drought-affected
pastoral households in the three districts of Karamoja region.
Distributions are carried out at the parish level to enhance targeting of
the most vulnerable. Cyclic drought, crop failure, commercial cattle
rustling and low returns from the pastoral way of life has compounded the
food insecurity situation in Karamoja. Commercial cattle rustling is
resulting in a loss of assets and desperation among poor pastoral
households. The recently concluded Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook
Forum predicts below normal March-May rainfall in Karamoja for 2003. WFP
is closely monitoring the situation.

(d)  WFP is planning to reduce food rations from 100 percent to 50 percent
among 1,600 refugees in Arua as a result of the improvement in the food
security situation. A joint assessment mission in southwest Uganda
recommended a phase out of food rations to non-new arrivals. On 01 April
WFP is taking over food distribution responsibility for refugee operations
on a 12- month pilot basis.

(e)  WFP will face a pipeline shortfall from March through September 2003
of 35,248 tons of food aid, including 21,840 tons of cereals, 2,433 tons
of pulses, 2,894 tons of vegetable oil, 417 tons of salt, 6,191 tons of
corn-soya blend, 1,412 tons of sugar and 60 tons of high energy biscuits.
New in-kind pledges or cash resources are needed.



C)  Southern Africa Region: (1) Mozambique, (2) Madagascar, (3) Zambia,
(4) Zimbabwe, (5) Angola, (6) Namibia, (7) Malawi, (8) Swaziland, (9)
Lesotho

1)  Mozambique

(a)  WFP launched an emergency operation in Mozambique to airlift over 200
tons of food to areas affected by the recent flooding caused by tropical
cyclone 'Japhet'. On 16 March, a WFP helicopter made its first delivery to
families stranded by the flood in four villages located along the Save
River, which burst its banks on 11 March. The airlift operation will
deliver food to 15,000 people in Machanga District.

(b)  Cyclone 'Japhet' and subsequent flooding has affected an estimated
25,000 people in Machanga District (southern Sofala Province). Roads into
the affected areas in Javane and Machanga town have been washed away or
remain under water. The National Institute for Disaster Management (INGC)
has evacuated people from two localities outside Machanga town by boat.
WFP and NGO Jesus Alive Ministries (JAM) provided hot meals prepared in
community kitchens in temporary camps in one of the localities. The
situation is reported to have stabilised in Machaze, Buzi and Chibabava
Districts (southern Sofala Province).

(c)  WFP dispatched 3,797 tons of food to implementing partners during the
week. In northern Inhambane Province, WFP and JAM continued feeding
activities for some 1,000 displaced people in Maluvane camp. WFP is
providing food assistance to some 25,000 people affected by the floods in
and around Nova Mambone town where WFP already provides emergency food for
16,000 drought-affected people. On 15 March, food distributions were
initiated to an additional 9,000 people affected by the floods. The
flooding also affected over 400 families in four localities in Mabote
District, of which 170 have received food assistance. Access to the
remaining population is difficult, and implementing partner German Agro
Action (GAA) is exploring possibilities of positioning food in suitable
locations.

(d)  During the week, the Government requested WFP and FAO to undertake a
Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission and a detailed study of the impact
of HIV/AIDS on food security.


2)  Madagascar

(a)  The food security situation in the drought affected southern areas is
reported to be deteriorating. From 18 to 21 March a joint WFP, NGO, USAID,
EU and Office for the Development in the South (CGDIS) mission to assess
food needs visited the drought affected areas, in the south. Alternative
food commodities which are consumed during the lean season, such as cactus
fruits and leaves, continue to remain excessively expensive and are
becoming scarce.

(b)  From 12 to 19 March, WFP distributed 180 tons of food in the drought
affected areas. WFP is currently discussing proposals for World Bank
funded Cash For Work activities in the worst affected areas with the
Development Intervention Fund (FID) and Seecaline. FAO has provided funds
for assessing the needs of the drought-affected population. WFP will
participate in these assessments, expected to be carried out next week.


3)  Zambia

(a)  Flooding continues to affect Gwembe, Monze, Mazabuka and Kafue
District where populations have been rendered homeless and lost crops.
Areas have been cut off due to impassable roads, and the Government has
responded by supplying airlifted food and non-food assistance.

(b)  During the week, the tripartite committee of UNHCR and Governments of
Angola and Zambia visited Mayukwayukwa refugee camp in preparation for the
repatriation exercise. Consultations conducted by WFP with relevant
implementing partners and authorities on post-March beneficiary groups
around the country have been forwarded for consolidation. Findings will be
discussed with implementing partners and the Government.


4)  Zimbabwe

(a)  Harare city was largely deserted on 18 March due to the calling of a
mass stay away by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) to
demonstrate public displeasure at the Government. Disturbances were
reported in Bulawayo city where crowds damaged property in the business
district.

(b)  From 01 to 15 March WFP distributed 20,689 tons of food. The WFP
pilot urban intervention programme, targeting children under five
demonstrating signs of 'growth faltering', was initiated in collaboration
with implementing partner Help Germany and the Municipal health department
in Bulawayo city on 14 March. Parents of children who qualify for the aid
receive a monthly ration of corn soya blend (CSB) and oil from WFP.
Similar activities will be implemented with Harare city.

(c)  A WFP distribution site in Manicaland Province received a visit from
UNAIDS, UNICEF and the Governor for Manicaland Province who were briefed
on the interlinking aspects of hunger and HIV/AIDS.


5)  Angola

(a)  During the week, WFP registered 42,250 new beneficiaries in two areas
in Huambo Province and food assistance will be provided shortly. WFP
conducted a proxy nutritional survey in Chilata, revealing almost 7
percent severe and 30 percent moderate cases of malnutrition. The impact
of chronic malnutrition stunting growth was observed in many children.

(b)  Following a successful harvest in Chipindo municipality (Huila
Province), WFP is planning to transfer 25,000 beneficiaries from general
food distribution to Food-For-Work programmes. Implementing partner Action
Against Hunger (ACF) will provide non-food items assistance.


6)  Namibia

(a)  WFP provided monthly food rations to around 19,900 refugees in Osire
camp and Kassava transit centre. According to UNHCR, around 15,700 Angolan
refugees have expressed an interest in repatriation in 2003/2004. Refugee
committee members will undertake a fact-finding mission in April/May.
Refugee repatriation is expected to begin in June 2003.


7)  Malawi

(a)  On 14 March, WFP and the Joint Emergency Food Assistance Planning
(JEFAP) consortium NGO's held a workshop on the EMOP phase-out strategy.
It was agreed that the beneficiaries' coverage from April/May would be
reduced according to harvest output.


8)  Swaziland

(a)  WFP is currently evaluating food aid requirements for the next three
months and further needs until 2004. Preliminary estimates indicate that
some 190,000 people could be affected by food shortages over a four to
seven months period in the Lowveld and Lumbo Plateau areas. The impact of
adverse weather conditions indicates a near crop failure for the Lowveld
region and 30 percent of normal production in the Lubombo Plateau. Reports
from the Official Central Statistics Office indicate a 44 percent
reduction of long-term cultivation average in Lowveld, and a 59 percent
reduction in the Lubombo plateau.

(b)  From 12 to 19 March WFP distributed 255 tons of food to 16,958
beneficiaries. On 11 March WFP attended the first Food Security
Coordination Meeting chaired by the National Disaster Task Force (NDTF).
WFP and Save the Children conducted a workshop on school feeding attended
by the Ministry of Health, relief committee members, schoolteachers and
kitchen staff from 15 schools in the Lumbo Plateau.


9)  Lesotho

(a)  Irregular rains have affected the southern districts of the country,
possibly resulting in crop losses. The vegetative state of standing crops
throughout the rest of the country is reported to be promising.

(b)  From 12 to 19 March, WFP distributed 898 tons of maize meal, pulses
and vegetable oil to 91,973 beneficiaries in seven districts. An
additional 128 tons of food was distributed under school feeding
activities in two districts. Since January this year, WFP has distributed
food to over 90,000 students in 578 schools in eight districts. WFP, in
collaboration with implementing Partner Christian Health Association of
Lesotho (CHAL), distributed 46 tons of maize meal and pulses to 649
beneficiaries in four health centres during the week.



D)  West Africa Region: (1) Central African Republic, (2) Côte d'Ivoire

1)  Central African Republic

(a)  A coup d'etat took place on 15 and 16 March. Around 1,000 rebels
captured Bangui and General Bozize declared himself President. A curfew
was imposed and administrative buildings and schools were closed. UN
security phase 3 was introduced throughout the country and international
non-essential staff was withdrawn, leaving two WFP international staff to
implement emergency operations. It is becoming increasingly difficult to
obtain basic supplies due to the looting of the city's shops and
insecurity has hampered traffic along the Bangui-Douala road and prevented
farmers from planting crops, leading to food shortages and increased
prices of basic goods.

(b)  During the first day of the coup, WFP's warehouses in Bangui were
overrun by hungry crowds. 1,800 tons of commodities were taken away. The
looted foodstuff is equivalent to eight months worth of food aid to
children in schools and health centres and represents two thirds of the
yearly requirements for development operation 5837.0, which supports the
country's health and education sectors. WFP also provides relief and
recovery assistance to around 170,000 beneficiaries including 15,000 IDPs,
15,000 returnees, 10,000 people with HIV/AIDS and about 22,000 women and
children in Mother Children Healthcare programmes.

(c)  WFP requires urgent funding for 8,000 tons of food to maintain its
programmes. Last week, WFP relaunched its appeal for USD 6.1million, not
having received funding for its original appeal two months earlier.


2)  Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  WFP is participating actively in the preparation of the new
Consolidated Appeal (CAP) for Côte d'Ivoire and the sub-region, covering
humanitarian activities from April to December 2003. Food security,
health, education and protection have been identified as priority sectors.
Reports from Liberia and Guinea indicate that a higher number of people
than projected have sought refuge there as a result of fighting in western
Côte d'Ivoire. The new appeal will therefore include all five neighbouring
countries: Burkina Faso, Mali, Ghana, Liberia and Guinea. The CAP is
planned to be launched in mid April.

(b)  During the past week WFP distributed 60.6 tons of food to 8,760 IDPs,
covering a 15 day period. Planned humanitarian assistance to the town
Zouan-Hounien had to be cancelled for security reasons. In view of
deteriorating household food security and living conditions in Korhogo,
WFP is working with local partners to avoid major food problems. WFP is
assisting medical staff working in hospitals and clinics in Korhogo, in
collaboration with Doctors Without Borders (MSF). WFP has agreed to
support seven villages, based on recommendations by the NGO Action Against
Hunger (ACH) and WFP support to HIV/AIDS affected families is being
planned on the request of the NGO "Lumière et Action".

(c)  Shortfalls for EMOP 10244 will begin in June with rice and pulses,
followed by shortfall of other commodities, including oil, sugar and corn
soya blend, in July. Recent contributions will be used to purchase rice
and pulses.



E)  Asia Region: (1) DPR Korea

1)  DPR Korea

(a)  Contributions amounting to USD 15.51 were confirmed, with shipments
expected to arrive in July. The food will be distributed to the most
vulnerable beneficiaries, including young children and pregnant and
nursing women.

(b)  WFP provided food assistance to 136 people affected by a fire in
Chongjin. A total of 1.2 tons of wheat and oil was provided to the
families.

(c)  Immediate pledges of 32,500 tons are needed to ensure that
requirements are met through the first half of 2003. Requirements include
18,200 tons of cereals, 1,700 tons of Dried Skimmed Milk (DSM), 6,000 tons
of Corn Soya Milk (CSM), 500 tons of sugar, 5,300 tons of pulses and 800
tons of vegetable oil. Pledges of about 214,000 tons of food are required
for the second half of the year, including cereals, DSM, CSM, sugar,
pulses and vegetable oil.



F)  Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Ecuador, (2) Nicaragua, (3)
Colombia

1)  Ecuador

(a)  On 28 February an IRA/EMOP (immediate response) of USD 176,640 was
presented to cover the food needs of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing
armed conflict in Colombia. The EMOP calls for 1,360 individual food
rations to be distributed each month for a period of nine months. The
total number of beneficiaries will be monitored over the nine months. This
type of operation is expected to be continued under the Regional Project
for Refugees covering Venezuela, Panama and Ecuador, planned to start in
January 2004. WFP and UNHCR have been coordinating food assistance for
refugee activities since last year. In January 2003, the agencies entered
into a three-month cooperation agreement to assist 650 families per month
identified as Colombian refugees in five provinces.

(b)  A new peak of volcanic activity was registered at Tungurahua Volcano
last week, with gas emissions affecting 3,000 farmers in the counties of
Quero and Pelileo. A layer of ash covering more than 400 hectares would
threaten the loss of crops and pastureland. WFP the Civil Defence are
monitoring the situation and have developed an immediate plan of action in
case of an emergency.


2)  Nicaragua

(a)  Food distribution to 590 primary schools and pre-school centres in
the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) began in order to initiate
school feeding activities for 49,846 boys and girls of indigenous
communities affected by floods. The programme will this month extend to an
additional 13,786 boys and girls in 259 schools. Poor road conditions and
the remoteness of many communities have hampered food deliveries.


3)  Colombia

(a)  Threats by armed groups to WFP contracted transporters on the
Manizales-Quibdo and Medellin-Quibdo road have halted deliveries for
pre-school nutritional recovery activities. Efforts to negotiate access
through these areas remained unsuccessful. (b)  Access to the
municipalities of San Luis, San Carlos, Cocorná, Granada and San Francisco
in Eastern Antioqueño remained blocked. Food deliveries, and the
corresponding food-for-work and supplementary feeding activities, were
consequently temporarily suspended.



G)  Eastern Europe Region: (1) Russian Federation, (2) Armenia

1)  Russian Federation

(a)  Mop-up operations in central districts of Chechnya made it impossible
for the NGO 'Vesta', which monitors WFP's activities in the Republic, to
carry out its activities. Based on the security assessment undertaken by
UNSECOORD, no UN monitoring missions will be carried out in Chechnya from
07 to 31 March. The establishment of polling stations in schools for the
coming referendum on 23 March on the Chechnyan Republican Constitution has
lowered the attendance of schoolchildren. In Grozny 30 percent of enrolled
schoolchildren were reported absent from classes.

(b)  In Ingushetia WFP carried out relief food distribution to 92,520 IDPs
and in Chechnya 970 tons of food was provided to 135,000 beneficiaries. In
March WFP started its bakery project in Chechnya through which bread is
supplied daily to 720 disabled people, orphans and semi-orphans. 43,800
children were targeted in schools and kindergartens through the school
feeding programme. In Grozny city and rural district 324 tons of food was
provided to 1,110 participants (5,550 beneficiaries) through WFP's food
for work activities.

(c)  Recent donations have brought WFP's resources to USD 6.06 million,
amounting to 39 percent of total requirements of USD 15.7 million.


2)  Armenia

(a)  On 14 March, WFP warned that it will run out of food for 300,000
beneficiaries by the end of April. WFP has received USD 10 million of the
USD 32 million required for its three-year operation launched in 2001. An
estimated 55 percent of the population in Armenia lives below the poverty
line and many beneficiaries are dependent on WFP food aid.


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

(End WFP Emergency Report No 12).


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