World Food Programme Emergency Report 2004
Issued Weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 9 of 27 February


(A) Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan,
    (2) Iran, (3) Morocco
(B) East and Central Africa: (1) Burundi, (2) D.R. Congo, (3) Djibouti,
    (4) Eritrea, (5) Ethiopia, (6) Kenya, (7) Rwanda, (8) Somalia,
    (9) Sudan, (10) Tanzania, (11) Uganda
(C) West Africa: (1) Chad, (2) Guinea, (3) Sierra Leone
(D) Southern Africa:  (1) Regional, (2) Angola, (3) Lesotho,
    (4) Madagascar, (5) Mozambique, (6) Namibia, (7) Swaziland,
    (8) Zambia, (9) Zimbabwe
(E) Asia: (1) DPR Korea, (2) Myanmar
(F) Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Guatemala,
    (3) Haiti, (4) Honduras

>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
Brenda.Barton@wfp.org, telephone +39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is
Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.



A)  Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan, (2)
Iran, (3) Morocco

1)  Afghanistan

(a)  The security situation was relatively calm throughout the country.
Areas in which United Nations missions remain suspended include: Sholgara
district of Balk province in the north; Puli Khumri district of Baghlan
province in the northeast; Nuristan province in the east and Uruzgan
province in the south. In Kandahar province, a civilian helicopter owned
by a US construction firm, Louis Berger, was shot at Panjway district on
22 February, claiming the life of the pilot and injuring three passengers.

(b)  From 19 to 25 February, almost 537,800 beneficiaries received 2,421
tons of food. Some 2,950 tons of food commodities were delivered from
external logistics hubs to extended delivery points (EDP).

(c)  In a meeting between WFP and the Office of the President on 21
February, it was proposed that WFP float a tender for the purchase of up
to 10,000 tons of wheat from northern provinces. A grain market and trader
survey will be undertaken in the northern and western provinces, to
estimate the level of marketable surplus wheat available for local
purchase and to identify constraints faced by traders in supplying wheat
to potential buyers.

(d)  UNICEF and WFP finalized a general plan of action to enhance
partnership in improving Afghanistan's education sector. Areas of
collaboration include the promotion of girls' education, construction of
more schools, deworming of school-age population and the development of an
education sector data management and information system.  Furthermore,
UNHCR and WFP met in Kandahar on 24 February and discussed durable
solutions to the reintegration of 2,000 IDP families at Mukhtar camp in
their places of origin. The following day, at a workshop in Kabul, WFP and
NGOs reviewed and discussed WFP's policies and activities.


2)  Iran

(a)  As the weather is becoming hotter, the Government is planning to
shift Bam earthquake victims from tents to prefabricated houses.

(b)  To date, 104 Afghan refugees families in Bam have returned to
Afghanistan. More than 800 Afghans have already returned through UNHCR
assistance. Besides UNHCR, also Islamic Relief (IR) is planning to support
Afghan refugees in Bam.

(c)  The IRCS (Iranian Red Crescent Society) registration exercise has
concluded, and 155,000 beneficiaries have been registered. WFP, under the
emergency operation (EMOP) 10332.0, Food Assistance to Earthquake Victims
in Bam, will provide assistance to 100,000 most vulnerable of them for
three months, whilst the rest will be fed from IRCS stocks.

(d)  As of 26 February, total food packages delivered to Bam, ready to be
distributed, would cover the needs of 85,228 beneficiaries. To date, 86%
of the EMOP's overall commodity requirements (5,604 tons out of the total
requirements of 6,512 tons) have been delivered at IRCS warehouse in
Kerman or made available through State Organization of Grain (SOG) in
Kerman. The commodities are now being re-packed for distribution, to start
next week.

(e)  The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS), operated by WFP during the
months of January and February, has been suspended, pending the
identification of donors to cover an additional period of two months.  
For continuation of the service, one additional donor has to be
identified, covering a two weeks' period. An additional USD150,000 is
required.

(f)  As of 26 February 2004, WFP has met 55.4% of its requirements under
the Flash Appeal, whereas its planned overall assistance to earthquake
victims in Bam is covered for 48.5%. Further donations are urgently needed
to reach the intended most vulnerable people affected by the earthquake,
to repay the loans contracted from the actual operation for Afghans and
Iraqi refugees and to replenish the IRA account.


3)  Morocco

(a)  On Tuesday 24 February, an earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter
scale struck northern Morocco, close to the Moroccan port city Al Hoceima
(in an area 295 km east-northeast of Rabat).  Several villages in remote
mountainous areas were seriously affected and the death toll rose to 600
people. Reportedly over 10,000 have been injured and 500,000 affected.

(b)  In addition to the Government of Morocco, local NGO's, in particular
the Morocco Red Crescent and the Mohamed VI Foundation, have been
providing assistance to the affected population. The UN Secretary General
pledged to assist the victims of the tragedy including the deployment of a
UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination team (UNDAC) to the area.

(c)  Although WFP had phased out its activities in Morocco as of 31
December 2003, the Programme is prepared to provide emergency assistance
to the quake victims if needed. Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has
informed it would welcome WFP's assistance. Pending results of the UN
Emergency Needs Assessment, in which WFP participates, WFP may provide
food assistance. Former WFP Morocco national staff have already been
contacted for immediate recruitment.



B)  East and Central Africa: (1) Burundi, (2) D.R. Congo, (3) Djibouti ,
(4) Eritrea, (5) Ethiopia, (6) Kenya, (7) Rwanda, (8) Somalia, (9) Sudan,
(10) Tanzania, (11) Uganda


1)  Burundi

(a)  Armed confrontation between the national army and the Front for
National Liberation (FNL) were reported in Bujumbura Rural province, as
well as fighting between two factions of the Conseil National pour la
Defense de la Democratie and Force pour la Defense de la Democratie
(CNDD-FDD) in Bururi province. In addition, three local authority
representatives in Mutimbuzi commune (Bujumbura Rural) were killed and
various banditry incidences transpired in several other provinces
including armed ambushes of vehicles.

(b)  Some internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in Bujumbura Rural
province since 1993/4, returned to their original commune Mugongo from
Isale commune. WFP will follow up on this resettlement and review the food
security situation in both communes.

(c)  Food needs assessments were conducted in Shombo and Tangara communes
of Karusi and Ngozi provinces that were hit by a hailstorm. The food
security situation remains precarious in the assessed areas. In addition,
a rapid joint assessment was carried out by WFP-UNICEF-OCHA in Muhuta
commune of Bujumbura Rural to confirm the number of people recently
displaced by the fighting and their means of subsistence in order to
provide those in need with food assistance.

(d)  From 16 - 22 February, WFP distributed approximately 410 tons of food
to over 47,000 beneficiaries through the different food aid activities.
Despite the significant break in the cereals pipeline, WFP began
distribution of Seeds Protection Rations (SPR) in Bubanza and Kirundo
provinces.  Monitoring teams assessed the distribution of SPR in both
communes and reported that they were conducted without incidents. WFP
adjusted some food rations, from twenty to fifteen days, in order to reach
all planned beneficiaries in the most vulnerable areas to protect the
seeds ration. WFP continues to prioritize the most needy as a temporary
measure to alleviate the impact of the pipeline break on the distribution
plan. WFP is in continuous contact with other Country Offices in the
region so that a cereal loan may be delivered to the country rapidly. WFP
is also trying to secure loans for CSB and pulses in order to avoid
anticipated pipeline breaks of these commodities in March and April.


2)  D.R. Congo

(a)  There has been a new round of security tension in the north-eastern
part of the country including Bukavu and surrounding areas. Sources in
Bukavu say arms caches were found in the houses of two army officials,
triggering military activities. The army has been deployed all over the
town causing local residents to restrict their movements. In Bunia, Ituri
district, reports of various armed attacks involving aid agencies have
been received. The attacks are blamed on members of the several militia
groups who are wandering in the area. During the period under review, four
staff members from NGOs operating in the country were assaulted and looted
by unidentified armed men. Reports revealed that despite urgent needs for
humanitarian assistance, the western part of the Lubero territory, North
Kivu remained inaccessible due to intensive Interahamwe militia
activities. The Lubero area is reported to host a large number of IDPs
from Ituri district. However, it is impossible to conduct any assessment
because of the prevailing insecurity resulting from the activities of the
various militia groups.

(b)  In spite of rising tension and increased insecurity in North Kivu
province, food distributions continued in some areas. Over 200 tons were
delivered to 7,400 beneficiaries in Bukavu and surrounding areas. Food
deliveries in this area were hampered by harsh road conditions, and
consequently WFP could not deliver food to a supplementary and therapeutic
feeding centre in Tutimbi.  A damaged bridge prevented food distributions
to malnourished children in Fizi.  Pending the completion of the
rehabilitation of the bridge, food distribution to food insecure
beneficiaries in Fizi will not be possible until March.  In Ituri
district, WFP released over 170 tons of food commodities to approximately
4,222 people. The majority of these people are IDPs in Bunia and families
of malnourished children. In the North Kivu province, 600 tons of food
were distributed to over 50,000 food insecure people mainly involved in
seeds protection programmes.


3)  Djibouti

(a)  A European Commission delegation comprised of members of the
Development Commission of the European Parliament, EC officials and
technicians of the European TV Channel 'Arte' visited Djibouti from 20 to
23 February. The delegation paid a visit to the joint UNDP/EC/WFP
reconstruction project in Obock (Northern district of Djibouti). Under
this project, some 240 houses that were destroyed during the internal
conflict (1991 to 1994) are being reconstructed with the aim of enticing
the population displaced by the war to return to their areas of origin and
to contribute to the economic development of the district. WFP is
contributing to this reconstruction project with the provision of food
rations and unskilled labour under the FFW component of the PRRO.


4)  Eritrea

(a)  WFP and the UN Country Team continue to negotiate with the Government
to find an acceptable solution to the new regulation limiting travel,
which has been placed on all UN Agencies, Embassies and International
Organizations based in Eritrea.  As of 25 February, as a result of
increased concerns regarding staff security, Eritrea was declared Security
Phase III area.

(b)  The Nutrition Survey Report, a joint undertaking of several NGOs and
UN Agencies, has been finalized. For the first time data on Global Acute
Malnutrition among children less than five years of age and their mothers
have been collected in four of the countrie's six regions. The prevalence
of acute under-nutrition among children was found to be high: Gash Barka
and Northern Red Sea had the highest prevalence with 15.6 and 16.9 percent
respectively; Anseba had 13.9 percent and Debub 12.8 percent. By
international benchmarks, the prevalence of under-nutrition among mothers
was found to be very high (>40 percent). Nevertheless, the figures were
relatively better than in the previous year, which seems to be due to
seasonal factors such as the recent harvest and better delivery of food
aid and supplementary feeding coverage. The analysis points heavily
towards "food supply" as the determining factor for the observed
nutritional status. Hence, the need for further food aid needs to be
emphasized. Data for the remaining two regions will be collected during
the month of March 2004.

(c)  Confirmed pledges for the Drought EMOP 10261.0 amount to USD 49
million or 98 % of the total requirement.  A total of USD 23 million,
representing 46 % of the total requirement, has been resourced for PRRO
10192.0. WFP plans to extend the existing EMOP beyond June 2004 to utilize
recently confirmed contributions.


5)  Ethiopia

(a)  General food rations for the 126,000 Somali, Sudanese and Eritrean
refugees living in camps in Ethiopia will be reduced by about 30 percent
starting from March 2004, due to imminent shortfalls in all major food
commodities, particularly cereals, pulses and oil. The reduction in
rations is likely to be maintained through April if further urgent
contributions are not confirmed by the end of February. WFP needs some
19,000 tons of various commodities valued at USD10 million to continue
feeding the refugees up to the end of 2004. The decision to reduce rations
was taken jointly by WFP, UNHCR and the Ethiopian Government's
Administration for Refugees and Returnees Affairs (ARRA) as a measure to
prevent the total suspension of distributions in April due to lack of
stocks. Pre-positioning of the March general food rations is occurring in
all refugee camps, in spite of the fact that Gambella and Dimma WFP
offices remain closed and their staffs are relocated. ARRA will continue
to carry out the distributions in the camps.

(b)  The repatriation of some 1,290 Somali refugees to Hargeisa, which was
foreseen for the month of March, will probably be postponed as Hargeisa is
reportedly facing severe water shortages and cannot provide for the
returning refugees. This group of refugees was provided a nine-months'
repatriation package by WFP in October 2003, but their repatriation was
suspended due to logistical problems raised by the government in Hargeisa
at that time. Under the present circumstances, WFP will not be in a
position to provide additional repatriation packages to this same group of
refugees.

(c)  Mr. Jean Ziegler, Special Rapporteur of the UN Human Rights
Commission on the right to food, is currently undertaking a country
mission to Ethiopia from 17 to 28 February. The objective of the mission
is to analyze the status of the realization of the right to food
(including the availability of and the access to food, infant and child
malnutrition and other issues and situations holding implications for the
realization of this right) and to develop practical recommendations for
the realization of the right to food, through consultation with the
Government and other actors including civil society and the international
community. The preliminary findings of the mission will be presented to
the Commission on Human Rights in April 2004 and the full report
containing the findings and recommendations will be finalized later in the
year. WFP accompanied the Special Rapporteur on a field trip to Southern
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, and he also travelled in Tigray
region.


6)  Kenya

(a)  The poor performance of the 2003/2004 short rains is expected to
cause a shortfall in maize production and, consequently, food constraints
to the poorest rural households in Kenya during 2004.  The Kenya Food
Security Steering Group (KFSSG) completed a two-week rapid food security
and nutritional assessment in selected districts, which had reported
increased food stress.  Preliminary reports from the assessments indicate
that the January rains brought some respite to some pastoralists as
grazing land is improving. However, households in the marginal
agricultural and agro?pastoral districts in coastal, eastern and parts of
Rift Valley provinces are still vulnerable to food insecurity, as most of
the crops have failed.  In some of those districts, malnutrition rates
among children under five years old have increased over the course of last
year. Livestock conditions are worsening. These households have little or
no purchasing power to buy food in a fairly stable year, and are therefore
further constrained under the current conditions.  The two main
recommendations are to extend food-for-work to the affected districts and
to provide seeds. KFSSG is still looking into the overall number of
population affected.  The level of intervention will mainly depend on the
performance of the 2004 long rains, which are expected to begin in April.

(b)  The food security situation in the most vulnerable parts of Kenya is
worsened by the poor resource situation of the school feeding programme,
which provides a safety net to vulnerable children.

(c)  WFP's support to the refugees in the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps
is facing a critical pipeline break from June 2004. The shortage of food
will begin with cereals but will progressively affect all commodities in
the food basket. In total, the food requirements for the programme from
June to December 2004 are 27,500 tons, valued at USD 14 million.
Currently, there are no further donor commitments to the refugee programme
to ensure the delivery of food after June 2004.


7)  Rwanda

(a)  Two meetings were held with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural
Development and Social Affairs and partners, regarding the drought
situation in Bugesera region. WFP provided information on ongoing food
assistance through FFW activities, school feeding, support to nutrition
centers and HIV/AIDS associations. The Government requested that WFP
continues its programme of assistance and increase FFW activities in the
region.


8)  Somalia

(a)  The build-up of militia forces over the past few months around the
capital of Sool region Las Anod, part of the disputed border area between
the self-declared autonomous states of Somaliland and Puntland, has led to
high tension in the area, although elders and intellectuals are mediating
and a precarious stand-off is maintained at the moment. The security
situation in Beletweyne along the Shebelle River in Hiran district of
South Somalia, where last month some 17 persons were killed when two
militias clashed, remains tense. WFP has postponed food distribution in
the area.

(b)  As a response to the severe drought in the Sool plateau, WFP is
providing the distribution of some 500 tons of food in Sanag region,
reaching approximately 9,000 households with 51,000 beneficiaries of the
most vulnerable population.  Some 38 villages are covered from the
Northwest (Somaliland) and 26 villages from the Northeast (Puntland). The
food distribution in Sool region is still on hold because of the
prevailing security situation, although food-aid is urgently needed in the
area.

(c)  In the first two weeks of this month, WFP distributed close to 300
tons of food commodities to some 5,000 households with almost 30,000
beneficiaries in Togdheer region in Northwest Somalia, which is part of
the drought stricken northern part of the country.


9)  Sudan

(a)  In a move to alleviate the suffering of the persons displaced by the
conflict in North Darfur, WFP began airlifting food aid on 16 February to
the affected areas, especially to El Fasher and El Geneina. During the
week, a total of 670 tons of food was airlifted to these two locations.
Attempts to truck-in food from Nyala to El Geneina continued with very
little success due to insecurity en-route. Some 20 tons were airlifted to
El Geniena, which hosts around 140,000 persons. A truck delivering 17 tons
of food has also arrived in El Geneina from the Zalingey corridor.

(b)  In Kuttum town, North Darfur, WFP completed the distribution of some
2,250 tons of food to 129,000 beneficiaries. The distributed food will
cover the food needs of the affected beneficiaries for 30 days. Close to
155 tons of mixed food commodities was distributed to the needy in the
surrounding areas of Kuttum.

(c)  Access was granted to Kebkabya, North Darfur during the week. A WFP
team moved in on 23 February and is now assessing the humanitarian
situation of the estimated 180,000 IDPs in the location to determine the
extent of assistance required.


10)  Tanzania

(a)  The repatriation process of Burundian refugees from Tanzania is
rather slow due to the harvesting season and lack of comprehensive support
packages in Burundi.  Another reason for the slowdown is the actual
integration of both Hutus and Tutsi in the Burundian army, which is yet to
be implemented as it threatens their security.  Therefore, there are no
changes in the repatriation figure of 5,088 refugees (4,383 facilitated
and 705 spontaneous), as reported on 30 January.

(b)  The Government of Tanzania carried out a nationwide rapid food
security assessment in 16 regions (over 70 districts) which indicated that
the food security situation has worsened in most areas and that immediate
assistance is needed. The Government is likely to release more food for
sale at a subsidized level, following approval of the supplementary budget
last week.

(c)  Currently, 12 regions are covered by WFP relief activities. In three
regions, Singed, Dodoma and Shinyanga, distributions were completed, while
distributions are ongoing in eight others, namely Tabora, Mwanza, Mara,
Arusha, Maynard, Linda, Mtwara and Iringa.  Kilimanjaro region is waiting
for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WFP and
Implementing Partners (IPs). Of the 29,000 tons of food provided to WFP by
donors, some 20,500 tons have been received in the targeted areas and
approximately 14,200 tons have already been distributed by WFP.  However,
the two-month ration given to the most food insecure households is
reported to have been insufficient and many other needy villages were left
out of the food distribution.


11)  Uganda

(a)  On 21 February, Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) rebels attacked and
burned an IDP camp in Lira District, Langi sub-region, northern Uganda. At
least 198 people, mostly women and children, were either hacked with
machetes or burned to death. On 25 February, during a day of mourning for
massacre victims in Lira town, mourners turned violent. An unknown number
of Acholi civilians were killed and others beaten. (The LRA is basically
an ethnic Acholi rebel force). The potential for continuing ethnic
violence remains. (b)  WFP has dispatched food to the survivors of the
massacre and has also provided food to the district hospital for injured
survivors. Furthermore, WFP has been assisting over 81,000 displaced
persons in the Lira municipal area and is providing food to MSF for
supplementary and therapeutic feeding at the hospital.

(c)  As a result of the massacre, the second major LRA attack in Lira
within two weeks, the number of displaced persons in rural camps is
mushrooming. WFP has committed to commence registration/verification of
over 200,000 IDPs crowded into rural displaced camps in Lira and will
begin rural food assistance. WFP is immediately augmenting the staffing of
the WFP Lira Field Office. The tragic events will push the WFP caseload of
displaced persons in Uganda to over 1.6 million people, resulting in
increased, unanticipated food needs. The pipeline for CSB will break in
May and for cereals in June. Cash resources for local purchases are
urgently required.



C)  West Africa: (1) Chad, (2) Guinea, (3) Sierra Leone

1)  Chad

(a)  The situation in Western Darfur remains relatively unchanged and new
incidents between rebels and army troops have been reported over the
weekend.

(b)  Five camps, situated at least 50 km away from the border, have been
identified by UNHCR to relocate a maximum of 40,000 refugees. These are
Touloum, Mille, Kounoungo, Farchana, Goz Amer 1 and Goz Amer 2. Three of
these camps (Farchana, Konoungo and Touloum) are now ready to accommodate
refugees up to a limited number because of reduced water availability.
According to UNHCR, so far 6,600 refugees have been relocated, of which
1,810 in Farchana, 4,660 in Touloum and 130 in Kounoungo. Transfers to
Touloum have been halted on Thursday in order to proceed with the
registration of spontaneous refugee arrivals.  The coping mechanisms of
the refugee population are quickly depleting, leading to potential
nutritional problems. MSF-Belgium is already reporting alarming
malnutrition rates especially in the Northern region (Tine) with 27.2 % of
global and 2.2 % of severe malnutrition. French Foreign Minister Dominique
de Villepin arrived in Chad on February 19 and travelled to Abéché in
order to review the refugee situation. He also visited the Farchana camp
and discussed WFP's capacity to meet the increasing demand. Additionally,
the High Commissioner for Refugees is also expected to visit Chad from 29
February to 3 March.

(c)  Under the EMOP 10325.0/10327.0, Emergency Assistance to Sudanese
Refugees in Eastern Chad, WFP is currently assisting approximately 6,600
in-camp refugees, providing them with a 15-days food ration upon arrival
in camps and subsequent rations thereafter. From 16 to 22 February, 30
tons of food were distributed to 1,390 beneficiaries. Retrospectively,
from 24 October 2003 to 23 February 2004, it is estimated that 44,381
refugees have received 486 tons of WFP provided food. WFP's passenger
aircraft made two trips between Ndjamena and Abeche this week.

(d)  Access to the camps will be extremely difficult during the rainy
season because of specific hydro- geological conditions and government's
restrictions on heavy traffic. Therefore it is suggested within WFP that
EDPs be momentarily converted into FDPs to ensure that deliveries continue
during the rainy season. Monitoring activities are still seriously
hampered by insufficient means of transportation as well as the reduced
number of staff.

(e)  To date, a total of USD 5,483,900, approximately 30% of the new
needs, have been confirmed in kind and cash.


2)  Guinea

(a)  The situation was reported as generally calm throughout the country.
UNHCR statistics as of 19 February 2004 indicate that 110,473 refugees
reside in the 7 refugee camps in Guinea. Eight convoys transported 1,881
refugees from the camps in Kissidougou to Sierra Leone during a
repatriation campaign that has repatriated 3,040 people so far this year.

(b)  During the period from 9 February to 22 February, under the PRRO,
some 90,970 beneficiaries received 2,130 tons of food.


3)  Sierra Leone

(a)  The security situation in the country remained calm.

(b)  Countrywide, WFP supported a total of 118,047 beneficiaries (53%
female) with 1,058 tons of food during the reporting period. General
ration (GR) programmes (refugees, resettlement, returnees, amputees, war
wounded and institutions) supported 33,981 beneficiaries with 530 tons of
food. The Therapeutic Feeding Centers/ Supplementary Feeding/ and Mother
and Child Health Programmes (TFC/SFP/MCH) provided 57 tons of food to
8,619 beneficiaries comprising under-fives, pregnant women, lactating
mothers and TFC Caretakers.  The Emergency School Feeding (ESF) programme
supported 61,366 school children with 189 tons of food.  Safety nets
(Institutional Feeding) provided 2,658 beneficiaries with 38 tons of food
aid. In the Food for Training (FFT) programme a total of 8,608
beneficiaries received 47 tons of food.  FFW provided 2,815 beneficiaries
with 196 tons of food.

(c)  The PRRO 10064.2 pipeline situation is healthy, except for sugar,
which shows a break at the end of February.  Further pipeline breaks are
expected in April for vegetable oil and in May for CSB.



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


1)  Regional

(a)  Serious commodity shortfalls in February and March continue to hamper
WFP's Regional Emergency Operation in southern Africa. Pipeline
projections for March indicate cereal shortfalls for Zambia, Swaziland and
Zimbabwe. In March, shortfalls of pulses and corn-soya blend will affect
Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.  Ongoing commodity shortfalls during the
'hunger period' before the April-May harvest are exacerbating household
food insecurity for over 6.5 million people.


2)  Angola

(a)  WFP remains unable to remove a total of 4,210 tons of various
commodities because payment of port clearance charges, which is a
Government responsibility, has still not been made.  These commodities,
particularly pulses, are urgently required as distributions in December,
January and February have already been seriously affected nationwide due
to shortages.

(b)  Also, current rains are hampering several operations, causing
considerable disruption to the transportation and distribution of food
aid. Government sources have said that the rains have destroyed the
majority of pre-harvest crops, while some livestock have also been lost in
northern areas of Huila province such as Caconda and Chipindo. In Huila,
despite the heavy rains and appalling road conditions, February food
distributions are underway to around 130,000 returnees and vulnerable
residents throughout the province. In Kuando Kubango, WFP is exploring
options that will enable it to maintain access to 6,200 beneficiaries in
Calai and 11,770 in Cuangar municipalities.  Due to landmines on the
Angolan side of the border, WFP had previously crossed into the Namibian
side and used 6x6 trucks to cross the Cuando River back into Angola.
However, this option is not currently feasible as the Cuando river water
levels have risen.  In Mavinga, the late rains are hampering food
distributions because of a lack of appropriate storage or shelter to
prevent commodity damage during distributions.

(c)  In Malange, due to appalling road conditions, a broken bridge,
insufficient availability of all-traction trucks and the threat of
landmines, more than 45,000 people may not receive food assistance in 8
localities during February and March (of which around 12,530 people are
considered highly food insecure).  WFP is currently in negotiations with a
local transporter to augment trucking capacity as a partial solution.

(d)  UNHCR informed that the repatriation process for the organized return
of Angolan refugees from Namibia would re-commence in May/June and will
target a total of around 10,000 returnees during 2004.


3)  Lesotho

(a)  Widespread rainfall since the beginning of February has helped to
revive river flows and sustain standing crops.  However, continuing rains
are required in order to substantially alleviate the severe impact of the
ongoing drought.


4)  Madagascar

(a)  The meeting held by the Government on Friday 13th February to provide
provisional information on the damage caused by cyclone Elita should be
considered as the official request for international assistance. The GOV
CNS (official national office coordinating any disaster emergency) is in
the process of analyzing data from the damage assessment.  WFP will
conduct a food security assessment mission in the northwest region
(Marovoay, Maevatanana, Ambato-Boeni, Tsaratanana), affected by floods
caused by the

cyclone. Implementing partner CARE International is preparing for
rehabilitation activities in the Maintirano region on Madagascar's west
coast, the zone most affected.


5)  Mozambique

(a)  The cholera epidemic has caused further victims in Sofala and Gaza
provinces. On request of the Government, WFP is providing support to the
two main treatment centers in Maputo and Beira.


6)  Namibia

(a)  General food distributions for both Osire and Kassava refugee camps
were completed for February with a total of 13,393 refugees in Osire camp
and 409 refugees in Kassava receiving their full monthly food
entitlements.


7)  Swaziland

(a)  The Swaziland Government, through the Prime Minister, declared a
national disaster on 18 February, citing drought persisting since 1992,
the HIV/AIDS pandemic and recent intermittent hailstorms.  The declaration
of disaster has been welcomed by local organizations and international
donors. It is expected that Government will indicate how it intends to
respond to the disaster following the opening of Parliament, expected next
week.

(b)  WFP pipeline shortfalls for February and March have led to an
agreement with implementing partners to distribute only partial rations to
beneficiaries during these two key months. While WFP has a cereal pipeline
break, negotiations with Government and NGO's have resulted in an
agreement to use nearly 2200 tons Government maize stocks to make up the
required difference. Beneficiaries are therefore expected to receive the
full amount of maize during these two months. However, WFP pipeline
continues to suffer major disruption unless contributions are made
immediately.


8)  Zambia

(a)  WFP Sub Office in Livingstone reported that Gwembe and Sinazongwe
districts (Southern Province) experienced a dry spell, leading to serious
moisture stress, during the last week of January and the first week of
February. Most areas in Gwembe district are suffering from food deficits,
forcing people to resort to coping strategies such as boiling unripe
watermelons and the sale of small livestock.

(b)  Operations under the Urban Intervention Programme have been severely
hampered by both continuing pipeline shortfalls as well as the cholera
epidemic. Currently, out of the 179 schools and centers, feeding has been
stopped at 107 centers, affecting 26,740 vulnerable children.  To
accommodate the shortage of grain resulting from the pipeline shortfall a
full ration (50kg) of grain will be provided to 121 child-headed
households and 7,789 female-headed households.

(c)  The pipeline for the refugee operation continues to face serious
problems, particularly for cereals (maize), vegetable oil and pulses.
Current stocks for these commodities are sufficient to cover March
requirements only and without new contributions, rations may be reduced to
half in March to ensure that there are some stocks left for April. In
addition, due to seasonal floods, the Zambezi plane in Nangweshi camp
(Western Province) is now almost inaccessible by road. Alternative methods
of transporting food to the camp are being assessed in order to continue
providing food assistance to 27,000 refugees residing there.


9)  Zimbabwe

(a)  Due to the rains received last month, drought-tolerant crops such as
sorghum and millet are now nearing the maturity stage. However, long-term
maturing crops such as maize are reported to be suffering from severe
moisture stress because of insufficient rainfall.

(b)  Food availability is easing as people start to eat their early
maturing crop. However this will reduce the April harvest, for example, in
Nkayi district of Matebeleland, 80 % of households visited by WFP were
eating their early maturing crops. The state-controlled Grain Marketing
Board is selling a kilo of maize for between Zim $400 - $500 (US cents
10-15), but supply remains erratic. Most basic commodities are available
in retail outlets but the prices are beyond the reach of many Zimbabweans.
There has been little improvement in the fuel supply situation in the
country and queues are a common sight at most service stations in Harare.
Most fuel suppliers are reported to be stocking the commodity in
anticipation of a price increase.

(c)  WFP has completed the first distribution of food aid in the former
commercial farming areas of Zvimba District in Mashonaland West Province.
Some 7,429 beneficiaries received 90 tons of food aid.



E)  Asia: (1) DPR Korea, (2) Myanmar


1)  DPR Korea

(a)  Short term measures and the expected arrival of 27,500 tons of wheat
(late March) purchased with funds from various multilateral contributions,
have permitted the resumption of the EMOP 10141.02 cereal distributions
provided by WFP as of last week to most - but not all - of the more than
four million core beneficiaries: children, women and elderly people. These
distributions will continue until the expected arrival of earlier
confirmed contributions in April and May. However, this is a temporary
solution, and the loan and part of the purchase will have to be re-paid
later in the year with new contributions. With the new arrivals in April
and May, all but 600,000 core beneficiaries will receive cereal rations
for two months. Distribution cuts will again affect 1 million core
beneficiaries from June, and by September the number will rise to 2.9
million.

(b)  FFW projects for the spring season had to be drastically reduced from
a planned 24,000 tons to 8,000 tons. The shortage of wheat is also
affecting the WFP food factories, the noodle factories in Sinuiju and
Hamhung remain closed and the Hyesan biscuit factory also had to halt
production this week. Wonsan noodle factory has resumed production due to
the arrival of wheat.


2)  Myanmar

(a)  A delegation from diplomatic missions in Myanmar, including
Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Japan and Malaysia, visited the
WFP school-feeding project in Maungdaw, Northern Rakhine State (NRS). The
mission, organized by UNHCR, visited the area from 24 to 27 February 2004,
to review project activities being carried out by the UN and NGOs in NRS
benefiting returnees and other vulnerable groups.

(b)  WFP procured 3,404 tons of rice for the PRRO 10066.1 in NRS and for
the HIV/AIDS pilot project in the dry zone. It is the first time the
supplier is delivering rice directly to EDPs in both the regions, thus
reducing transport cost. Preparations are underway to start a first food
distribution for HIV/AIDS beneficiaries during the first half of March.

(c)  On 26 February a meeting was held between WFP and NGOs to discuss the
planned extension of the emergency operation for ex-poppy farmers in
Kokang, Wa and neighbouring areas of the Northern Shan State. Food
assistance is planned to be provided to those farmers who have abandoned
the poppy cultivation and face acute food shortage for their livelihoods.


F)  Latin America and the Caribbean: (1) Colombia, (2) Guatemala , (3)
Haiti, (4) Honduras


1)  Colombia

(a)  On 16 February, hundreds of people held a demonstration in Bogota,
capital of Colombia, to call for the release of kidnapped politician
Ingrid Betancourt, a former presidential candidate who was kidnapped by an
illegal armed group two years ago.  Also this week, Colombia's top
paramilitary leader has acknowledged that his forces have been violating
an unilateral cease-fire declared last year, but blamed the violence on
leftist guerrillas.  Government officials and the UN's top human rights
representative sharply denounced the group this week for killings despite
their December 2002 pledge to cease hostilities.

(b)  Leftist rebels killed two truck drivers who refused to stop at an
illegal roadblock on a major highway in central Colombia.  On 17 February,
members of an illegal group set up the roadblock afternoon to rob those
traveling on the highway connecting Bogota to Medellin (Colombia's
second-largest city). Furthermore, suspected rebels detonated a bomb
during a festival in a central Colombian town, injuring 22 people,
including 11 children, police said. Additionally, at least 66 people died
in weekend clashes among Colombian troops and illegal armed groups. On 21
February, soldiers killed 22 members of an illegal armed group, near
Villanueva, some 200 miles southeast of Bogota.  According to Colombian
army, 10 soldiers also died in that shooting.  In a separate offensive,
near Llano Grande, department of Antioquia, about 220 miles northwest of
Bogota, soldiers killed 17 members of another illegal armed group.

(c)  The Colombian health authorities, who have been fighting a yellow
fever epidemic in the north of the country since last year, have again
sounded the alarm after the death of a 12-year-old boy in the department
of La Guajira.  According to the Ministry for Social Protection, 28 people
have so far contracted the disease and eight of them have died.

(d)  Under PRRO 10158, Assistance to Persons Displaced by Violence, WFP
distributed 116 tons to 12,016 beneficiaries, primarily through FFW and
school feeding activities.


2)  Guatemala

(a)  Persistent rains were registered in the Province of Petén and caused
flooding of at least 25 houses in the province of Izabal.  Affected
families were assisted by the Guatemalan Red Cross and evacuated to
temporary shelters. Local authorities in the province of San Marcos have
reported crop damage due to low temperatures.

(b)  The Fuego and Santiaguito volcanoes continued to show signs of
increased activity, with strong explosions, ash, and smoke emissions
reaching 1,000 meters high.  The National Coordination Committee for
Disaster Reduction (CONRED) and the National Institute of Seismology,
Meteorology and Hydrology are closely monitoring the situation.

(c)  Teachers' organizations organized protest actions in the capital to
demand an urgent solution to a controversial last minute appointment of
13,000 teachers during the last days of the previous government.  These
appointments were suspended and are being re-examined by the current
government.  In 2003, a teachers' strike considerably disrupted classes
and WFP's school feeding activities for two months.  Moreover, the start
of the government's school feeding programme has been postponed until
March, as the new government is addressing some pending administrative and
financial issues. Hundreds of members of ex-civil defence patrols rallied
in front of the National Palace to demand compensation payments approved
by the previous government.

(d)  The rotavirus outbreak that prompted health authorities to declare
yellow alert two weeks ago is receding.  The Central American Health and
Disaster Information Network, supported by the Pan-American Health
Organization, the Regional Disaster Information Centre for Latin America
and the Caribbean, and the United Nations International Strategy for
Disaster Reduction will launch an online library on health and disasters
in Guatemala next month.


3)  Haiti

(a)  At least a dozen cities or approximately half of Haiti is now under
rebel control.  On 22 February, rebel troops attacked and captured Cap
Haitian (Haiti's second-largest city). The police station and the Governor
office were burnt and all telecommunication equipment at the airport has
been destroyed.  The port was looted, including 15,000 bags of rice and a
big quantity of cement. A WFP Warehouse in Cap Haitian was looted on 23
February. Some 820 tons of food valued at USD 614,000 and Non-Food Items
(20,000 tools) valued at USD126,000 have been stolen. Violence is
escalating in Port-au-Prince as well. Aristide's supporters have increased
the number of barricades in key roads in the city making traffic
circulation very difficult including the access to the airport Security
Phases: Phase III in Port-au-Prince and Northern areas: Phase IV in
Gonaives.

(b)  All NGOs except World Vision have stopped working in the country. WFP
is the only agency currently working in the North and North East. As of 25
February, 102 UN international non essential staff and their relatives
evacuated to the international airport in their way to Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic; 25 UN staff and 6 WFP staff remain in the country.

(c)  The Cap Haitian and Bombardopolis Sub-Offices are still open and
functioning despite having a reduced staff.  At the request of USAID, 7
WFP staff members at the Bombardopolis warehouse in northern Haiti,
started the distribution of 5 tons of food to assist 600 children in an
orphanage. In the area of Port-au-Prince, WFP's Basic Activities
"Nutrition and health support to vulnerable groups" and "Investment in
human capital through education and training" continue to function
normally.  In this area, food rations are distributed to13,335 families in
23 health centres, and to 39,000 primary school students in 94 schools.
The FONDEFH NGO, a WFP implementation partner that manages 9 health
centres in the poorest areas surrounding Port-au-Prince, reports an
increase in the demands of assistance by 40% over the last two months.

(d)  The main constraints WFP faces in Haiti are security, communications
and logistics. A WFP emergency needs assessment mission in the North,
scheduled for 26 February, had to be cancelled due to security reasons.
Trou du Nord and the entire North East region remain inaccessible,
affecting negatively WFP distributions to 24 health centers and 116
schools. Distributions for the health activity planned for February for 19
health centres in the North have been delayed because of lack of fuel and
of cereals.  For the same reasons, a distribution to 95 schools in the
North, planned for 16 February, did not take place. Distributions in the
community nutrition component (for malnourished children and mothers) of
the PRRO in the Far West, planned to begin on 17 February, have not
started because of a lack of fuel to transport the commodities. A shipment
of 70 containers carrying 1,200 tons of rice, which was supposed to leave
Port-au-Prince on 23 February and to arrive in Cap Haitian the following
day, was put on hold because of the looting of the WFP warehouse and due
to the security situation in Cap Haitian.

(e)  To address the constraints mentioned above and to ensure that food
reaches the beneficiaries, a Special Operation (SO) is under preparation.
Logistics and communication capacity, truck fleets/drivers/convoy
leaders/landing craft will be augmented. An EMOP is also under preparation
and Haiti's PRRO will be extended in time for 05 months.


4)  Honduras

(a)  The Permanent Commission of Contingencies (COPECO) declared a Yellow
Alert in the Atlantic Coast area due to heavy rainfall.  Two important
cities, Puerto Cortes and Tela, were affected by this phenomenon. In
Puerto Cortes, the country's most important port, several flooded
neighbourhoods were reported. In the city of Tela, Department of
Atlantida, 15 neighbourhoods of the urban and rural area were affected by
the floods and several communities of the municipality of San Francisco
became isolated. Due to the unfavourable weather conditions, la Ceiba
Airport did not operate during two days, and the road between the border
of Honduras and Guatemala was closed for several hours. COPECO requested
WFP to be prepared in case food assistance for affected persons in
temporary shelters would be required. Although there is no official
request, WFP food aid monitors continue to be on alert and in permanent
contact with the Department and Municipality Emergencies Committees.

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