World Food Programme Emergency Report 2004
Issued Weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 31 of 30 July


(A) Middle East, Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan
(B) East and Central Africa:  (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Eritrea,
     (4) Ethiopia, (5) Rwanda, (6) Somalia, (7) Sudan
(C) West Africa:  (1) Chad, (2) Cote d'Ivoire, (3) Guinea. (4) Liberia
(D) Southern Africa: (1) Regional, (2) Angola, (3) Lesotho,
     (4) Madagascar, (5) Malawi, (6) Mozambique, (7) Namibia,
     (8) Swaziland, (9) Zambia, (10) Zimbabwe
(E) Asia: (1) Bangladesh, (2) DPR Korea, (3) India, (4) Nepal
(F) Latin America and the Caribbean: : (1) Colombia, (2) Guatemala
     (3) Haiti, (4) Nicaragua


>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

1)  Afghanistan

(a)  The security situation remained volatile throughout most of the
country. The attacks against electoral workers were of concern,
threatening the success of the voter registration process. In the south,
in Kandahar, a vehicle of coalition forces hit a landmine on 23 July,
resulting in the injury of two soldiers.  A voter registration site came
under small arms fire attack in Arghandab district of Kandahar, on 24
July.

(b)  During the reporting period, over 489,760 beneficiaries received
about 2,695 tons of food.

(c)  On 26 July, WFP and its partners including the government and UN
agencies discussed the extension of immediate assistance to the
flood-affected people in Behsood district of Nangarhar, as well as
sustainable solutions to protect the area from floods. It was agreed to
construct a 300-meter protection wall, and WFP will provide emergency food
assistance to 49 affected families.

(d)  On 26 and 27 July, WFP trained staff of tuberculosis and
supplementary feeding centers, women-bakery supervisors and food aid
monitors in Kandahar on health, nutrition and uses of blended food. The
training will enhance hygiene practices and nutritional awareness of food
aid beneficiaries.

(e)  The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (MAAH), FAO and WFP
conducted a joint crop and food supply assessment in the western provinces
of Badghis, Ghor and Hirat. The primary findings of the assessment show
poor agricultural production and low water table due to poor rainfalls
compared to the previous year, which would impact food security in the
region.  The preliminary findings of the mission will be presented at MAAH
on 7 August.



B)  East and Central Africa: (1) Burundi, (2) DR Congo, (3) Eritrea, (4)
Ethiopia, (5) Rwanda, (6) Somalia, (7) Sudan

1)  Burundi

(a)  Reports indicated renewed clashes between the Burundian Army and the
Conseil National pour la Defense de la Democratie - Force pour la Defense
de la Democratie (CNDD-FDD)  against Front for National Liberation (FNL)
rebels in Bujumbura Rural province, south of the capital. A WFP vehicle
was hijacked at gunpoint in Bujumbura town in the early evening of 22
July. Fortunately, the staff member using the car was not hurt. Several
other UN and NGO cars have been hijacked under similar circumstances in
Bujumbura during the preceding weeks.

(b)  From 19 to 25 July, WFP distributed over 1,700 tons of food
commodities to an estimated 125,000 beneficiaries.

(c)  Local authorities met in Muramvya and Gitega provinces to discuss the
targeting of beneficiaries for the next seeds protection ration
distributions.  Local distribution committees are also being established
in Kabezi commune, however, setting up the distribution committees in
Muhuta commune has not been possible due to insecurity.

(d)  Additional contributions are needed to ensure a healthy pipeline as
of November.


2)  D.R. Congo

(a)  The security situation remained precarious in eastern DRC. North and
South Kivu provinces are the most affected. Illegal house intrusions and
murders have reportedly increased in Goma and Bukavu towns.  Sporadic
shootings were repeatedly heard in Goma town during the night.  These
incidences are blamed on uncontrolled men in uniform who continue to
disturb the life of civilians. The prevailing volatile security situation
in North and South Kivu and Kindu continues to affect WFP food
distributions.

(b)  After violent fighting between dissident soldiers and the regular
army, a joint UN mission carried out in Kalehe in south Kivu province,
revealed that more than 30,000 people are displaced, mostly women and
children.  The mission reported 221 cases of women and children being
sexually abused by military combatants, of whom two died and 114 were
transferred to Panzi hospital in Bukavu.  In another incident more than 25
people were drowned while fleeing from attacks by dissident soldiers.
Currently, due to the security situation, inhabitants of Kalehe have
limited access to their farms, and in the local markets food commodities
are scare.

(c)  In North Kivu province, an alert was issued on the drought and the
possible effects of the recent eruption of the Nyamulagira Volcano, which
may have a severe impact on future food production. Clashes between
various armed factions continued to occur in the rural areas of Banza and
Tongo. In some areas of Walikale territory, people have fled their homes
in fear of new clashes.

(d)  In Kindu area, malnutrition rates are increasing among IDPs. A couple
of months ago, food delivery to this location had been temporarily
suspended due to insecurity caused by dissident forces.  The Kindu
sub-office is being set up and food shipment to the area is underway. Some
12 supplementary feeding centers will be receiving WFP food under the
supervision of the Italian NGO COOPI and the UK based charity Merlin.

(e)  During last week, over 400 tons of food were distributed to some
43,000 beneficiaries including IDPs and vulnerable persons.


3)  Eritrea

(a)  Rainfall in most parts of Eritrea remains erratic in terms of
frequency and distribution. While it is early to project drought, it
should be noted that if the current pattern continues, another drought
might occur.  In Tesseney sub-zone and parts of Anseba insufficient rains
were reported.  Despite erratic rains, an increase in water levels in
different water harvest schemes (dams and micro dams)  in Debub region has
been observed.

(b)  In Gash Barka, one of the main cereal producing areas, a shortage of
tractors for ploughing has been reported.  Although the Ministry of
Agriculture is providing some seeds to farmers, it is not sufficient.
Moreover, in Anseba the planted area is limited by the lack of ploughing
animals and the exorbitant prices for renting tractors. While ploughing
and sowing are still ongoing in certain areas, crops at their germination
stage are seen in certain parts of the country.

(c)  Livestock, an important source livelihood of people in specific
regions of the country, is gradually recuperating from the long months of
insufficient fodder and water. The rain has improved the pasture, however,
it is still insufficient for cattle that need to gain more weight. Camels
and goats that consume young green leaves are recuperating faster. In
Anseba, there is still an overall shortage of fodder as rains have been
insufficient.

(d)  The availability of specific commodities like sugar and wheat flour
and also bread remains limited in most of the country.


4)  Ethiopia

(a)  A special early warning system alert was issued by the Disaster
Prevention and Preparedness Commission (DPPC) on 26 July, entitled "Impact
of the Belg/Gu Season on the Food Security Situation of the Belg Producing
and Pastoral Areas".  The alert highlights findings of the recent
multi-agency assessment teams, which confirmed that the performance of the
Belg/Gu season of 2004 in most Belg (short rains) producing and pastoral
areas was very poor.  Significant irregularities were observed in many
areas.  These included the late start of the rains, prolonged dry spells,
especially in the whole of February, most of March, all of May, and parts
of June, depending on location;  erratic and poorly distributed
precipitation;  and very early cessation resulting in poor Belg crop
production in many parts of the cropping areas.

(b)  Belg-dependent areas of special concern are many zones in Southern
Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), especially Konso,
Wolayita and Gamo Gofa zones;  East and West Hararghe and Bale zones in
Oromiya Region; North and South Wollo zones in Amhara Region; and Southern
Tigray zone in Tigray Region.

(c)  The performance and production prospects of long cycle crops (maize
and sorghum)  in the northern, eastern and southern parts of the country,
including areas along the Rift Valley, are very poor. Extensive areas have
been affected, and where current Meher (long season)  rains are not
conducive for replanted short cycle crops, increasing food insecurity is
expected later in the year.

(d)  In pastoral areas, the early cessation of the rains around the end of
April, and the missing rains in May, when much of the precipitation for
adequate water and pasture replenishment and crop development are normally
expected, have had a negative effect.  Very poor to poor rains in many
places of the pastoral areas in general and in Somali Region, Borena zone
in Oromiya Region and South Omo zone in SNNPR in particular were reported.
Water condition remains poor, particularly in chronic water deficit areas
of Somali Region.

(e)  The emergency food needs of those beneficiaries who were expected to
graduate from the emergency program as of June/July 2004 are extended.
Consequently, a significant amount of additional emergency food for the
period August to December 2004 is expected to be identified in an updated
appeal to be released by DPPC in early August.


5)  Rwanda

(a)  The security situation in Cyangugu remained calm and the UN security
phase in effect remains unchanged.  Following the decision to suspend
assistance to refugees staying outside the camp in Cyangugu, over 190
people have decided to join the camp and were registered during the week.
This has brought the total number of refugees in Cyangugu camp to 1,632.
Refugees living outside the camp are estimated at 750 and most probably
will move to the camp in the near future.

(b)  During the week, a Disaster Management Task Force meeting was held
and discussions included the relocation of refugees from Cyangugu to
another location.  Participants were informed that the Repatriation
Commission is working hand in hand with UNHCR to prepare the site in
Kiziba camp in Kibuye. However, the space may be inadequate. If proved
adequate, the Gihembe camp in Byumba will be considered for some or all
refugees from Cyangugu.

(c)  In addition, the predicament of the 315 former Bukavu dissident
soldiers was discussed.  The government representative, who chaired the
meeting, reiterated a request for participating organizations to assist
these former rebels who are presently being accommodated at Ntendezi
non-military camp in Cyangugu after being disarmed.  Subsequently, UNHCR,
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Government decided
to initially establish their legal status prior to requesting humanitarian
organizations for assistance. American Refugee Committee (ARC) is
assisting the government with the preparation. Meanwhile, a site is being
prepared at Coko in Nyaruguru district of Gikongoro province to receive
those former rebels and ARC is providing assistance to the government.

(d)  WFP has distributed a total of 65 tons of assorted food commodities
since the outset of the conflict in Bukavu on 27 May.


6)  Somalia

(a)  Security improved in Bay, Bakol Regions, and South Somalia. Different
militias in Bay and Bakol regions in south Somalia have reached an
agreement over unification in Baidoa town after two years of fighting. In
July 2002, two groups of RRA (Rahanwein Resistance Army) started to fight
over the control of the regional capital, Baidoa, limiting access to
humanitarian aid agencies and WFP sub-office was relocated to nearby Wajid
town.  Traditional elders participated in this peace process, which
hopefully will result in improved security in other parts of the southwest
and accessibility of humanitarian assistance.

(b)  Reports received indicated continued drought and rains in some parts
of Somalia.  Unusually good rains fell over most of southern, and parts of
central Somalia, improving vegetation. Water reservoirs were replenished
by rain showers offering relief to both human and livestock in parts of
the Lower Shabelle region (coastal areas only), Gedo, Bay and Bakol. The
rains did, however, not benefit crops, especially maize, which had already
passed the critical grain-setting stage. In Juba valley crops are wilting
except in the irrigated areas. In the northeast and northwest drought
entered its fourth year and pastoral communities have lost more than half
of their livestock.  The Somalia Aid Coordination Body (SACB) issued a
press release raising alarm about the deepening humanitarian crisis
developing in Somalia triggered by the cumulative result of successive
poor rains and civil conflict in some areas, especially Northwest
('Somaliland'), Northeast ('Puntland'), and Gedo and Lower Juba Valley in
the South. As far as the central regions of Galgadud and South Mudug are
concerned, the situation is not as severe as in the North. But assistance
is still needed to prevent the livelihood crisis from becoming a
full-blown emergency situation.

(c)  Roadblocks have more than doubled this month, further reducing access
to Beletwein town (Hiran region)  of central Somalia. Transporters are
pulling out of the main route due to an increased taxation by militias.
Prices of commodities are rising as a result of the artificial shortage
caused by the transporters' refusal to use the tarmac road that serves as
the only direct link to the Mogadishu natural port. Furthermore, the
prices of locally produced cereals doubled in one week in the affected
area, reflecting serious cereal shortfall because of the drought and the
effects of increased restrictions on business activities in interregional
trade.


7)  Sudan

(a)  On 26 July, representatives of the UN, Government of Sudan (GoS) and
the Diplomatic Corps began a three-day joint mission to Darfur region, to
assess the degree of security, the current state of the mainly Arab
militias and the status of the IDPs who have been driven away from their
homes.  The Joint Implementation Mechanism (JIM), a body set up by the UN
and GoS during the visit of the Secretary-General to monitor the progress
made on the implementation of a joint UN-GoS communique, organized the
mission.  The mission will report its findings to a JIM meeting to be held
on 2 August.

(b)  Airdrops into Darfur are now imminent with the arrival last week of
one MI-8 helicopter.  Some 3,000 tons of food will be airdropped over a
two-week period to eight locations. WFP needs an additional 5 helicopters
to meet interagency needs for multi-disciplinary teams to assess health
and sanitation concerns expected to deteriorate during the rainy season.
The helicopters will also be used to transport high-value food commodities
that cannot be air dropped, such as sugar and oil, as well as medical
supplies.

(c)  Some 647,000 beneficiaries received over 10,000 tons of food in July;
4,000 tons of food assistance was distributed to 251,000 beneficiaries in
South Darfur, 3,000 tons of food was distributed to 198,000 beneficiaries
in West Darfur and some 198,000 beneficiaries received 3,000 tons of food
aid in North Darfur.

(d)  As nutritional surveys over the past few months continue to show
dangerously high levels of malnutrition and mortality, WFP is preparing to
begin a three to four month blanket supplementary feeding programme for
240,000 children under 5 years in the three Darfur states. Children will
receive corn-soya blend (CSB), oil and sugar as part of their take-home
ration.  WFP is also finalizing plans to start an emergency school feeding
programme in Darfur.  Institutional feeding in one hospital in Kass has
started, with WFP delivering a one-month stock of assorted commodities for
600 beneficiaries.

(e)  Confirmed contributions received to date for the Darfur EMOP 10339.0
amount to approximately USD 69 million, representing about 35 percent of
the total operational requirements.



C)  West Africa Region:  (1)  Chad, (2) Cote d'Ivoire, (3) Guinea. (4)
Liberia

1)  Chad

(a)  On 24 July WFP, UNHCR, MSF Holland and CARE participated in a joint
mission to Farchana and Bredjing, to follow up on the security situation.
After the refugee uprising and violent clashes with Chadian army, the
security situation has calmed in the eastern Chad refugee camps in the
last few days.  WFP food aid monitors and partner agencies have resumed
food distribution in Farchana and Bredjing camp.

(b)  The estimated caseload for the refugee population by UNHCR is about
180,030 comprised of the camp population, spontaneous arrivals and those
registered for transfer at the border. Current refugee caseload inhabiting
9 camps in eastern Chad totals over 151,175. The transfer of refugees from
the border continues.  UNHCR is making preliminary plans for refugee
relocation using advanced geological information of ground-water
resources. Emphasis will be to disperse the heavily populated camps of
Bredjing and Farchana and refugees that have settled in the Amnabak area.

(c)  To date in the month of July, under EMOP 10327, Emergency Assistance
to Sudanese Refugees in Eastern Chad, a total of about 2,110 tons was
distributed to 133,838 refugees. An additional 250 tons were delivered to
Iriba for distribution in Bahai.

(d)  WFP has been rushing to get the much needed CSB to the refugee camps.
It is estimated that transport to Abeche via the northern desert route,
will take between 6 and 10 days.  Logistic arrangements for the transport
of the food once it has arrived in the centre zone, is currently under
review.  August is considered to be one of the worst months of the rainy
season and transport will be extremely difficult and challenging,
particularly for the camps located in the central zone. WFP is expecting
increases in the transport rates, as all transport usually comes to a halt
in Chad during the months of August and early September. Air drops will
only be considered when all transport options have been exhausted. A
budget revision will allow WFP's humanitarian air service to respond to
growing demands of the humanitarian community to increase flights and
routing within Chad and in the region.

(e)  A joint UNHCR/WFP nutrition mission started 29 July, in response to
the results of the nutritional survey that was carried out by the Center
of Disease Control (CDC)  which reveals alarming malnutrition rates and a
worrisome health situation in the camps, and calls for a multi-sector
intervention.  The findings indicate the level of Global Acute
Malnutrition will require a blanket supplementary feeding and therapeutic
feeding programmes.  The mission will review survey findings, beneficiary
caseload, food and health needs in the camps, and implementation
modalities.


2)  Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  Cote d'Ivoire's President Laurent Gbagbo and armed and non-armed
opposition parties are in Accra, Ghana for talks trying to restore Cote
d'Ivoire's peace process.  Ghanaian President John Kufuor, the current
chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and UN
Secertary-General Kofi Annan are co-chairing this event, which is also
being attended by several African leaders including Gabonese President
Omar Bongo and South African President Thabo Mbeki. Concerns remain
regarding the possibility of public demonstrations before or right after
the conclusion of talks in Accra.

(b)  On 28 July, members of an unofficial militia loyal to the President
attacked an ONUCI vehicle with rocks at an intersection in Abidjan. The UN
mission in Cote d'Ivoire is investigating reports of human rights abuses
in Korhogo, following the recent alleged failed attempt to assassinate New
Forces leader Soro Guillame. So far, four mass graves have been found with
150 corpses. The investigation continues.

(c)  From 21 to 27 July, 875 metric tons of various food commodities were
distributed to some 95,850 beneficiaries including 3,695 refugees in
camps.

(d)  Thus far, the acceptability of textured vegetable protein (TVP), a
soy-based product being piloted in the school feeding programme, has been
positive.  This pilot is being undertaken in partnership with the national
school canteens directorate [DNC].  The TVP is a contribution from the
Archer Daniels Midland corporation with the training budget provided for
by the world Initiative for Soy in Human Health.


3)  Guinea

(a)  The situation in Guinea is generally calm. The government continues
to distribute rice in Conakry under police escort in order to deter
further looting from residents.  Rice imports are being subsidized but
citizens still have to queue up for hours to purchase it at the subsidized
price.

(b)  UNHCR and WFP have decided to stop providing general food assistance
to the 1,600 Sierra Leoneans who decided to stay in Guinea once the
repatriation exercise was completed.  Two convoys on 15 and 21 July
transported 660 refugees, bringing the total number of repatriated Sierra
Leoneans to almost 12,170. Preliminary results of the refugee verification
exercise indicate that there are a total of 75,800 refugees, excluding the
1,600 Sierra Leonean refugees who are no longer entitled to assistance.

(c)  From 12 to 25 July, a total of some 5,695 tons were distributed to
about 28,055 beneficiaries.

(d)  WFP is reviewing a school feeding project for the 2004-2005 academic
year for the Nzerekore region, submitted by GTZ, that would assist some
63,000 children.  Meanwhile, Premiere Urgence (PU)  has completed its
2003-2004 school feeding activities for some 7,000 children in
Kissidougou. WFP is searching for new implementing partners as PU will
close its office at this location in August.

(e)  Action Contre la Faim (ACF)  has submitted its post distribution
monitoring report to WFP and is holding focus groups with beneficiaries at
Boreah and Telikoro camps. Preliminary findings indicate that children
play a significant role in assisting families through agriculture and
trading activities.


4)  Liberia

(a)  The security situation in the country in general is calm. Notes of
concern are isolated cases of intimidation and harassment by MODEL
ex-fighters in Grand Kru county, violent house break-ins in Monrovia, and
unconfirmed reports of Liberians being recruited and trained to fight in
Guinea.

(b)  From 21 to 27 July, a total of about 1,350 tons of food was
distributed to 134,420 beneficiaries including some 106,830 IDPs and 7,301
ex-combatants and dependents.  Since December last year, some 60,080
ex-combatants have been disarmed and processed for demobilization.

(c)  A total of 145 tons was used to feed some 19,750 children in 79
schools from 21 to 27 July. Also during this period, the Emergency School
Feeding baseline survey was completed in Bong and Margibi counties.
Further, WFP and implementing partners ADRA & Germain Agro Action (GAA),
as well as officials from the Ministry of Education, visited 13 schools in
Montserrado county as part of its school monitoring programme. ADRA is
assisting 358 schools with about 136,275 beneficiaries, while GAA assist
126 schools with some 57,340 children.

(d)  WFP food aid was provided to 7,114 beneficiaries at feeding centres
in seven counties as part of the nutrition programme, while assistance was
given to some 1,078 beneficiaries as part of the interventions in support
of HIV/AIDS affected persons in Montserrrado and Margibi counties.  A
six-day training for Ministry of Health (MoH)  staff involved the
supplementary feeding programme in Montserrrado county, which was
conducted by WFP in collaboration with the MoH and UNICEF, was completed
on 24 July.

(e)  A WFP assessment team has completed an evaluation of the Food Support
to Local Initiatives (FSLI)  projects in Lofa,Grand Gedeh and Nimba
counties.  The mission noted that while most of the communities occupied
by returnees are still food insecure, WFP FSLI projects (agriculture and
infrastructure)  constituted a major pull factor for those returning on
their own.  The mission recommended that FSLI activities target production
groups engaged in rice cultivation and tree crops rehabilitation, and that
priority be given to newly accessible locations in Lofa, Grand Gedeh and
Nimba.  Continuing FSLI activities would enable WFP to continue enhancing
the environment for the reintegration of returning populations.

(f)  Newly received contributions reduce the food pipeline break by 24
percent to 15,258 tons. Most of these commodities are expected to arrive
in October and November. Meanwhile, the food pipeline will face a break of
622 tons of pulses for the August food distribution. A critical pipeline
break is expected in September for all commodities except sugar, except
when the arrival of the US-FFP shipment of 8,480 tons can be accelerated.
Unless additional resources are mobilized there will be another critical
shortfall of 11,241 tons of cereals, 1750 tons of pulses, 766 tons of oil,
1405 tons of CSB and 3 tons of sugar from July to December.



D)  Southern Africa:  (1)  Regional, (2)  Angola, (3)  Lesotho, (4)
Madagascar, (5)  Malawi, (6)  Mozambique, (7) Namibia, (8) Swaziland, (9)
Zambia, (10) Zimbabwe

1)  Regional

(a)  FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Missions (CFSAMs) reports for
Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe are now available on
the WFP website http://www.wfp.org, under operations/emergency
needs/online library.

(b)  The reports provide information on the national level food supply
situation in the region for the forthcoming marketing year and give
estimates on food deficits and the assistance required to meet them. The
findings and estimates have been incorporated into the Year One
Implementation Plans for the five countries, included in the Regional PRRO
to start in January 2005.


2)  Angola

(a)  The PRRO 10054.2, Support to Return and Resettlement, continues to be
severely under-funded.  Only 24 percent of the operation is resourced.
Unless new contributions are soon confirmed, WFP will be unable to
distribute cereals during the "lean season", beginning in September.
This will seriously hamper the resettlement process, reducing the
incentive for populations to return to their areas of origin and placing
further hardship on those trying to rebuild their lives. WFP is actively
approaching donors in order to raise additional contributions.

(b)  Reduction in donor support may also disrupt WFP Special Operation
10146.1, Passenger Air Transport Service.  The Service currently flies to
nine of Angola's 18 provinces, carrying about 3,000 NGOs and UN
humanitarian workers per month, who entirely depend on it. Funding for
this operation is only available through the end of September.


3)  Lesotho

(a)  Between 21 and 27 July, WFP and its implementing partners distributed
some 1,300 tons of food to 109,000 beneficiaries. The supplementary
feeding programme assisted 19,000 children under five years of age, 7,200
pregnant and nursing mothers, 10,800 HIV/AIDS and TB patients in health
care centers, 18,300 orphans and vulnerable children, 52,600 elderly and
unemployed recipients under the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme
and 900 beneficiaries under FFW activities.

(b)  According to the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) and
the CFSAM projections, some 948,310 people will experience income and food
deficits requiring an estimated 43,000 tons of food aid through March
2005.


4)  Madagascar

(a)  The UN thematic group on HIV/AIDS met the representative of the
African Development Bank on his mission to Madagascar. The purpose of the
meeting was to share information on the UN System activities related to
the HIV/AIDS and to see the possibility of financing some of these
projects.

(b)  The fourth Life Skills Training course for 30 primary school teachers
from one district in the south was held in collaboration with CISCO
(District Education Authority)  and Peace Corps Volunteers. The teachers
learnt the facts about HIV/AIDS, and how to raise awareness of the disease
amongst their students through a range of facilitation techniques.


5)  Malawi

(a)  The national Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC) and FAO/WFP's
Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission (CFSAM) estimate that 1.3 million
people, or about 11 percent of the population, will experience a food
deficit between June this year and the next harvest in April/May 2005. If
maize prices increase above the projected prices of MK 17 (USD 0.16) to MK
27 (USD 0.25)  per kilogram, the size of total deficit and the number of
people requiring food assistance will increase significantly. Up to 86
percent of those affected are located in the southern part of the country.


6)  Mozambique

(a)  Despite significant improvements in production this year, the CFSAM
estimates that 49, 000 tons of cereal relief food aid will be required in
2004/05 for about 187,000 people recovering from a succession of floods
and drought combined with the impact of HIV/AIDS.


7)  Namibia

(a)  Between 12 and 17 July, WFP and its implementing partners distributed
food to about 13,080 refugees. Some 12,665 refugees reside in Osire Camp
and the rest in Kassava Camp.

(b)  The Namibia EMOPs 10145 for Angolan refugees in Namibia, and 10334.0
for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) affected by food insecurity and
impact of HIV/AIDS, remain under-funded.


8)  Swaziland

(a)  On 23 July, WFP held its strategic meeting on programming and
implementation for year one of the regional PRRO.  The meeting brought
together different stakeholders to discuss how they can collaborate with
WFP in implementing the long-term initiatives under the PRRO. Strengthened
coordination among implementers, Government ministries and donors was

highlighted as critical to an effective relief and recovery response.
Participants were encouraged to look beyond food in their interventions
and incorporate a holistic service approach to the recovery response.
Neighbourhood Care Points (NCPs), for example, were said to need other
inputs beyond just food; they require books, water, clothing, education
and psychosocial support, among others.

(b)  Scarcity of water continues to hamper the school feeding programme in
some schools in the Lowveld.  The Etjeni Primary School, located in
Somntongo Inkundla, is one such school, where children are required daily
to bring at least two liters of water from home for cooking at the school.


9)  Zambia

(a)  Although the food security situation is stable in most parts of the
country, WFP is currently feeding some 22,700 schoolchildren in 61 schools
in five districts in southern and eastern provinces under the pilot School
Feeding programme.

(b)  The programme provides a daily ration of micronutrient rich porridge
(CSB)  to primary school children attending classes in the participating
schools.  The programme is carried out in close collaboration with UNICEF,
who provides the non-food items, such as cooking utensils, water and
sanitation, de-worming and HIV/AIDS awareness training.

(c)  WFP has provided hot meals at departure and transit centres for 2,700
repatriated refugees since June.  Additionally, WFP is making available
humanitarian daily rations to the refugees during repatriation. About 220
tons of food aid (cereal and pulses) have been transported to Cazombo, in
the eastern Moxico Province of Angola as a two-month reintegration package
for about 7,000 refugees expected to return to Cazombo, Luena and Luau
regions of Angola.  About 87 percent of approximately 131,000 refugees
resident in the six designated sites in Zambia depend on food assistance
from WFP.


10)  Zimbabwe

(a)  Independent press reports revealed that the provincial governors and
resident ministers in Masvingo and Matebeleland provinces have approached
the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare appealing for
humanitarian assistance, including food aid. The provinces, in the
southern and western parts of the country, are prone to perennial droughts
and include areas currently facing food deficits.  Former farm workers are
particularly vulnerable to food insecurity given their loss of livelihood.

(b)  The price of maize grain has further increased since June. In
Bulawayo, the price of a 50kg bag of maize has risen from Zim$40,000 (USD
7.41)  to Zim$57,000 (USD 10.56). Most children in the city are reported
to rely on WFP's school feeding programme for their first meal of the day.



E)  Asia: (1) Bangladesh, (2) DPR Korea, (3) India, (4) Nepal

1)  Bangladesh

(a)  This week, the DER (Local Consultative Group on Disaster and
Emergency Response)  has been working on the consolidation of the
assessments from 29 districts affected by floods.

(b)  As of 26 July, WFP had released some 24 tons of high energy biscuits
and 3,000 tons of rice through its regular NGO partners for emergency
response.  WFP has also contributed over 100,000 polypropylene bags for
use by the affected families through IFRC/Bangladesh Red Crescent Society
and Islamic Relief.

(c)  Minister for Food and Disaster Management, H.E. Mr. Chowdhury Kamal
Ibne Yusuf, said he appreciated the assistance provided thus far by the UN
and international organizations and welcomed continued support to
government efforts in response to the consequences of the flooding.


2)  DPR Korea

(a)  Heavy rains in the far North of the country caused landslides and
river flooding which disrupted the road link to one of the five WFP
Sub-Offices (Hyesan in Ryanggang Province). A team that was stranded there
for a week was finally able to get back to Pyongyang by train.

(b)  From 24 to 30 July, sixteen out of the eighteen Local Food Production
factories were operational.  Production for the fourth week of July was
1,500 tons, slightly above the planned requirement for EMOP 10141.02

(c)  With the arrival of several wheat contributions, all but 900,000
beneficiaries will receive their cereal rations in August-September.
However, unless additional contributions are confirmed immediately and
shipments expedited, by October cereal distributions to all beneficiaries
and FFW programmes for the fall season will have to be suspended.
Remaining loans still need to be reimbursed from future contributions.

(d)  The situation is similarly bleak for other commodities such as
vegetable oil, pulses and sugar. Young children on the west coast received
oil only for two months this year and no pulses at all. By October, this
group of beneficiaries will be completely deprived of WFP food rations,
except 100g of blended food (produced locally without sugar).New pledges
of 195,000 tons are required for August this year to January next year.


3)  India

Assam:

(a)  The overall flood situation of the state is improving. Water logging
in the low laying areas of the affected district is posing a threat. A
total of 12.29 million of people in Assam have been affected by the
floods. Out of them, 1.38 million people are still in 1,477 operational
relief centers.

(b)  There are reports of severe damages to agriculture crops, due to the
flooding which has submerged 1.159 million hectares of crop area. The
yield of major kharif crops Bao Ahu and Sali paddy (winter rice) have been
affected in about 1.1 million hectares and crop damage is estimated to be
of 50 percent and above as per damage assessment report.

(c)  Landslides at several places are hindering the transportation of
relief materials to remote areas, and due to inundations there are very
few storage points for relief food stock. This may result in food
insecurity in many areas.  Also damages to the staple food crop
cultivation and lack of availability of fodder for livestock may cause
food insecurity among marginal and poor farmers.

Bihar:

(d)  The current flood has affected more than 21 million people in the
state. Around 532,614 families have been rendered homeless and a
population of 1,249,147 has taken shelter in 949 relief centers. Some 1.38
million hectares of crop area have been damaged.

(e)  Relief food has been distributed, among which 703 tons of ready made
food by airdrops.

(f)  WFP is closely monitoring the situation caused by severe flooding in
Assam and Bihar states, and actively participates in UN Disaster
Management Team meetings.


4)  Nepal

(a)  According to the last Statistical Disaster Situation Report from the
Nepal Red Cross Society, floods and landslides in July have caused the
deaths of at least 185 people and have affected a total of 129,683
families, of whom 37,602 have been displaced.

(b)  From 2 to 4 August, WFP/UNJLC will field a rapid assessment review
mission of the worst affected areas:  Dhanusa, Mahottari, and Sarlahi
Districts.  The local Red Cross resources in those areas have been, or are
about to be, stretched beyond their capacity. The mission will review the
preliminary needs assessment that the Red Cross has conducted from a WFP
perspective and will provide an understanding of how to support the Red
Cross, if appropriate and feasible.

(c)  Next week, the Ministry of Home Affairs is convening a meeting to
discuss and determine the exact situation and the appropriateness of a
formal request for UN assistance. The minister shared WFP's concern about
the scale and timing of this year's flooding and welcomed the dispatch of
next week's WFP/UNJLC technical assessment mission.



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

1)  Colombia

(a)  The security environment remains uncertain and volatile. On 23 July,
13 soldiers were killed during an illegal armed group attack in the
southwestern province of Putumayo.  A Colombian bishop has been kidnapped
by suspected rebels and according to local authorities and church
officials, he will be released with a message for the Colombian
Government.

(b)  From 19 to 25 July, in the context of the PRRO 10158, Assistance to
People Displaced by Violence, WFP distributed 278 metric tons of food in
10 provinces to some 31,910 beneficiaries.

(c)  Local authorities and WFP will provide humanitarian assistance and
food to at least 1,500 indigenous people who are returning to their homes,
as well as to 20 displaced families in the province of Antioquia.


2)  Guatemala

(a)  The local government is assisting 25 evacuated families affected by
the overflow of the Pinula River in the municipality of Santa Catarina
Pinula.  According to the Ministry of Agriculture, agricultural damage
amounted to USD 275,000, affecting around 750 families. Floods were also
reported in Santa Cruz del Quiche. In addition, strong winds caused
damages in the province of Chiquimula.

(b)  In the recently released Human Development Report 2004, Guatemala
appears with the lowest Human Development Index in Central America despite
the fact that its per capita income is higher than Honduras and Nicaragua.
Also, in the first six months of the year, the Office of the Procurator
for Human Rights has registered more than seven thousand complaints of
human rights violations in the capital alone, which equals the number of
complaints for the whole 2003.

(c)  A new Minister of Interior was appointed after the former minister
who had failed to control the rate of violent crimes resigned. More than
1,600 people were murdered during the first half of 2004.

(d)  Hundreds of farmers from the Agrarian Platform, an umbrella group of
farmers' organizations, gathered in front of the Ministry of Agriculture,
Congress, and the Presidential House, to demand the observance of the
Social Attention Plan for the Coffee Crisis, which includes budgetary
allocations for land renting and agricultural inputs. The coffee crisis
was one of the factors that led to the nutritional crisis of 2001-2002,
which prompted WFP's response through an EMOP and a subsequent PRRO
operation.

(e)  A total of 71 tons of maize, beans, CSB and vegetable oil was
distributed to 6,425 beneficiaries in the municipalities of Santa Barbara,
San Sebastian Huehuetenango, and San Gaspar Ixchil, province of
Huehuetenango, under the recovery component of regional PRRO 10212.


3)  Haiti

(a)  Although there was a slight improvement in the number of incidents
confirmed this week, the security environment remains volatile and
particularly sensitive in the Gonaives area.  Joint MINUSTAH and Haitian
National Police operations seem to have provided some stability.

(b)  The fieldwork for the verification process of the lists of
beneficiaries in the flooded areas (done in partnership with IFRC, Haitian
Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, Caritas and WFP) was completed.
Preliminary results show a sharp decrease of households in the region from
the previous lists.

(c)  Over USD one billion was pledged, about a third as loans, at a donor
conference co-hosted by the European Union, the Inter-American Development
Bank, the UN and the World Bank, in which representatives from 30
countries and 32 international organizations participated. The Conference
sought USD 924 million to support the Haitian Government's Interim
Co-operation Framework (ICF), outlining Haiti's priority needs and
programs over the next two years. The ICF had identified this amount as
the two-year funding gap in an overall needs assessment, totaling USD 1.37
billion.

(d)  A strike at the Customs offices in Port au Prince is delaying the
clearance of wheat (408 tons) and lentils (100 tons) already in the port
and will jeopardize the arrival of rice (1,747 tons), salt (86 tons), and
pulses (244 tons).

(e)  Field visits confirm that about 40 percent of health centers and
orphanages in the West, North and North East supported by WFP EMOP,
currently face a pipeline break.  The lack of cereals, fortified blended
foods, and sugar in the country has halted food distributions to partners.
In an attempt to avoid a total EMOP pipeline break of resourced
commodities, WFP intends to resume deliveries (once incoming cargo is
available) using a reduced ration under this operation.

(f)  From 19 to 25 July, WFP continued to support the distribution of
UNICEF health kits in health centers in the North and North East as part
of its monitoring activities.  With the end of the school year, monitors
are collecting school reports in preparation of the monitoring reports.

(g)  The major challenge faced by WFP is to secure sufficient support from
donors to carry out current and future programmes. The current EMOP 10347
shortfall stands at 56 percent of the USD 7.9 million required for the
emergency operation.  Up to now, food distributions under the EMOP have
been made using PRRO/CP resources. The first shipment of EMOP-food is only
expected until August, due to a strike in the Freeport of Bahamas. As for
the Country Programme, the current shortfall stands at 76 percent. The
lack of funding implies a total pipeline break in September.


4)  Nicaragua

(a)  On 23 July, WFP distributed food to 2,500 beneficiaries in
coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGFOR), the Municipal
Committee for Prevention of Disasters and the Coordinators of the 17
shelters in the area affected by the disastrous heavy rains.  On 26 July,
WFP, MAGFOR and the Committee of the Municipal Civil Defence began a
one-month food distribution for the shelters of Wanawas, La Isla and
Urbano.  On 27 July, WFP distributed 32.64 tons of corn, rice, beans,
vegetable oil, cereal and powdered milk in the shelters of Manceras
Central, Manceras Abajo, Manceras Arriba y Cano Negro.  It is anticipated
that the total distribution in the shelters in more accessible communities
would be completed in two or three days, with the collaboration of the
Army.

(b)  An IRA/EMOP with a budget of USD 162,101 was approved for the
purchase of 296 metric tons of food.  About 1,500 affected families in Rio
Blanco, Matiguas and Prinzapolka will benefit from daily family rations in
the initial phase of 30 days and 1000 families of Rio Blanco and Matiguas
will be benefited for an additional 60 days.

(c)  WFP, UNICEF, and the shelters coordinators will organize sessions to
promote nursing practices among mothers with newborns and infants of up to
2 years of age, which will include complementary food for infants of 6
months to 2 years of age.  In addition, WFP and MINSA (MoH) will
coordinate an educational campaign in preventive health and food
preparation hygiene for MINSA personnel, health brigades and shelter
coordinators.


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

END WFP Emergency Report No. 31, 2004


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