WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 10 / 2006 - Date 10 March 2006



This report includes:
(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan
    (2) Pakistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Ethiopia
    (4) Kenya (5) Rwanda (6) Somalia (7) Sudan (8) Tanzania (9) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Guinea (4) Liberia
    (5) Niger (6) Sierra Leone
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
    (5) Swaziland (6) Zambia (7) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Nepal (2) Sri Lanka
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Cuba (3) Ecuador
    (4) Guatemala (5) Haiti



(A) Highlights

(a)  On Monday, 6th of March, a meeting of nine national Vulnerability
Assessment Committees, the Regional VAC, UN agencies and donors was held
in Johannesburg as a wrap up session following a week of thematic
trainings for National VAC members in preparation for their upcoming
assessment work.

(b)  In Sudan, between 21 February and 8 March, WFP dispatched a total
of 48,256 tons of mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region.

(c)  Reportedly over 4,500 displaced households along the Bukavu-Minova
axis, Democratic Republic of Congo, are in alarming humanitarian
conditions; WFP is planning to provide food assistance.

(d)  The Ethiopian Government's Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
Agency (DPPA) continues the dispatches of WFP relief food for some 1.5
million people in Somali region and some 155,000 in Borena zone of
Oromiya region.

(e)  In Pakistan, the deliveries from the hubs to extended delivery
points from the 27th of February to the 5th of March 2006 amounted to
3,002 tons, out of which 733 tons were delivered by air.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Afghanistan (2)
Pakistan

(1) Afghanistan

(a)  During the reporting period (23 February-8 March), the security
situation in the troubled southern region remained volatile, while the
rest of the country was relatively calm.

(b)  On the 2nd of March, two commercial trucks delivering WFP food in
the southern Urozgan province were stopped and set on fire by some
unidentified criminals.  29 tons of food was destroyed.

(c)  Precipitation has been normal in some parts of the agricultural
north, while severe water deficits are expected elsewhere in the
country.  FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture will undertake a
preliminary survey in the next 4 weeks to assess possible impacts on
agriculture. WFP has estimated that an additional 1.4 million people
could face food insecurity this year. This figure will be adjusted as
the findings of the FAO field study are known.

(d)  On the 1st of March, WFP signed Letters of Understanding (LoU) with
the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health defining
cooperation and enabling WFP assistance to be mobilized. On 2nd of March
2006, the delivery of biscuits to schools began in the south and the
east.

(e)  WFP, in conjunction with the Department of Women's Affairs, UN
agencies and international and local NGOs participated in ceremonies
throughout the country to celebrate the International Women's Day (IWD)
on the 8th of March. In Kandahar, WFP awarded women completing literacy
and vocational trainings. In Laghman and Mazar, ceremonies were marked
by planting of tree saplings provided by WFP. Similar ceremonies were
held in Hirat and Logar to create awareness and strengthen the role of
women in the society.

(f)  WFP is facing an impending shortfall of commodities. A pipeline
break will occur in March and no commodities have been pledged for the
second half of the year. 11 million dollars are urgently required to
purchase 22,000 tons of food. A total of 60 million dollars to purchase
70,000 tons of food aid, need to be pledged for the period March to
December 2006.

(g)  During the reporting period, WFP reached 208,000 beneficiaries with
3,360 tons of food through its Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) 10427 activities from January 2006.


(2) Pakistan

(a)  During the reporting period (1 - 7 March), the overall security
situation in the country remained tense because of the bomb blast near
the American consulate in Karachi, the visit of the US President and
violent clashes between militants and Pakistani security forces in North
Waziristan. The Muttahida Majlis-e-amal (MMA) has called for continued
countrywide protests and strikes were observed on the 3rd of March
against the publication of the cartoons. Shops and businesses were
closed and no public transport was allowed. UN agencies did not work on
this day, but only a few clashes were reported between the police and
the protestors. On the 4th of March, a "Black Day" was declared by the
opposition against the arrival of the US President. A very successful
wheel jam and shutter down protest was observed all over the country.

(b)  The situation in the earthquake-affected areas remained somewhat
stable apart from relief efforts being hampered by strikes and
demonstrations.

(c)  The snowline has receded significantly since its maximum on the
19th of January and no significant further snowfall is forecast at this
moment. However, heavy rains continued to hamper relief efforts in some
areas and have caused fatal landslides for the local population and UN
staff. Several main roads remain blocked.

(d)  Despite food movement being temporarily disrupted due to
countrywide strikes and demonstrations, rain and landslides continued to
affect food deliveries; WFP reached an estimated 130,000 people with
2,088 tons of food during the reporting period.

(e)  In Bagh, air lift operations for delivery of food to Baidi Union
Council (UC) (11,350 beneficiaries) started on the 7th of March after a
delay of one day due to non-availability of helicopters. The first day
of operations was also delayed due to weather conditions. During the
reporting period, 496.9 tons of food was received at the warehouse. Camp
surveys are being carried out by various UN agencies and NGOs as a
prelude to their return. The security situation remained calm throughout
the district and operational areas. However, UNDSS reported two security
incidents concerning two NGOs and a dispute over land ownership.

(f)  In Ghari Habibullah, 352 tons of food was dispatched during the
reporting period. All camps were visited by WFP for dissemination of
information regarding the closure of camps on 31 March. All agencies
currently supporting camps, including WFP, will discontinue their camp
support after 31 March. Food dispatches to the camps for the month of
March has been started as per list provided by UNHCR.  Food movement was
temporarily disrupted due to countrywide strikes and demonstrations.
Food could not be dispatched to Kawai, Mahandri and Kaghan Union
Councils due to landslides and road closures. 32 percent of total food
requirements still need to be dropped by helicopter. Food distributions
to schools dwere elayed due to unavailability of dates and biscuits.
Unavailability of UN vehicles at Abbottabad warehouse effected food
movement.

(g)  During the reporting period, 567 tons of mixed food commodities
were distributed to 30,424 beneficiaries in Battagram (Allai), Mansehra
(Kala Dhaka) Shangla and Kohistan. 469 tons of mixed food commodities
from Battagram, 208 tons from Chattarplain and 105 tons from Abbotabad
warehouse were dispatched to Allai, Palas, Dassu, Kala Dhaka and Alpuri
Tehsils. From the 3 -6 of March, air operations were severely hampered
as a result of bad weather and security concerns. WFP attended Camp
management meeting at Maira camp. It was decided in the meeting that the
repatriation process will start from 10 March and 200-300 families will
repatriate from camps on a daily basis. The Pakistani military requested
the Partners to encourage repatriation.

(h)  In Muzaffarbad, consultations and arrangements with the line
departments and potential Cooperating Partners continued to focus on
sharpening geographic targeting and activities. Initially pure
labor-intensive activities with less material costs will be launched in
Athmuqam and parts of Hatian tehsils including road clearance, field
terracing, nursery raising, Food-for-Training and Food-for-Education.
Food distribution was completed in 13 camps covering 1,676 households.
Distribution in remaining 48 camps is scheduled to take place during the
last week of March. General food distribution has started at a brisk
speed in allocated areas. The deliveries during the reporting period
stood at 41 percent of the monthly dispatch targets despite three days
of bad weather affecting air and road operations. 74 percent of the food
was transported by road from Muzaffarabad hubs to the Extended Delivery
Points despite inconducive weather. Most of the agencies will cease
general assistance to the camps except for water and sanitation. The AJK
(Azad Jammu and Kashmir) government will provide transport facilities to
the returnees. The AJK government encourages assistance to be provided
in places of origin as well as use of push factor simultaneously.

(i)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) is resourced 71 percent against the
appeal. Currently, UNHAS funding is due to run out very soon and US$24
million is urgently needed to maintain the helicopter 'lifeline'
operation, the largest relief helicopter operation in UN history, until
the end of August to assist thousands of victims of last year's
earthquake. Road access is expected to remain limited for some time due
to ongoing landslides. According to the International Landslide
Center/Landslide Observatory Open File Report, the snow melt could
result in further landslides in March and April, with a second round of
landslides during the July monsoon season. It could take several months
to repair and open primary and secondary roads.

(j)  The deliveries from the hubs to extended delivery points from the
27th of February to the 5th of March 2006 amount to 3,002 tons, out of
which 733 tons were delivered by air.

(k)  20 UNHAS helicopters are currently operational and flying when the
weather allows it. In addition, UNHAS is on a day-to-day basis tasking 4
US helicopters and 2 NATO helicopters bringing the total air assets
under UNHAS tasking to 26. Since the start of the air operations UNHAS
has airlifted 16,394 tons of Food Items, 4,412 tons Non-Food Items (NFI)
and 28,458 passengers.



(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Ethiopia (4)
Kenya (5) Rwanda (6) Somalia (7) Sudan (8) Tanzania (9) Uganda

(1) Burundi

(a)  Three heads of the largest humanitarian organisations of the United
Nations, the Executive Directors of WFP and UNICEF, and the High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have visited Burundi last week as part
of their joint mission to the Great Lakes region. They urged the
international community to increase their support to Burundi, Rwanda and
DRC.

(b)  Very few security incidents were reported during the reporting
period. However, the arrests of individuals suspected to collaborate
with the National Liberation Forces (FNL) movement were reported in
Bujumbura Rural.

(c)  WFP continued to distribute the seeds protection rations (SPR) to
prepare for the agricultural season 2006 B throughout the country. The
operation is planned to terminate this week. Between 27 February and 05
March, WFP distributed a total of 668 tons of food aid to 142,773
beneficiaries.

(d)  WFP teams visited nine communes located in three of the five
provinces declared 'disaster hit' by the government to monitor the
situation. The teams reported that many indicators such as reduction of
meals (in number and components), migration to other provinces and even
to Tanzania, incapacity to afford medical care services, school dropouts
and recourse to hard coping mechanisms such as selling roofs of houses,
were the main indicators of the high level of food shortage.
Additionally, all the communes visited are still lacking adequate
rainfall at this very crucial moment of the main agricultural season
2006B.

(e)  In many provinces, several reports indicate an overall spread of
plant diseases (fungi and worms) attacking cereal grains such as maize
and rice, as well as pulses like beans.  The government services have
planned distributions of pesticides but resources remain very limited
and very few areas have been covered.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  According to ICRC, over 4,500 displaced households along the
Bukavu-Minova axis are in alarming humanitarian conditions. These
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been fleeing insecurity
prevailing in Kalehe (South Kivu province). WFP is planning to provide
them with food assistance through Caritas-Bukavu.

(b)  The nutritional survey carried out by Action Contre la Faim-USA
(ACF-USA) in the South Kivu province, revealed global malnutrition rate
of 18.8 percent and acute malnutrition rate of 6 percent. Populations
surveyed were thousands of farmers' families who have been affected by
the recent wave of drought. To address the situation, WFP will be
providing rations to families of children under therapeutic and
supplementary feeding. A total of 8,000 households will be targeted with
WFP food rations through ACF-USA and Caritas Bukavu.

(c)  Aid workers are planning to carry out joint need assessment
missions in Shabunda/Katshungu and Bunyakiri, two areas with persisting
clashes between various armed forces. Reports received from both areas
indicate the presence of 4,000 to 6,000 displaced households in need of
humanitarian assistance.

(d)  In Tcheyi, Ituri district, over 8,000 people, mainly women and
children are reportedly trapped by militias and used as shields. Some
1,000 people managed to escape and reach Aveba, a location secured by
government troops and United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic
of Congo (MONUC). At the end of January 2006, some 4,000 households had
already fled from Tcheyi during the militias' attacks and dispersed in
the surrounding bushes. Some 709 families who have recently reached
accessible areas such as Dele and Bankoko are targeted for WFP food
assistance.

(e)  On 28 February, 400 returnees from Tanzania reached Uvira, South
Kivu province, with the assistance of UNHCR. WFP provided them with
three-month food packages to ease their reinstallation in the country.
An additional 1,000 are expected in the coming days.


(3) Ethiopia

(a)  The Government's Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA)
continues the dispatches of WFP relief food for some 1.5 million people
in Somali region and some 155,000 in Borena zone of Oromiya region. As
of 8 March, the DPPA has transported 75 percent of the January
allocation of 29,100 tons to Somali region. In the Borena zone of
Oromiya region, the DPPA has nearly completed the delivery of the 6,000
tons allocated for January.

(b)  DPPA is also delivering the February relief allocation of 4,970
tons to Oromiya region; so far 70 percent of the allocation has been
transported. The deliveries of February allocation to Somali region have
not yet started, as the dispatches of the January allocation are not
completed due to delays in transport. DPPA has delivered 35 percent of
the February relief allocation of 800 tons to Afar and 100 percent of
436 tons allocated to Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region
(SNNPR).

(c)  The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Agriculture and Rural
Development of Ethiopia Mr. Addisu Legesse visited Jijiga the regional
capital of Somali region and Dire Dawa from 5 to 9 March to discuss the
current drought situation with local authorities. Mr. Legesse held
discussions with the regional Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
Agency both in Jijiga and Dire Dawa in regards food aid deliveries and
urged the regional authorities to improve food dispatches to Somali
region that have been fairly limited in January and February. Some
improvements in dispatches have already taken place after DPPA engaged
their emergency transport fleet and the Road Transport Authority started
coordinating the commercial transport fleet for priority loads to the
drought-affected areas. The Deputy Prime Minister also recommended that
more staff should be hired for the DPPA logistics hub in Dire Dawa and
extra efforts should be made to improve information sharing with key
partners.

(d)  Regarding safety net dispatches, the DPPA has dispatched 96 and 89
percent of the February allocation respectively to Afar and Oromiya.

(e)  CARE Ethiopia and the DPPA have released the results of nutritional
surveys conducted in Borena zone from 18 January to 2 February 2006. The
findings show that the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) and
Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) are 10 percent and 1.1 percent in Dire;
10.9 percent and 1 percent in Moyale and 6.1 percent and 0.3 percent in
Teltele districts. The malnutrition rates are categorized as serious in
Dire and Moyale and poor in Teltele. However, these may not reflect the
general status of the older population groups, as the cultural practice
in Borena is to prioritize the feeding of younger children in times of
crisis. Aggravating factors include insufficient household food
availability due to poor performance of livestock, declining livestock
prices on the local markets coupled with high prices of basic food
commodities, high incidence of respiratory tract infections and
diarrhoea.

(f)  Regarding the Targeted Supplementary Feeding in support of the
Enhanced Outreach Strategy (TSF/EOS), food has moved in SNNPR to all but
4 districts and distributions of a total 2,625 tons of CSB and 294 tons
of oil for 105,000 beneficiaries are well underway.  Newly included
districts are Hulla and Mirab Abaya, where food distribution agents are
receiving training. In Somali region, screening figures are now
available for East Imey and, with the information now available, food
can begin to move to the distribution sites. The figures show there is a
severe malnutrition rate of 5 percent and a moderate malnutrition rate
of 18.3 percent among the screened population.  District level figures
are available for Danan, Sheygosh and Adadle and they show beneficiary
numbers of 3407, 2500 and 1751 respectively.  All other screening
figures for Somali Region are being compiled by the Regional Health
Bureau (RHB) in Jijiga while the DPPB is working closely with them to
receive the figures with minimum delay. TSF food is in Jijiga and ready
to move to the sites as soon as screening data is available.  In Oromiya
681 tons of food has moved to 17 districts in East Harerge and the
remaining 50 districts will receive food once the bidding process for
transport, currently underway, is completed.  Food will start moving in
Tigray on 13 March, and in Amhara from the 20 March. Delays in food
movement are being experienced in these regions due to poor information
retrieval between RHB's and DPPB and bureaucratic transporting
procedures in the DPPB. The first round of screening is completed in
Zone 1 in Afar Region while in Gambella Region screening commenced on
the 6 March in 7 districts.


(4) Kenya

(a)  The WFP Executive Director (ED) visited WFP operations in Kenya
during the reporting period. He visited several WFP-assisted projects
including school feeding, HIV/AIDS, a refugee camp, and a
drought-affected district in northeastern Kenya, at the border with
Somalia. The ED also held various meetings including with the President
of Kenya, government ministers and with donor representatives in Nairobi
where he appealed for urgent funding especially for the drought and
refugee operations, which are faced with serious resource shortfalls.

(b)  Resource mobilization for the drought Emergency Operation (EMOP) in
Kenya is ongoing but, thus far, confirmed commitments and pledges
against the operational requirement for March 2006 to February 2007 are
US$56 million or 25 percent of total requirements. This will cover
cereal needs until April, but other commodities have already begun
running out. Corn Soya Blend (fortified food for supplementary feeding)
is especially urgent owing to the current high global acute malnutrition
rates (between 18 and 30 percent). In addition, the in-kind donations
are not expected to arrive from abroad until June/June, the country
office is trying to borrow against these contributions but has not
identified any source as of yet.

(c)  WFP is faced with a serious break in the food pipeline due to lack
of resources and late arrival of shipments from abroad. Hence starting
mid March 2006, WFP will cut the food rations given to the 221,000
refugees in Kenya by 20 percent (1,752 kilocalories
kilocalories/person/day instead of 2,166. However, ration cuts will not
affect supplementary and therapeutic feeding, as well as school feeding.
The refugees rely entirely on WFP food for survival, and ration cuts
could escalate an already fragile situation as Global Acute Malnutrition
rates are high (above 18 percent).


(5) Rwanda

(a)  WFP, UNICEF, Medecins Sans Frontieres Belgium (MSF) and Millennium
Village Project (MVP) held a meeting to plan joint assistance for the
drought-affected families in Bugesera after the rapid nutrition survey
carried out by UNICEF in the area. UNICEF and MVP will approach the
Ministry of Health to open a new nutrition centre in the Mayange
sector.. WFP will provide supplementary assistance to the centre once it
is operational. In addition, in March WFP will provide a one-time family
food ration to 2,116 families attending 6 nutrition centres in the most
affected areas of Bugesera district, including pregnant and lactating
women. Around 78 tons of food will be distributed; each family receiving
25 kg of maize, 10 kg of pulses and 1.8 kg of vegetable oil.

(b)  The Disaster Management Unit Task force discussed the Avian Flu and
Food Insecurity issues last week. The Government's contingency planning
for Avian Flu is progressing with the Ministry of Agriculture being the
focal point. However, no decision from the Government side has yet been
taken to heighten the alert status for food security.

(c)  The Government distributed 277 tons of food to 18,000 families in
the eastern province through Rwanda Red Cross. Each family received 15
kg of cereal, 15 kg of beans and 0.8 kg of vegetable oil as a two-month
ration. The Prime Minister visited Gisagara district in the southern
province, the most drought-affected area where most of the people
migrated to Burundi.. He promised cassava and bean seeds to the most
vulnerable households.

(d)  WFP/Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping (VAM), in collaboration with
FEWSNET, Government of Rwanda and NGO partners, is finalizing the plan
to conduct the joint Crop and Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment
starting on 20 March in the whole country.

(e)  An increase in the number of people fleeing from DRC to Rwanda was
observed last week. 104 new asylum seekers were received in Nkamira
transit centre. This increased the number to 1,324 from 1,220 and a 15
day-ration was distributed to the new arrivals. In Nyabiheke camp, 15
newborn babies and 2 transfers from Gihembe were registered, which
increased the number to 4,821. Gihembe currently hosts 17,246 refugees.
Kiziba remained stable at 17,506. The number of Congolese refugees is
currently 40,895.

(f)  During the reporting period, UNHCR started a new registration
process for Burundian refugees in Nyamure with a plan to transfer the
refugees to Kigeme camp. A total of 88 refugees were found without any
refugee status and their cases are being analysed by UNHCR/Ministry of
Local Government, Community Development and Social Affairs (MINALOC).
Kigeme remained stable except for one refugee who returned voluntarily
to Burundi last week. The number of Burundian refugees currently stands
at 2,481.

(g)  A total of 165 returnees from DRC crossed the border to Rwanda
through Nkamira and Nyagatare transit centres and received food as a
repatriation package before being transferred to their home communities.


(6) Somalia

(a)  More than 5,000 tons of relief food have been distributed to
300,000 drought-affected people in southern Somalia, in late February
and early March. Additional, 11,000 tons are being transported to assist
700,000 additional beneficiaries. It is expected that the first round of
distribution of food to one million drought-affected people will be
completed during March 2006.

(b)  Global Acute Malnutrition of 27 percent has been reported among
IDPs in Wajid. Distribution of food to IDPs is a top priority for WFP
and the next distribution in Wajid has been scheduled for next week, as
soon as the current consignment arrives.

(c)  A fire incident in Salagle, about 50 km north of Sakow in Middle
Juba region, has caused displacement and loss of property for about 600
households. The situation is being assessed for a quick distribution of
food aid to the victims.

(d)  According to the Climate Outlook Forum for the Greater Horn of
Africa, held on 1-3 March, there is a high chance that the Gu rains
(April-June 2006) will be below normal. Therefore, the emergency relief
food requirement in 2006 could increase up to 180,000 tons for the year.
The current projections are for 120,000 tons of food aid needed in 2006.

(e)  Discussions are ongoing with Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU) on
assessment of the current situation based on the likely performance of
the Gu rains. Based on the assessment report, the PRRO emergency relief
food requirement in 2006 will be adjusted. Accordingly, the increase in
requirement will be reflected in the ongoing Consolidated Appeal Process
(CAP) review and new PRRO document.

(f)  Available WFP food stocks and confirmed new funding for the year
2006 amount to 78,000 tons of food out of the total 95,000 tons
requirement until July 2006. Therefore, the unmet requirement is some
17,000 tons until the end of July (US$ 13 million). The extra shortfall
for the period after July is expected to be in the range of US$17 to
US$62 million, depending on the performance of the Gu rains (an overall
annual need of 120,000-180,000 tons).


(7) Sudan

(a)  During the reporting period (21 February- 8 March), intensified
fighting was reported in Golo, Jebel Marra leading to further tensions
and displacements of resident populations. A follow-up assessment by
UNDSS and the African Union confirmed Golo town to be virtually
deserted. Elsewhere in west Darfur, the security situation was generally
calm during the reporting period with two ambushes reported on the
southwest and east corridors from El Geneina. The second incident, which
occurred near Habila Kanari between Mornei and El Geneina, targeted an
NGO vehicle where staff were looted of money and personal possessions.
WFP security is planning an assessment of the northern corridor in
preparation for subsequent road missions in an eventual bid to reopen
humanitarian access by land along the route.

(b)  Further incidents of banditry were reported in South Darfur, during
the reporting period, with tensions remaining high in a number of key
areas. No serious clashes were reported in Shearia although the presence
of armed rebel and government groups remains. Fighting in the vicinity
of Ed Daein led to the restriction of humanitarian movement during the
reporting period, although a subsequent African Union assessment
concluded that there was no immediate threat to relief agencies.

(c)  Increased reports of banditry in North Darfur were received during
the reporting period, particularly along the El Fasher-Kabkabiya route.
WFP raised the issue with local authorities with the hope of
establishing regularised patrols in areas of repeated incident.

(d)  Inter-clan fighting in south Darfur marked the reporting period,
which affected WFP's activities due to the restriction of movement
imposed in the areas below and eventually deferring the planned
activities. Fighting in Cuiebet and Yirol Counties, over grazing land,
left 28 people dead in Yirol County. Meanwhile, inter-clan fighting also
erupted in Rumbek North, in Akot Payam, between the Dinka of Aliab in
Akot Payam and the Dour section in Rumbek East County resulting in the
death of two and the injury of 21 persons.

(e)  In East Equatoria, Cattle rustling in Lobira between the Latuko and
the Buya tribes of Torit County left two Buya dead. Meanwhile, in the
eastern parts of Kapoeta County, the Jie pastoralist raided Toposa
cattle camps on and killed three Toposa herdsmen and looted unspecified
number of livestock.

(f)  Peaceful demonstrations took place in east Darfur, during the
reporting period, in Port Sudan to condemn the possible deployment of UN
peacekeeping forces to replace the African Union troops in Darfur. UN
staff as well as counterparts were urged to be extra vigilant and were
requested to take precautionary measures and minimize their movements
during that day.

(g)  The general security situation in Damazine in Blue Nile and the
surrounding areas was reportedly normal during the week. However, a
bulldozer hired by UNMIS hit a land mine on the road between Kurmuk and
Dindin resulting in the injury of five persons. The Damazine-Kurmuk road
was declared 'No-Go' until further notice.

(h)  A complaint was forwarded by SPLA to UNMIS that two SPLA soldiers
were shot dead by SAF soldiers on 2 March in Fama located 35 km South of
Kadaugli in South Kordofan.  An Investigation Committee was formed and
started their investigation with the assistance of the UN Police and
UNMAO within Fama area. The SPLM representatives organized a peaceful
demonstration in Kadugli against UNMIS as a reaction to the death of the
2 SPLA soldiers in Fama.

(i)  In Kauda, the security situation was reportedly tense during the
week as UN Police reported ongoing clashes between SDF and SPLA.
Additionally, tribal tensions persisted Talodi locality in Warni village
where 7 people were killed during the reporting period.

(j)  Preparations got underway in collaboration with UN and government
agencies, NGOs and civil society groups to celebrate International
Women's Day on 8 March. The theme of the celebration was "women in
decision making; meeting the challenges and making the change".

(k)  WFP and the Episcopalian Church of Sudan (ECS) received His Grace,
the Archbishop of Canterbury, in Malakal during the reporting week. The
Archbishop visited WFP's School-Feeding programme in one of the ECS
schools in Malakal town, where he participated in distributing the
breakfast meal to the pupils. The Archbishop then proceeded to a food
distribution in Obel where WFP and Cooperating Partner, Sudanese Red
Crescent provided 21,856 returnees with 821 tons of food. The Archbishop
concluded his visit by conducting mass at the ECS church, which was
attended by Government dignitaries and people from different religious
denominations (both Christians and Muslims).

(l)  WFP offices in South Sudan to participated in the International
Women's Day celebrations on 8 March. In Kapoeta, some 500 women and men
will be participated in the event with the support of the local
authorities. The Bor Sub Office is also participated in the event to
take place in Walgak. In North Bahr El Ghazal, in Aweil town, the
celebration took place for the first time, and WFP successfully elicited
the support of UNICEF, UNDP, UNMIS and IRC.

(m)  WFP Public Information staff who arrived on a three-week mission to
Sudan from the Regional Office in Cairo, ODC, concluded his mission in
Kassala state during the reporting period. The objective of the mission
was to document ongoing activities and update the WFP Arabic website.
The mission covered food-for-training, food-for-education, TB, HIV/AIDS
programme, activities in refugee and IDP camps as well as cooperating
partners. This information is expected to raise awareness of WFP
different activities in local and international media.

(n)  During the reporting period, WFP dispatched a total of 48,256 tons
of mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region realising 12
percent of the dispatch plan for March. In addition to dispatches from
within Sudan, cereals continue to be dispatched to El Geneina via Abeche
(Chad) during the period with 5,433 tons dispatched so far against the
month's allocation of 9,400 tons. As yet there have been no air
deliveries to the Darfur region in 2006. During the reporting period,
WFP's 6x6 fleet transported a total of 4,075 tons in the three Darfur
states. Meanwhile, WFP continued with its precautionary relocation of
fleet vehicles from El Geneina due to the deteriorating security
situation in West Darfur.

(o)  WFP dispatched a total of 2,327 tons of food from Uganda and Kenya
during the reporting period. Some 464 tons was delivered by road from
Koboko/Tororo into South Sudan while WFP dispatched 1,863 tons of food
from Lokichoggio including 1,051 tons by road and an additional 87 tons
by air to Yuai. Meanwhile, WFP continues to enhance its storage capacity
by erecting more new rubhalls in Malualkon, Akuem, Gokmachar and Panthou
in North Bahr El Ghazal. This was a result of the logistics mission
conducted last month to identify possible sites for rubhalls to allow
pre-positioning of food before the rainy season.

(p)  In West Darfur, WFP carried out a joint assessment with UNHCR,
during the reporting period, to verify the food security situation of an
estimated 10,000-12,000 displaced persons in Gellu, approximately 35km
north of El Geneina. The populations are noted to predominantly consist
of Chadian refugees who are surviving on food provided by host
communities from villages in the vicinity. Despite the vulnerability of
those assessed, the current level of insecurity in the area was deemed
not conducive for general food distribution to be established. The team
did, however, recommend supplementary feeding for the highly vulnerable
groups such as under fives and pregnant and lactating women.

(q)  Cooperating Partners reported a generally stable nutrition status
in West Darfur during the reporting period. TearFund reported slight
increases in admissions to feeding programmes in Beida, which were
attributed to ongoing cross-border movements between Chad and Sudan.
CONCERN is planning to distribute a one-month supplementary ration to
malnourished children in Selea and Kulbus areas to the north of the
state where access constraints due to insecurity persist and nutrition
programmes currently remain suspended.

(r)  In North Darfur, WFP, UNDSS, OCHA and UNMIS conducted an
interagency mission to Dar Es Salaam and Waadah on 28 February in
response to reports of continuing arrivals of displaced persons notably
from Shearia locality, South Darfur. A steady flow of arrivals was
observed in the accessed areas with further IDPs reported to be en
route. With the significant numbers potentially in need of assistance,
and a relatively stable security situation, WFP subsequently started a
humanitarian needs assessment with the aim of identifying those in need
of food aid.

(s)  During the reporting period, WFP, WVI and NRC conducted a rapid
post harvest needs assessment in areas in South Darfur affected by
insecurity, namely Donkey Deresa, Tokomaya, Barakatoly and Tabeldiat.
The aim of the assessment was to estimate the harvest's productivity and
production at the household level, evaluate coping strategies and
consequently determine food aid needs. Preliminary findings indicate a
reduced crop production and yield due to insecurity, lack of
agricultural inputs, a localised shortage of rainfall and late planting.
Food assistance was recommended to resume in April. Meanwhile, WFP
partner Solidarites reported large population movements from the
vicinity of Shearia where tensions have been high recently following
skirmishes between armed rebel and government forces.. The displaced are
reportedly moving to Muhajiria, Labado and Dereig camps seeking
security, food and improved livelihoods. A verification exercise for
those displaced is planned for the coming days. Results from a recent
nutrition survey in Kalma camp indicate an improvement in nutrition
status with GAM and SAM prevalence rates at 7.0 and 0.4 percent
respectively. A similar survey conducted by MSF Holland in February 2005
gave GAM and SAM rates of 9.9 and 2.6 percent.

(t) In Central Equatoria, a joint inter-agency mission including WFP,
UNHCR, UNICEF, OCHA, ADRA, Sudan AID, ACF, HAI, HELP AGE, SRCS, SRRC and
IRWW conducted a rapid needs assessment in Serimon during the reporting
period.  The aim of the assessment was to identify old from newly
arrived returnees. The assessment identified and registered 514 persons
(101 households). The team recommended immediate provision of food
assistance in addition to non-food items such as shelter materials,
blankets, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, water cans and tools.

(u)  In Upper Nile, WFP and SRRC assessed the possibility of conducting
a verification and registration exercise of targeted beneficiaries in
Chotbora, Kiechkon, Mading and Mandeng. The team recommended immediate
verification and registration of both returnees and vulnerable residents
as food scarcity seemed to be looming in the visited areas. In addition,
a joint mission comprising of UN Agencies was conducted in Tipin in Renk
County. The mission looked at the recently reported influx, by SRRC, of
1,800 returnees from Ethiopia and North Sudan, and noted acute shortage
of water in the area, which prompted the people to migrate to Zurzur
five hours walking from Tipin.

(v)  In Northern Bahr El Ghazal, WFP participated in an interagency
assessment of reported returnees from South Darfur into Aweil North in
Kiir Adem along the Kiir riverbank, some 60 km northwest of Gokmachar.
The mission estimates that affected returnees range between 500 to 700
households, although registration has not yet taken place, and are
reportedly on transit.  There are concerns that setting up a
distribution point at the location will most likely contribute to a
camp-like situation in an area that is a market without basic facilities
including safe drinking water and healthcare. Meanwhile, another
assessment was undertaken by SRRC in Aweil town to determine the number
of returnees and vulnerable local residents was finally concluded
recording 6,209 individuals.

(w)  In Upper Nile, WFP and UNHCR will conduct a verification of the
reported arrivals of returnees from northern Sudan and Ethiopia as was
reported by the government authorities.  It will verify the arrival of
18,493 returnees from Northern Sudan and Ethiopia into Chotbora 6,345,
Kiechkon 2,000, Mading 5,100, and Mandeng 5,048.

(x)  WFP together with the Ministry of Education undertook a joint
mission to Kassala during the reporting period. The mission discussed
with local authorities the implementation of ongoing activities,
coordination with the state authorities, partnership and means of
improving Food-for-Education activities through a Memorandum of
Understanding, which will be signed between WFP and the Governor of
Kassala at the end of March.

(y)  According to local authorities in Blue Nile, there are about 57,000
IDPs in Damazine, Bau, Geissan, and Rosaries localities who are willing
to return to their areas of origin.  The state government has allocated
funds for transporting these returnees and is currently organizing
transportation of 4,000 of them to Geissan shortly. Some 1,050 persons
have already returned. WFP will conduct an extensive registration and
verification exercise throughout Blue Nile state in March and will
provide food assistance through regular food distributions to IDPs and
returnees in Geissan area.

(z)  According to IOM's enumerators, a total of four buses arrived in
Abyei from Khartoum carrying 208 returnees who were all registered
during the reporting period. WFP continued to support returnees on
transit in Abyei en route to other destinations. Some 0.5 ton of High
Energy Biscuits was provided to 98 returnees during the reporting
period. WFP has commenced the preparation for the registration and
verification exercise scheduled in the period 8-16 March 2006. WFP
discussed with community committees means of facilitating the exercise.
During the reporting week, WFP distributed a total of 236 tons of
assorted food commodities covering March requirements of 12,911
returnees (50 percent female) in Abyei town and Mijak village.. WFP's
Cooperating Partner, Save the Children-US has commenced dispatching of
March food requirements to the eight returnee villages and food
distribution will take place next week. Additionally, WFP is
coordinating with FAO and its Cooperating Partner, National Development
Organisation, to provide non-food items to the villages targeted with
general food distribution.

(aa)  According to IOM, 35 returnees were registered in Abu Gebeiha, 117
in Kadugli, 48 in Ildo and 10 in Kumbur payams in the first two weeks of
February. In addition, SRRC/HAC indicated that in the period November
2005 and January 2006, a total 51,419 returnees in 16 payams in Rashad,
Kadugli, Dilling and Lagawa counties with the highest number arriving in
January.. WFP plans to undertake a verification exercise shortly to
confirm these figures.

(ab)  WFP signed four Field Level Agreements for the implementation of
food-for-asset and food-for-training projects in South Kordofan during
the reporting period. Activities under these projects include
construction of training facilities in Dilling targeting 1,137
beneficiaries, construction of dorms for a training college in Julud and
Dilling targeting 498 beneficiaries, training for community health
workers in Lado targeting 30 beneficiaries and construction of health
care facilities in Lado targeting 888 beneficiaries.

(ac)  WFP staff from the Regional Office in Khartoum facilitated a
workshop for Cooperating Partners in Kosti, White Nile during the
reporting period. The objectives of the workshop included capacity
building of partners by conducting training and to strengthen
coordination between WFP and its counterparts in the state. Participants
totalled 45 including staff from NGOs and government who were briefed on
WFP policies, programs, proposals and procedures, nutrition aspects,
gender sensitization, logistics, commodity storage and budget-related
issues.

(ad)  A five-person team from the Post- harvest Crop Assessment Mission
comprising of WFP, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture visited White
Nile on 28 February. The mission, undertaken in some of the main
agricultural producing regions in Sudan aims at checking the degree of
harvesting of the seasonal crop production.  The mission discussed with
the state Ministry of Agriculture the comprehensive report on
pre-harvest of crops and the productivity in the rain-fed, mechanized
and traditional agricultural sectors, production cost of the main crops
as well as current constraints. Additionally, the mission conducted
field trips to Goli and Shekan. The final report of the mission will be
produced in the next fortnight.

(ae)  Current stocks are expected to cover distribution requirements for
Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10503.0, valued at US$746 million, until
April 2006 when breaks in the pipeline are anticipated. The Emergency
Operation has so far received confirmed contributions totalling US$114
million, 15 percent of the requirement. Reductions in rations of pulses,
sugar and salt have already started for up to 3.5 million people in
March to mitigate the expected impact of the breaks. WFP's ability to
provide food for up to 6.1 million people in Sudan in 2006 will be
severely affected without timely contributions early in the year.

(af)  At the end of 2005, the Special Operation 10181.3 (WFP-HAS) faced
a funding shortfall of US$6 million. A further US$27 million is required
in 2006. With monthly operating costs of over US$2 million, donor
support is vital to allow WFP-HAS to continue to provide services to the
humanitarian community in Darfur and throughout Sudan.

(ag)  Under the Special Operation 10368.0, Phase III of WFP's emergency
road repairs and mine clearance project in South Sudan faces a funding
shortfall of US$79.7 million. In the absence of funding, the project is
now missing the beginning of the dry season for works under Phase III
contracts.

(ah)  WFP is also requesting for US$13 million to augment barge capacity
in Sudan under the Special Operation 10412.0. Contributions will be used
to purchase two passenger barges as well as two pushers and eight cargo
barges.


(8) Tanzania

(a)  The WFP refugee operation (PRRO) is currently providing refugees
with full rations of 2,100 Kcal per day. However, ration reductions will
be implemented starting from 13 March in order to extend resources in
anticipation of shortfall anticipated in June. As a result, refugees
will be provided with a reduced ration of 287g maize grain (or 266g
maize meal) and 80g pulses, 40g corn-soya blend (CSB), 20g oil and 10g
salt. The reduced ration will provide refugees with a daily intake of
1,555, which is 74 percent of the approved ration level. It is expected
that WFP Tanzania will continue distributing reduced rations until June.

(b)  WFP continues to be concerned about the health condition in
Kibondo's three way stations. The facilities are intended to cater for
less than a hundred persons and only for a couple of days. Since the
beginning of the year, nine persons have died in the way stations of
various illnesses and malnutrition. The majority of the new arrivals are
waiting to appear before the Ad Hoc Committee, the Government body
determining whether they qualify for refugee status in Tanzania.

(c)  General distribution covers 359,219 registered refugees. During the
past week, WFP distributed 1,675 tons of food through general
distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in
western Tanzania. Around 11,200 food insecure and otherwise vulnerable
Tanzanians in the host communities surrounding the camps were also
supported with WFP host community activities, including access to
camp-based health care facilities, school feeding, home based care and
food-for-training.

(d)  No new contributions were received during the reporting period. A
shortfall of 27,500 tons (US$ 16.4 million) exists up to the end of
December 2006.


(9) Uganda

(a)  The High Court dismissed rape charges against Dr. Kiiza Besigye on
7 March. He still faces trial in the High Court on treason and
conspiracy to commit treason charges. The President said Government will
not proceed with his trial before the military court martial on
terrorism and illegal possession of fire arms charges. Dr. Besigye, who
lost the February 23 election to President Museveni has filed a petition
in the High Court seeking annulment of the election results and a re-run
of the Presidential poll.

(b)  A mission of the UN Interagency Internal Displacement Division (UN
IDD) is in Uganda to prepare for a forthcoming Government of
Uganda/Donor/UN meeting to discuss a way forward to resolve the conflict
in northern Uganda. The meeting will take place in Geneva on 20 March,
convened by the UN Emergency Response Coordinator and Department of
Political Affairs. A second meeting on 30/31 March is planned in Kampala
to discuss the action points discussed and agreed in Geneva.

(c)  A donor mission organized by OCHA Geneva will visit Uganda the week
of 13 March to review the donor response to the northern Uganda
humanitarian Emergency. The Director, UN IDD, will lead the mission.

(d)  The UN Consolidated Appeal is being revised to incorporate the
cluster approach to addressing gaps in the humanitarian response. Four
priority clusters have been identified to address serious gaps in the
current response: Protection, Early Recovery, Water and Sanitation, and
Health.

(e)  The Country Office is preparing a Budget Revision for PRRO 10121.1
to accommodate the increased food needs for relief and recovery of IDPs,
Refugees and vulnerable groups in Uganda as ration reductions and return
home of IDPs has not progressed as rapidly as planned. The Budget
Revision will be submitted to the November Executive Board session.

(f)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced
persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past
week, WFP distributed 1,502 tons of relief food assistance to 137,142
persons including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and
Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other
vulnerable persons. Distributions were halted during the election
period.

(g)  Access to land around the IDP camps generally increased over the
last 18 months due to a gradual reduction in violent Lords Resistance
Army (LRA) attacks. IDPs should be able to provide 40 percent of their
daily food needs starting January 2006, but will still require 60
percent from external sources until at least the July 2006 harvest.
Without this assistance, malnutrition rates would significantly rise and
the death rates of young children would increase rapidly.

(h)  WFP pipeline shortfall through December 2006 currently stands at
73,000 tons with pipeline breaks anticipated in June 2006.



(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Guinea (4) Liberia (5)
Niger (6) Sierra Leone

(1) Chad

(a)  During the reporting period (23 February-9 March), the overall
situation in eastern Chad was fairly calm, with no major incidents
reported. However, the situation in the areas of Guereda and Iriba
remains extremely volatile due to the carjack and car theft incidents
and the repeated attacks on villages in the Chad / Sudan border region.

(b)  Humanitarian workers are regularly sensitised on the usual security
measures. In February, distributions in the Iriba region in Am Naback
camp were suspended for about one week due to insecurity. The insecurity
might continue in March. Currently, Care and IMC have temporarily
suspended their activities in the camp.

(c)  The WFP/UNHCR targeted caseload is estimated at 207,400 refugees
registered in twelve camps in the month of March. This figure may change
because of regularisations in some camps, currently underway in
Kounoungou and completed in Touloum. The general food distributions for
the month of February were completed in all the camps. Am Nabak camp,
distribution has been temporarily suspended due to insecurity. In
February, WFP supplied a total of 203,000 beneficiaries with 3,100 tons.
March distributions are underway and completed in three of the twelve
refugee camps.

(d)  WFP met with Cooperating Partners on 7 March to discuss the new
registrations in Gaga camp. Recommendations from the meeting;
establishing a committee composed of different partners responsible for
interviewing the new arrivals and increase the size of the camp.

(e)  Preparations are underway to begin the relocation of refugees
settled in the Am Nabak camp due prevailing insecurity in the area. The
goal is to relocate the 15,000 refugees before the rainy season. The
exact destination of the refugees to be transferred is still undecided.

(f)  Food Basket Monitoring and Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM)
activities have resumed in the camps after a period of inactivity due to
UNHCR financial constraints. Partners are planning their first
interviews with refugee populations that will contribute to the first
quarterly PDM report 2006.

(g)  WFP continued to prepare new Food-for-Work (FFW) activities
Cooperating Partners. In Iriba, FFW activities continued.

(h)  The new M&E system (RBM toolkit) continued to integrate itself into
the project. School directors are having difficulties with monthly
reports, this has prompted WFP to provide additional training to food
management committees.

(i)  WFP Abeche intends the second delivery in mid-March to WFP-assisted
schools in the region. 47,760 students will be provided hot meals, and
7,650 girls take-home family rations.

(j)  Eight Wiikhalls were received from Douala; seven of them were
dispatched to the east, and one to the south. Another 4 Wiikhalls are
scheduled to arrive 10 March 2006. In addition, Wiikhalls are being
taken down in Goz Amir and Djabal to make room for the construction of
new platforms.

(k)  The shipping vessel American Trader arrived in Douala on 2 March ,
and will dispatch 2,310 tons of sorghum, 500 tons to N'Djamena.

(l)  During the period, WFP Humanitarian Air Service (UN-HAS)
transported 313 passengers on the N'Djamena-Abeche routing (UN 21W) and
259 passengers on the Abeche eastern strips routing (UN 23W). A total of
1,709 kg of light cargo and relief supplies were also transported. In
January, UN-HAS transported 1,308 passengers and transported 6,222 kg of
cargo.

(m)  The WFP Humanitarian Air Service (SO 10338.1) continues to face
severe under-funding, with onlyUS$ 1,044,634 so far confirmed against a
total US $7.2 million requirement. While WFP hasborrowed about US$ 1.9
million from its own emergency account (IRA) to run the operation
untilMarch 2006, the absence of new confirmed contributions will force
WFP to suspend the air service beyond that date.

(n)  WFP needs sufficient food pre-positioned at the Extended Delivery
Points by May-June latest. To achieve this, it's urgent that
contributions are confirmed very soon given the long lead time of food
delivery to Chad. This would avert interruptions in the food
distributions.


(2) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (2-8 February), the security situation
was calm in most parts of the country, except in the West, the zone of
confidence (ZOC) and Korhogo region. Guiglo, in the western country is
still in Phase of security 4. Many incidents have been reported along
the main road Korhogo - Boundiali - Odienne.

(b)  On the 6th of March, Prime Minister Charles Konan Banny declared
the Independent Electoral Commission operational and asked the members
to produce an electoral roll for presidential and parliamentary
elections, which are scheduled for October 2006. The UN High
Representative for elections in Cote d'Ivoire, Mr. Monteiro, had
congratulated the board members and "urged them - and the country - to
build on political gains already made towards the holding of the
elections". The Commission had been due to start work on the 17th of
February 2006 but was delayed because of a dispute over its composition
and specifically because of disagreements over the validity of last
October's elections of the central bureau. As a solution the creation of
the post of a fourth vice-president has been accepted by the four key
Ivorian political players during their meeting in Yamoussoukro on the
28th of February 2006.

(c)  According to UNICEF, a total of 33 people have died since January
in a meningitis outbreak in the Forces Nouvelles-held north. The 94
cases identified and the 33 deaths were registered in the towns of
Bouna, Seguela, Mankono, Boundiali and Korhogo. To stem the meningitis
outbreak, a vaccination campaign was planned and began last weekend in
Bouake, targeting the tens of thousands of students gathered there to
undertake long-due examinations.

(d)  School examinations for BAC and BEPC have been held from the 27th
of February to 4th of March in the Forces Nouvelles zones. Problems
encountered included; candidates were informed late of the examinations,
listings didn't correspond to examinations' notifications, some teachers
had difficulties reaching their assignments. According to UNICEF, 15,353
candidates attended BEPC out of 22,049 enrolled and 4,951 candidates
attended BAC out of 8,122 expected.

(e)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 46 tons food
to 2,790 beneficiaries.

(f)  Food distributions to refugees in Tabou are scheduled for the next
reporting period. WFP Bouake and Korhogo sub-offices food distribution
has been delayed.

(g)  Further to the preliminary results of the food security monitoring
surveys conducted by the food security unit in Bouake, the harvest in
October 2005 were poor, due to low rainfall during the germination and
maturation periods. The households interviewed reported that their food
situation will be fairly good until the lean season as they have 3 to
4-month food stocks available. However the numerous roadblocks on
primary and secondary roads represent a worsening factor for food
commodities' prices that are fluctuating, creating an artificial
shortage with the escalation of basic products' prices as a consequence.
Most of farmers prefer to sale their products to a limited numbers of
wholesale dealers who create an apparent monopoly on the markets.

(h)  As of the 8th of March, the regional Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO) Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali has received a
total of 35.1 million US dollars against the operational needs of 50.1
million US dollars, 30 percent shortfall or 14.9 million US dollars
against operational requirements.


(3) Guinea

(a)  During the reporting period (20 February- 5 March), a general
strike was called by the national worker syndicates for the week of 27
February, and was respected by the vast majority of workers in Conakry
and in the interior. Movement of UN staff and missions was restricted.
At least two persons were killed. On 21 February, violent demonstrations
against nomination of the new mayor were reported in Gueckedou. Two
persons were killed and 17 arrested, the army intervention restored
calm.

(b)  Criminality is recrudescing in the Forest region. Frequent cases of
attacks on private houses and businesses continued to be reported in
Kissidougou and N'Zerekore. On 22 February thieves looted a pharmacy in
N'Zerekore. A man was killed in N'Zerekore. In Kissidougou, a dispute
following a traffic accident degenerated and one of the persons involved
was killed by the crowd.

(c)  Between 13 and 19 February, 30 cases of cholera were reported
around Gueckedou town, 6 of whom have died so far.

(d)  A total of 1,389 Liberian refugees were voluntary repatriated
during the reporting period. As usual, WFP provided food for the
preparation of hot meals for refugees participating in the convoys.

(e)  Guinean refugee camps host currently over 50,717 individuals who
are being assisted by WFP. The present count includes 3,003 refugees
from Cote d'Ivoire and the rest from Liberia.

(f)  During the reporting period, a total of 335 tons of food was
distributed to 26,210 beneficiaries during February General Food
Distribution in Kouankan 2, Laine, Madina and Telikoro camps. On 28
February, the monthly meeting with the general food distribution
partners was held in N'Zerekore.

(g)  Under the Emergency School Feeding, WFP met with the Union of
transporters of N'Zerekore to discuss problems with food dispatch in
Lola prefecture. The active participation of the regional education
inspector in the meeting was key in finding an agreement between WFP and
Union of transporters of N'Zerekore. Food distribution movements were
considerably affected by the strike.

(h)  On 23 - 26 February, WFP conducted a mission to Gueckedou. The
mission was to meet with the local transporter syndicate and support to
start food dispatching to 108 schools participating in the Emergency
School Feeding programme in that prefecture.

(i)  In N'Zerekore, on 21 February, the Guinean component of the fight
against HIV/AIDS project in the Mano River Union and Cote d'Ivoire was
launched by UNFPA and the Guinean Ministry of Health.

(j)  On 1 March, the head of the WFP's N'zerekore sub-office met with
the director of the Mano River HIV/AIDS project to discuss the
possibilities of creating a committee that would bring partners in this
sector together with the purpose of doing a common selection of
beneficiaries.

(k)  Under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO), 310 tons
of food was provided to 28,270 beneficiaries.


(4) Liberia

(a)  During the reporting period (27 February-5 March), the general
security situation in Liberia was calm. Nonetheless, there were few
protests and unlawful gatherings which UNMIL and local authorities
managed to control.  Also criminal activities continued to pose a threat
to staff safety. Armed robberies were reported in Congo Town and Sinkor
(areas declared safe for UN staff to live in Monrovia). Cases of murder,
rape and drug related offenses continue to be reported. At the Springs
Payne Airfield, a Liberian was caught tampering with one of the UN
helicopters. The suspect was arrested and handed over to the national
police.

(b)  Some ex-combatants confiscated a vehicle of a local NGO claiming
that they did not receive rehabilitation and reintegration payments.
UNMIL troops recovered the vehicle and towed it to an UNMIL Camp. In
Voinjama, on the 4th of March, tension was reported to be high as
ex-combatants expressed their dissatisfaction with the training
programme.

(c)  During the reporting period, WFP distributed 501 tons of food to
72,360 beneficiaries under various feeding programmes.

(d)  WFP provided 17 tons of food rations to 1,030 refugees located in
Saclepea refugee camp.  In March 2006, WFP plans to feed some 3,268
refugees and 10,858 IDPs, with a total of 158 tons of food commodities.

(e)  Repatriation of Liberian refugees from different countries
continued during the reporting period.  A total of 1,314 facilitated and
246 spontaneous returnees from Guinea, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone
disembarked in Cape Mount, Lofa, Maryland, and Montserrado Counties.
WFP distributed a total of 52 tons of assorted relief food commodities
as 1st tranche to facilitate their resettlement.

(f)  In addition, distribution of the second tranche to Returnees and
IDPs continued in various counties.  During the reporting period, some
7,245 beneficiaries received 157 tons of food. However, some
beneficiaries expressed concerns about the long distances they have to
travel to collect their second tranche entitlement. They appealed to WFP
and other partners to bring the relief assistance nearer to them.

(g)  Preparations are underway to commence the de-registration exercise
of IDPs in Buchanan camp. Sensitization of the IDPs through the local FM
stations has started and the exercise is planned to start on March 13.
The resettlement exercise for IDPs in Liberia is planned to be completed
by end of April 2006.

(h)  As of the 3rd of March, a total of 57,003 Liberian returnees have
been repatriated by UNHCR and 309,799 people de-registered from IDP
camps in Liberia, since the beginning of the resettlement exercise in
October 2004. Out of this group, some 33,358 Returnees (71 percent) and
236,254 IDP beneficiaries (86 percent) have received their four months
resettlement food package.

(i)  Under the Emergency School Feeding (ESF), a total of 206 tons was
delivered to schools during the reporting period. However, some schools
could not be reached in February due to bad road conditions, especially
in Bong County.  In March 2006, WFP plans to feed an estimated 600,000
beneficiaries with a total of 2900 tons of assorted food commodities.

(j)  Under the Food Support for Local Initiatives (FSLI), WFP
distributed 43 tons to 4,797 beneficiaries involved in infrastructure
rehabilitation and training programs in Bong, Grand Bassa and River Cess
Counties.  WFP continues to assess more community projects that can be
supported under the FSLI program, especially in the areas where
returnees are being resettled. WFP expects to distribute up to 875 tons
of food to some 49,990 beneficiaries in March.

(k)  The nutrition surveillance training is on-going.  The training
started in mid- February and will be carried out in 5 out of the 15
counties in Liberia. It is being organized by Ministry of Health in
collaboration with WFP, UNICEF and Africare.

(l)  WFP distributed a total of 26 tons of various assorted food
commodities to several institutions under the various Nutrition
Intervention Programmes.

(m)  WFP Liberia received a confirmed contribution of USD 5.2 Million.
A total of 6,800 tons of food has been programmed from this contribution
includes 3400 tons of Bulgur, 2100 tons of Pulses, 1100 tons of Veg. Oil
and 200 tons of CSB.  The food commodities are expected to arrive in the
Country in August 2006. This contribution will help to avert food
shortfalls that were expected in August and September. Additional
pledges and resources are still needed to avert total food shortfalls of
1,422 tons valued at USD 0.5 Million for the next six months, March to
August 2006..

(n)  During the reporting period, a total of 1,011 tons of assorted food
commodities was dispatched from Monrovia central delivery point to
various sub offices in the country to complete food deliveries for the
month of February. There are still delays in transferring containers
from the National Port Authority (NPA) container yard to WFP yard for
destuffing..

(o)  Preparations for the comprehensive food security and nutrition
survey are on course.  Testing of the survey questionnaires was
finalized during the week. Training of the 80 remunerators started on
the 6th of March in Monrovia for one week. Data collection will commence
on the 15th of March 15 for a period of 4 to 5 weeks. The survey will be
carried out through the country.

(p)  WFP together with UNICEF, UNHCR, and UNMIL met on the 2nd of March
to discuss plans for the forthcoming security threat assessment and
other issues concerning safety and security of UN staff. Other issues
discussed included ways of enhancing security support for humanitarian
operations, procedures for Movement of Personnel (MOPs) and security
clearances.

(q)  WFP was involved in preparations for the International Women's day,
in collaboration with the ministry of Gender and other UN Agencies.


(5) Niger

(a)  Due to the religious conflicts in neighboring Nigeria, many
Nigeriens who had sought work in Nigeria are returning to Niger. At the
border crossing at Dan Barto (near Zinder), 300 Nigeriens declared
themselves as returning to Niger from Nigeria due to security reasons
between 26-27 February. However, it is expected that many more traveled
directly to their villages through the porous border. In Maradi, it is
reported that between 1,292 and 1,618 Nigeriens had returned from
Nigeria due to the conflicts as of the 27th of February.

(b)  On the 28th of February it was announced the Niger was the second
Africa nation, after Nigeria, with confirmed cases of the deadly H5N1
Avian Influenza strain. Authorities were due to begin slaughtering
poultry on the 6th of March. This outbreak will further weaken income
sources for many subsistence farmers; according to the IFRC, up to 80
percent of Niger's population engage in poultry farming.

(c)  It is feared that Nigeriens returning to Niger after fleeing the
religious conflicts in Nigeria could also bring new cases of Avian
Influenza across the border. These returning Nigeriens will also put an
increased demand on the dwindling food stocks of their relatives.

(d)  As of the 3rd of March, the Nigerien Ministry of Health has
reported a total of 614 cases of meningitis with 44 deaths from the 1st
of January to 26 February 2006. In 2005, there were 641 cases of
meningitis with 52 deaths over the entire year. The most affected
districts are Guidan Roumdji and Madarounfa both in Maradi region.

(e)  Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10398.0 will end in March 2006 and
activities will continue under Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) 10509.0. The PRRO will begin in April 2006 and will target
malnourished children and their families with nutritional activities as
well as food insecure households with Food-for-Work (FFW) and
Food-for-Training (FFT) activities. Villages in remote areas not
adequately served by markets will benefit from cereal bank activities.
Finally, the operation includes a contingency stock to be used for
targeted general distributions to the most vulnerable populations.

(f)  The 2006 plan of action of the National Food Security Mechanism has
been finalized and incorporates all planned activities through WFP's
PRRO, including nutritional activities.

(g)  Current EMOP activities are focusing on nutrition and rural
development activities.  350,000 beneficiaries are currently being
reached through these activities with 1,900 tons of food per month.

(h)  Ongoing nutrition-related activities include supplementary feeding
for pregnant and lactating women and for malnourished children under 5,
a protection ration for malnourished children undergoing outpatient
treatment (preventing division of child's treatment ration among entire
family) and a small family ration as an additional support to families
in need.

(i)  In addition to these selective feeding activities, rural
development activities include support to cereal banks and Food-for-Work
(FFW) activities. FFW activities focused on land recuperation are
ongoing, support to cereal banks have not yet begun due to lack of
sufficient cereal stocks to supply the banks. Cereal banks are
financially independent storage centres which sell cereals to the
respective village population at prices below the market rate or on
credit to be reimbursed after the harvest.  A 2005 WFP evaluation showed
that the vast majority of cereal banks that WFP had helped set up in
2001 were still operational four years later.

(j)  A monitoring evaluation system has been established with weekly
monitoring plans submitted by WFP and a checklist of use at the sites.

(k)  Project monitoring of FFW land recuperation activities in Tera
Department (Tillaberi region) demonstrated a high participation by women
with 120 women out of 150 participants at the Bere site and 100 women
out of 150 participants at the Tegueye site. These FFW beneficiaries
receive a family ration for five people for their work.

(l)  WFP, FEWS-Net and the Government institution for market monitoring
(SIMA) have signed an agreement for market monitoring activities in
vulnerable areas. Through this system prices in 35 agricultural markets
will be monitoring and weekly reports prepared.

(m)  PRRO 10509.0- Strengthening the Means of Subsistence of Vulnerable
Populations and Targeted Assistance for Malnourished Children- will
begin in April 2006, and last for 18 months, through September 2007.
With a total budget of 37.3 million US dollars, the operation will reach
2.9 million beneficiaries, over 70 percent of which are malnourished
children and their families, with 46,950 tons of food.

(n)  A contribution of 5.6 million US dollars has already been received,
representing 15 percent of the PRRO requirements. The current shortfall
is 31.7 million US dollars, 85 percent of the PRRO requirements.

(o)  Given the urgent nutritional requirements and the need to address
food insecurity before the onset of the lean season, most PRRO
distributions are planned for the first four months of the PRRO
(April-July 2006). Considering the prevailing situation in Niger and the
procurement / transport difficulties encountered in 2005, contributions
are needed for immediate food purchases in order to enable food to be
in-country for distributions planned in April 2006.

(p)  Lack of resources for both WFP and the National Food Security
Mechanism remain a serious risk to a timely response to a potential
crisis in 2006- and a repeated of the delayed response to the 2005
crisis is possible if the situation is not addressed.

(q)  As of the 5th of March, WFP stocks for EMOP 10398.0 is 3,381.2 tons
of food.


(6) Sierra Leone

(a)  The security situation in the country generally remained calm in
February. The international boundary dispute between Guinea and Sierra
Leone, over Yenga town in Kailahun District, is yet to be resolved.
Local tabloids have reported that residents in the town are subjected to
curfew and are denied access to their farms. The occupying Guinean force
has also moved heavy weaponry to the disputed town.

(b)  The WFP Sierra Leone, as part of the implementation of a corporate
level initiative, organized a three-day retreat, which was held from the
1st to 3rd of February 2006. The main thrust of the retreat was to
review achievements, challenges and lessons learnt from the 2005 work
plan of the Country Office, based on which the 2006 work plan was
drafted.

(c)  WFP Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) programme
conducted A training for Ministry of Health officers in charge of the
MCH centres that receive WFP support in Pujehun District. Implementation
issues and problem-solving strategies with regards to the MCHN were
discussed.

(d)  Distribution of food registers and food stock books for 150
Peripheral Health Units (PHUs) supported by WFP under the MCHN Activity
2 in all operational districts, commenced during the reporting period.
The former will be used to track the impact of food utilisation through
growth monitoring and the latter, to document the food distribution
vis-a-vis beneficiary caseload in the centres.

(e)  The newly introduced take-home ration for girls has commenced in
Kambia and Kailahun Districts. This monthly ration is distributed in the
form of Corn Soya Blend (CSB) to pupils who attend school for over 80
percent of the month. The take-home ration incentive encourages parents
to send their daughters to school regularly. This is in addition to the
daily hot meal provided in primary schools.

(f)  Under the Emergency School Feeding (ESF), in Kono District, 45,029
children (in 183 schools received a total of 195 tons of food. In
Pujehun District, 21,278 pupils in 63 schools received a total of 66
tons of food.

(g)  Under the Food-for-Training (FFT), 310 female trainees in Freetown
received a total of two tons of food. In Kailahun District, 138 trainees
in skills training institutions received one ton of food. In Kenema, 84
beneficiaries received half a ton of food, while 329 beneficiaries in
Magburaka received two tons of food.

(h)  During the reporting period, WFP Sierra Leone distributed 1,521
tons of assorted food commodities to 281,546 beneficiaries.

(i)  WFP Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) will short of
475 tons bulgur wheat, Support for Basic Education; 261 tons of cereal
and 138 tons of Vegetable oil, Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition;
277 tons of Pea Wheat Blend, 16 tons of cereal and 45 tons of sugar,
Food for Recovery and Development; 33 tons of cereal.



(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
(5) Swaziland (6) Zambia (7) Zimbabwe

(1) Angola

(a)  During February 2006, approximately 3,000 tons of food was
distributed to 442,000 people, mainly located in the central and
south-eastern parts of the country.  The majority of beneficiaries (40
percent) were primary school children, who received food under the
School-Feeding programme; 34 percent were targeted through General Food
Distributions, mainly internal and external returnees, refugees and
vulnerable residents; 19 percent were engaged in Food-for-Work and
Food-for-Assets activities; while another 16 percent received food under
nutritional and social projects.  At the end of February, only 10,000
tons of food was available in WFP's warehouses country-wide.  Unless
urgent contributions are received soon, WFP will be unable to continue
to distribute full rations.

(b)  WFP's new operation, PRRO 10433.0, will begin on 1 April 2006 and
continue through 31 March 2009.  To date, the project, valued at USD88
million, has received USD2 million in contributions. Additional
contributions are urgently required to ensure the project begins well,
allowing WFP to meet its obligations in support of the continuing return
and resettlement programme as well as to expand School-Feeding, and
health and nutrition programmes.

(c)  Rehabilitation has been completed on the bridge over the Uiue River
in Bie Province, one of the provinces most affected during the civil
war..  In addition to improving access to the municipalities of
Batabola, Camacupa and Cuemba, where WFP has 19,500 beneficiaries, the
bridge will also allow for improved access to the province of Moxico and
to Umpulo District, a region isolated from the rest of the country since
1978.  Since the beginning of 2005, WFP and its partners have
constructed/rehabilitated eight metallic bridges in Moxico Province.
This year, a further 32 bridges will be built in the provinces of Moxico
and Bie.

(d)  In February a joint mission from WFP and the Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) assessed the impact of the
lack of adequate rainfall in parts of Huambo Province. Mission findings
indicate three municipalities (Longonjo, Ukuma and Tchinjenje) in the
western part of the province were most affected. It is estimated that
230,000 people, mostly smallholder farmers, live in these
municipalities. Preliminary results note that approximately 95 percent
of the bean crop and 75 percent of the maize crop were destroyed.  WFP
and MINADER will carry out a pre-harvest assessment in mid-April to
confirm production shortfalls and identify the affected population's
needs.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  March distributions in Qacha's Nek have been disrupted due to
flooding rivers. Water from the overflowing Mohale Dam has flooded the
Senqu River and subsequently increased the volume and swell in the
river. While the government's river ferries have been suspended due to
safety concerns, other private boats are in use; however tariffs have
rose by up to five times the normal price.

(b)  During the third dekad of February 2006, above-normal dekadal
rainfall was registered country-wide, with the exception of one
location. The rainfall received is considered to be sufficient to
sustain existing crops, however in isolated areas, heavy rainfall has
submerged crops. Agricultural activities during this dekad are centred
on weeding of maize fields and preparing the ground for sowing of winter
wheat, especially in the lowlands.


(3) Malawi

(a)  According to recent reports, floods in Malawi's southern lakeshore
district of Mangochi have left over 6,000 people homeless, forcing local
authorities to close schools and use them as shelter for the displaced.
The floods, caused by persistent heavy rains in the past three days,
have submerged villages, swept away maize fields, and destroyed roads
and several bridges, according to the district's Director of Planning
and Development. The affected people are reportedly lacking food,
shelter and medicine. WFP and local authorities will be assessing the
situation.

(b)  While the crop outlook released by the Ministry of Agriculture and
Food Security indicate a favourable maize harvest, isolated areas in the
central, southern report that dry spells have adversely affected maize,
millet and sorghum crops, which have reached a permanent wilting
condition.

(c)  Due to the scarcity of maize in ADMARC depots and local markets,
prices continue to rise.  Other food is available such as rice, beans,
potatoes and groundnuts, but these prices are also rising.  Poorer
households who cannot afford market prices are consuming pumpkins and
green maize.


(4) Mozambique

(a)  Access and transport problems, due in part to heavy rainfall,
disrupted February deliveries and distributions in most provinces with
the notable exception of Maputo, where distributions reached just under
100 percent of planned figures.

(b)  River levels in the south and centre of the country have risen to
levels of alarm, prompting the National Water Board (DNA) to issue a
flood alerts. Of particular concern to authorities are the Incomati and
Limpopo Rivers in the south, and the Buzi and Pungue Rivers in the
centre.

(c)  The last results of the National Vulnerability Assessment Committee
(VAC) assessment have been released. The evaluation, conducted using
secondary as well as primary data, found that recommended interventions
in the areas of water, food aid and seed programmes had been implemented
and the situation in relation to these areas had improved.  However, the
provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula, in which the level of rainfall
continued has been below average, and parts of Gaza, Manica, Zambezia
and Tete, remain of concern. Among other recommendations, the VAC
suggested a 10 to 30 percent reduction in food aid from October's 2005
recommended levels of 800,000 people.


(5) Swaziland

(a)  Field reports indicate that Lowveld maize crops planted in January,
currently at the vegetative stage, are under threat if the rains cease
before the end of the month. However, tasseling maize crops in areas
which were badly affected by recent high temperatures are unlikely to
recover.. Late-planted crops, currently in good condition, may be at
risk of damage from too much moisture if the amount of rain
significantly increases.

(b)  In a recent report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
Swaziland has faced a weakening economic situation for the past decade.
Real GDP growth slowed to 2.1 percent in 2004 and was an estimated 1.8
percent in 2005. The current situation has been attributed to the
appreciation of the exchange rate during 2002-2004, the removal of
textile quotas in industrialized countries in January 2005, and the
prolonged drought. The report also noted that poverty is widespread,
food shortages are common in parts of the country, and the
socio-economic toll of HIV/AIDS continues.


(6) Zambia

(a)  Full rations have resumed in all five refugee camps in light of
contributions from DFID, USAID and Belgium, and WFP's ability to borrow
food until commodities are purchased and arrive. However, further
contributions are needed to ensure refugees do not face further ration
cuts later in the year. WFP's shortfall for the refugee operation for
2006 now stands at USD4.4 million.

(b)  Rainfall in the Southern Province has been above average this
season and there is abundant food and water for livestock in most
districts. However, the abundant rainfall has also resulted in flooding
and damage to crops in some localized areas.

(c)  Many districts throughout the country remain food insecure. However
the situation is not reported to be life threatening. People are eating
green foods and undertaking casual agricultural work, others are selling
mushrooms and wild vegetables, and some are selling small livestock
assets. While field crops such as pumpkins will be ready by mid March,
the amount of green foods from the fields and bush is increasing.

(d)  In March, WFP plans to provide 15,000 tons of food to over 1
million people.  The National Vulnerability Assessment Committee is
currently working on recommendations for appropriate phase-out of relief
activities. Checklists are being distributed to WFP sub-offices,
District Agricultural Officers and implementing partners to collect
up-to-date information on the ground. This information will be
complemented by meteorological reports on rainfall distribution and a
desk review of relevant secondary data.


(7) Zimbabwe

(a)  During February, WFP provided 37,000 tons of food to over 3.3
million beneficiaries in 37 districts throughout the country, under
Vulnerable Group Feeding programme.  Despite transportation delays, fuel
shortages, and pipeline constraints during the month, the distribution
represented 93 percent of planned distribution figures. School Feeding,
support for orphans, and people with AIDS also continued to targeted an
estimated 608,000 people.

(b)  According to WFP's Vulnerability and Mapping Unit (VAM), in
February, 49 percent of community respondents indicated that "food aid"
was their primary source of food, while 14 percent of community
respondents indicated "wild foods" as their primary source.  In Gokwe
South District, communities were reportedly using "grass seed" as the
closest substitute for staple maize. The grass is cut and dried to
extract the seed which is then ground into powder and cooked into
porridge.

(c)  Over the reporting period, the prices of maize meal have continued
to vary greatly from district to district.  In Chegutu District
(Mashonaland West Province), 10 kilos of maize meal averages ZWD180,000,
while in other parts of Mashonaland West Province, the same commodity
costs ZWD475,000.. The shortage of maize meal continues in the Bulawayo,
where long queues are witnessed at several retail outlets which expect
deliveries.  WFP field monitors report that private sellers of maize
meal in high density suburbs are selling a 10kg bag of maize meal for
ZWD900,000.  The current UN exchange rate is ZWD109,125 to USD1.

(d)  In Harare, WFP and Cooperating Partner, as well as government
officials held a stakeholder meeting in order to plan for the resumption
of WFP's School Feeding programme in the city.  On 20 January, following
reports of cholera in Harare, City Health Department officials suspended
school feeding activities at 27 schools until further notice.  City
health officials have since requested that WFP provide new pots, cooking
shelters, and payment for cooks/cooking parents before the resumption of
the programme.



(F) Asia: (1) Nepal (2) Sri Lanka

(1) Nepal

(a)  Two small bombs exploded in WFP Sub-Office in Damak on Thursday,
2nd of March during office hours, causing no injuries and only minor
physical damage. The Maoists have issued a public statement assuming
responsibility, regretting the incident and asserting that the UN is not
becoming a target for violent actions. An investigation is ongoing and
UN offices in Damak remain temporarily closed. Protracted Relief and
Recovery Operation (PRRO) assistance operations are ongoing.

(b)  Following the end of unilateral cease-fire by the Maoists, the
general security situation leading to 8th February municipal elections
has seriously deteriorated with multiplication of violent attacks around
the country. Election turn-out was extremely low with Nepal's major
political parties boycotting the polls. The period leading to elections
was also marked by a general strike bringing the nation to a standstill.

(c)  The post-election situation has remained tense with targeted
attacks on security forces/government buildings and military offensives.
The Maoist rebels have called for an indefinite nationwide general
strike from the 3rd of April in a campaign against King Gyanendra.
Reportedly, the rebels are planning to enforce a blockade of the capital
Kathmandu and other main towns from the 14th of March. In the past, the
Maoists have enforced closures and blockaded Kathmandu for several days,
disrupting the supply of essential goods to the city of more than 1.5
million people.

(d)  Planning for the WFP mid-term appraisal mission is under way. The
evaluation will assess to what extent the development activities have
achieved their objectives and contributed to national development
efforts and to WFP's Strategic Objectives.

(e)  A study reviewing the comparative advantages and disadvantages of
food only / food and cash / cash only combination in programme
implementation in the Nepal context is currently being conducted as a
preparatory exercise for WFP evaluation.

(f)  The preparation for the Protecting Livelihood in Crisis (PLIC)
activity are going on as per schedule, with a planned start of the
Food-for-Work(FFW),Food-for-Training (FFT) in the food insecure and
conflict affected districts early May. A Baseline on the Strategic
Indicator 2 (Proportion of beneficiary household expenditures devoted to
food) will be conducted beforehand through the mean of the Real-Time
monitoring facilities developed. Poverty Mapping and Comprehensive Food
Security and Vulnerability Analysis (CFSVA) exercises are being
finalized. Those reports will help provide a tool for refining the
targeting mechanisms for WFP and measure progress of MDGs indicators.

(g)  Despite sizeable donor contributions mobilised locally, WFP is
experiencing serious resourcing constraints to cover the first quarter
of 2006 for all its activities. It is unlikely that WFP Nepal will be in
a position to provide complete food basket to the beneficiaries.
Resources committed for the PRRO are sufficient to support the operation
up to early April 2006. In order to avoid a serious pipeline break, USD
6.3 million is required to resource an additional 15,869 tons of food
commodities for the rest of the operation.


(2) Sri Lanka

(a)  As soon as the Government and the LTTE agreed to talks on the
Cease-Fire Agreement (CFA) in Geneva on 22-23 February, the security
situation improved significantly throughout the island. The talks were
the first at high level since 2003 and both sides recommitted themselves
to respect the original ceasefire agreement. The Tigers pledged to stop
attacking the army. The Government also committed to ensure that no
armed group or person other than Government security forces will carry
arms or conduct armed operations. The next meeting scheduled on 19-20
April.

(b)  On the 3rd of March, the Scandinavian truce monitors warned that
Sri Lanka's peace process was still in danger following the killing of
two LTTE cadres in the first clash since the ceasefire talks. On 4
February, National Independence Day, hartals and demonstrations were
held in several districts of the North and East to protest against the
murder of a Tamil journalist and the abduction of ten staff members of
the Tamil Rehabilitation Organization charity in January. Movement
Restrictions were issued in Batticaloa Muslim areas on 10 February due
to protest marches in response to the 'Danish Cartoons of the Prophet
Mohammed'. In Ampara, international agencies were advised to avoid
Muslim coastal areas on 10 and 17 February for the same reason. Both
slightly hampered WFP activities.

(c)  UNHCR reported a decline in displacement. Since mid-December,
nearly 6,000 families from the Jaffna Peninsula and the eastern district
of Trincomalee had fled their homes as security deteriorated. The
displaced have sought asylum in other districts and others in southern
India's Tamil Nadu state.

(d)  The Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) will reinforce
targeted recovery interventions for the most vulnerable, such as Mother
and Child nutrition, School Feeding and Food-for-Work. WFP will provide
fortified Corn Soya Blend (CSB) to 247,000 women and children in health
clinics. Since the 1st of January, food demonstration workshops were
conducted in most districts. According to WFP monthly reports, a total
of 115,304 MCN beneficiaries were provided food in January. In February,
130 BCM interviews were conducted in 36 clinics out of 873. These
interviews revealed satisfaction with CSB was significantly higher in
February than January.

(e)  Food-for-Work programmes are expected to involve 70,000
participants in 2006 who will receive food for their families (350,000
beneficiaries) while rehabilitating communal / individual assets.
Activities will include land reclamation, cleaning lagoons to revive
fishery activities, environmental protection activities such as tree
planting, construction of roads and rehabilitation of wells and canal
systems.

(f)  During the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) meeting held
on the 3rd of March, the Government agreed to extend 22 FFW projects
initiated in 2005 until December 2006. WFP is currently collecting new
FFW project proposals to be submitted during the next NPSC in April.
Pre-assessment of the 2006 project proposals are scheduled to begin in
mid-March with District Monitoring Units (DMU) participation. A total
number of 87,954 beneficiaries participated in January.

(g)  Under the School Feeding component, a total of 330,000 school
children will receive mid-day meals and fortified snacks. WFP will also
reconstruct school kitchens, stores and sanitary facilities. A total of
93,472 beneficiaries participated in January.

(h)  Data collection for the Education Baseline Survey launched in
November 2005 was completed. Data entry, cleaning and analysis are
ongoing. Once completed, the survey will provide a baseline for
monitoring and evaluating the impact of the programme on the attendance
and nutritional status of school children.

(i)  The planned number of participants for Food-for-Training in 2006 is
20,000, with trainings including carpentry, metalwork, sewing, poultry
farming and computer training. A pilot project with UNDP, "Facilitating
Empowerment of Women", will be launched in March in Jaffna, to improve
the income level of 60 women. Selected by Divisional Secretaries (DS),
the 60 women will be trained in sewing and Palmyra handicrafts through
the Palmyra Development Board.

(j)  In Jaffna, on the 16th of February, WFP introduced Food for
Psychosocial activities at a Psychosocial Forum and explored potential
partnerships with Jaffna Holistic Health Center and the Active Theater
Movement (ATM). Through Psychosocial activities for traumatized children
under the PRRO, WFP is planning to provide family rations to 5,000
children in 2006. These rations will encourage families to send
traumatized children to counseling and catch-up classes.

(k)  Tsunami assistance through Vulnerable Group Feeding, covering
312,000 beneficiaries, was completed at the end of February in most
districts. Distribution will be completed by mid-March.

(l)  The Cash Transfer Pilot Project through Samurdhi bank societies to
beneficiaries was conducted during the first week of February in all
three targeted districts (Galle, Hambantota and Batticaloa). A follow-up
survey was carried out in February.

(m)  23,465 tons of food has been transferred from the Emergency
Operation (EMOP) to the integrated PRRO. 90,922 tons of commodities will
be required for implementation of the PRRO in 2006-2007.

(n)  An estimated 6,700 tons of food was as distributed in January to
346,000 beneficiaries, including 3,200 tons of food distributed to
tsunami affected people and 2,400 tons for FFW projects.

(o)  Under the PRRO, WFP dispatched 5,807 tons of food since 1st of
January 2006 and 4,400 tons of food planned for distribution to 926,720
beneficiaries through FFE, FFT, FFW and MCN in March.

(p)  The Geographical Information System (GIS) is now operational and
will be supporting WFP activities in Sri Lanka.



(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Cuba (3) Ecuador (4)
Guatemala (5) Haiti

(1) Bolivia

(a)  During the reporting period (4-9 March), the affected areas in
Santa Cruz and Beni are still flooded. According to preliminary
technical evaluations, it is expected that families of most of the
flooded areas will not be able to return home since the river will not
return to the old riverbed.

(b)  According to the Government the emergency period will last over 10
months until these families can return or be relocated. Government has
requested the support of the UN to formulate a Transition-Period Plan
for the next 12 months. WFP is leading the Food Security Group that will
identify people in need of food assistance.

(c)  A WFP and Cooperating Partners' assessment mission to Riberalta
(Department of Beni) and Cobija (Pando) reported a total of 2,000
families in need of food aid. Given the extremely high cost of
airlifting food to these regions, local purchases have been recommended.
The Civil Defense will present a request for funds to UNDP to purchase
and distribute this food.

(d)  The Municipality of Yapacani has warned the Prefecture of Santa
Cruz about the possible overflow of the Yapacani River which has
increased its flow and threatens some 30,000 hectares of rice and
soybean, affecting some 2,000 producers. The Prefecture is studying a
plan to prevent this potential disaster.

(e)  Aid continued to arrive in the country.

(f)  Under the Emergency Operation (IR-EMOP) 10511.0, a second
distribution of food aid continued in Santa Cruz and La Paz. During the
reporting period, 15 tons of food was distributed to 625 families
sheltered in the camps of Santa Cruz and three tons to 140 families of
the highlands of La Paz. IR-EMOP resources will meet requirements of the
affected families for a maximum period of 60 days. It is expected that
food assistance will be needed for at least 10 additional months.


(2) Cuba

(a)  A monitoring mission found that the eastern provinces including
Camaguey was food insecure due to the bad conditions for crops, most of
the food in eastern provinces are brought from the central part of the
country causing increase in prices.

(b)  Distribution under Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10423.0 is on going.
Data for February distribution will be available in mid March.

(c)  EMOP 10423.0 received low levels of funding from donors, only 11
percent. WFP advanced US$1.2 million from the Immediate Response Account
(IRA). This fund was used to cover one month requirements


(3) Ecuador

(a)  On 5 March , a strong explosion was felt in El Carmelo parish,
Province of Carchi (northern border).  According to farmers the
explosion shook walls and roofs. They confirmed that the explosion took
place in the Colombian community of La Victoria, located on the other
side of the border.  This area is occupied by FARC guerrilla.

(b)  On 8 March, social and political organizations and students
organized a national strike against FTA and Oxy Oil Company demanding
them to get out of the country. Protesters also demanded the increase of
the minimum wage.

(c)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, on 2 March, a low
intensity quake of 4.3 in the Richter scale was registered 245.99 km
from Quito in the coastal province of Manabi.  Also, on March 6, a low
intensity quake of 4.1 in the Richter scale was registered 203.82 km
from Quito in the Amazon province of Pastaza.

(d)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, volcanic activity
continued to be moderate; however, more than 20 strong explosions have
been registered since 13 February with moderate emissions of ashes,
steam and gas.  Loud roars coming from the Tungurahua Volcano and
incandescent rocks were also registered.  Several communities have been
affected with ash.

(e)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, volcanic activity
registered during the reporting period continued to be low, with small
emissions of steam, gas, and ashes. Due to bad weather conditions,
monitoring of Reventador Volcano has been difficult.

(f)  Heavy rains and floods continued in the coastal provinces of Los
Rios, Esmeraldas, Guayas and Manabi.  Houses, basic infrastructures and
crops have been severely affected.

(g)  On 17 February, Ecuadorian Government declared state of emergency
the coastal provinces of Guayas and Los Rios. According to the weather
forecast, heavy rains are expected to continue in the coast in March and
April.

(h)  On 2 March - Zarumilla International Canal - in Huaquillas,
Province of El Oro (in the coast) near the border with Peru was flooded
as heavy rains continued.  Three deaths were reported and 212 families
were evacuated. Affected families are living in temporary shelters.

(i)  On 1 March - in Dayuma - in the Amazon Province of Orellana, eight
oil wells were partially working, as the community claimed that the
government had not executed the agreements signed on 9 February
concerning the province's demands on infrastructure reconstruction and
environment protection.

(j)  The Dayuma - Auca - Coca main road is blocked. Communities living
along the Tiputini River were affected by oil spill on December 2005.

(k)  Distribution of food rations under the Emergency Operation (ECU
EMOP) 10381.0 to UNHCR's Local Executing Agencies started during the
reporting period. The second phase of monitoring and evaluation of the
operation is in process. Focus groups took place on 20 February in Lago
Agrio, 21 February in Quito and the second week of March in Ibarra.  A
monitoring and evaluation report will be presented at the end of March.

(l)  On 7 March, WFP, with the cooperation of UNHCR, OIM and local
government authorities started the preparation of the Northern Border
Contingency Plan.  The first meeting was held in San Lorenzo,
Esmeralda's province in the northern border.

(m)  In April, there will be a pipeline break and vulnerable refugee
population in Ecuador will not receive any further food assistance.
There is a shortfall of significant funds US$ 756,506 in order to
continue with the operation.


(4) Guatemala

(a)  From 28 February to 2 March, WFP attended a lesson-learned workshop
and high level regional meeting on guidelines for better preparation for
the forthcoming 2006 hurricane season took place in Guatemala City.

(b)  The preliminary EFSA results were presented in an interagency
meeting last Friday, 3 March.  The data continues to be analyzed by the
technical team (SESAN, FAO, UNICEF, MFEWS and PAHO). The first two
outputs, which are the analysis of food security vulnerability in the
country and the definition of food consumption profiles, will be used to
develop general recommendations for WFP interventions to prevent a
further deterioration of people's food security.

(c)  The preliminary EFSA results show that from May to October 2006,
the country will experience critical food insecurity due to the
shortfall of food reserves in the period proceeding the harvesting
season. The highly affected areas include Solola and San Marcos.

(d)  The second round food distributions started in the Department of
Solola. A total of 751 tons of food was distributed to approximately
8,634 families. The distributions to the Municipalities of San Juan La
Laguna and Santiago Atitlan are still pending.

(e)  In Tajumulco, Department of San Marcos, the food distribution
started on 8 March.  Distributions in the Departments of Quetzaltenango,
Santa Rosa, Jutiapa, Chimaltenango and Esquintla have started and will
continue in the next reporting period.

(f)  During the reporting period, WFP and counterpart's food monitors
were involved in post-distribution monitoring in the Departments of
Huehuetenango and Chimatenango. Also, food monitors assisted in food
distributions in the Departments of Solola and San Marcos.

(g)  A total of 4,265 tons of food were delivered during the reporting
period for the second round of food distributions in the Departments of
Solola, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Jutiapa, Santa Rosa, Chimaltenango,
Escuintla.

(h)  According to the Food Request Notes, WFP will be assisting 49,018
families (or 245,090 people) in this second round of food
distributions.. The Food Request Notes (FNR) for the Departments of
Quiche, Totonicapan, Huehuetenango are still pending. The amount
resourced to date continues at US$ 6,802,037, 48 percent of the flash
appeal.

(i)  The Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency
Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland visited Guatemala from 1 to 3 March to
participate in the workshop as well as visit to San Marcos La Laguna
(Solola) to obtain first-hand information on the evolution of the
projects carried out by the United Nations in coordination with the
Guatemalan Government. WFP and other UN agencies coordinated joint
actions organized Jan Egeland's visit to the disaster areas in San
Marcos La Laguna, Solola. An interagency team ensured visibility of UN
actions in the field.


(5) Haiti

(a)  The security environment continued to be relatively stable.
Criminal acts decreased during the reporting period (4-9 March),
although, a number of unreported cases of kidnapping did take place. No
armed incident against MINUSTAH was reported. UN agencies and
international staff have not been directly targeted, the potential
threat continues to exist and measures to mitigate the risk have been
taken.

(b)  The political and general security situation remained tense due to
the upcoming second round of parliamentary elections, which have been
postponed and for which a new date has not yet been confirmed.

(c)  A return to a level of normality has been noted in the slum area of
Cite Soleil following the presidential election. Cite Soleil it not yet
a "free go zone" area for UN agencies - although it still remains under
tight security conditions.

(d)  Travel restriction measures continue to be in place in
Port-au-Prince such as Cite Militaire, Route National 1 and SHODECOSA,
where WFP main warehouses are located. WFP armored car operates on a
daily basis in SHODECOSA which is in the dangerous districts where
escorts are mandatory. Travel restrictions for UN personnel have been
lifted, in particular for travel to the north of Port-au-Prince.

(e)  The situation around the WFP warehouse in Cap Haitien, which came
under attack mid-February, remains under control. MINUSTAH, UNPOL and
HNP continued to regularly control the area. WFP sub office in Cap
Haitian has undertaken actions to raise awareness about WFP projects in
the area.

(f)  The general overall situation in the rest of the country remains
relatively calm.

(g)  Carnival festivities were peaceful. Casualties reported included 3
dead and some 27 seriously injured.

(h)  Leaders of the country's Provisional Electoral Council have
announced that the inauguration of President-elect Rene Preval, set for
29 March will be delayed due to postponement of the parliamentary runoff
election. No new date has been set.

(i)  In his first official trip abroad, President-elect M. Rene Preval
visited the Dominican Republic where he met his counterpart, President
Leonel Fernandez. Tensions between the two countries have been on the
rise over immigration and security issues.

(j)  During the reporting period, a total of 141 tons of food were
delivered to health centers and schools in the West, North and
North-East departments and in Port-au-Prince.

(k)  WFP Protracted Recovery and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10382.0
started food distribution in May 2005 for a period of two years. Total
food for the duration of the project is estimated at 46,830 tons and the
total cost at US$ 40 million. During 2005 and the first months of 2006,
the operation needs 23,375 tons to meet project requirements. By the end
of January 2005, the PRRO had received US$ 15 million from directed
multilateral and multilateral contributions; however, it is facing a
pipeline break of CSB. Consequently, contributions are critically needed
to overcome these shortages.

(l)  The shipment of CSB, which arrived weeks ago, is now customs
cleared and deliveries will start in the next reporting period. The
delivery ex-container terminal also started after weeks of operational
inactivity and slowdown due to the election- and subsequent
carnival-period.

(m)  The total food stocks in the country are estimated at 9,042 tons of
which 6,878 tons are in WFP warehouses and available for distribution,
while over 2,164 tons are in transit through the port and
container-terminals.

(n)  A meeting was held with UNICEF to discuss the relevance of setting
up a reference center for acute malnutrition in the area of Cite Soleil.

(o)  A first Food Aid Strategic Meeting was held at WFP offices with
USAID/FFP and food aid NGO's (Care, World Vision, CRS, Save the
Children), setting up the objectives and frequency of periodic meetings
at management level to discuss the strategic issues related to food aid
in the country.

(p)  A joint WFP/UNICEF meetingwas held with the respective programme
units to discuss possible areas of complementarities to be crystallized
in a future local MoU.

(q)  WFP participated in the taskforce to build a Post Electoral
Stabilization Strategy, set up by the UN Country Team.


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


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