WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 11 / 2006 - Date 17 March 2006


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe:
    (1) Occupied Palestinian Territories (2) Pakistan
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo (3) Congo, DR
    (4) Eritrea (5) Ethiopia (6) Kenya (7) Rwanda (8) Somalia
    (9) Sudan (10) Tanzania (11) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire (2) Liberia (3) Niger
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Madagascar (4) Malawi
    (5) Mozambique (6) Swaziland (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe
(F) Asia: (1) Indonesia (2) Myanmar (3) Philippines (4) Timor Leste
(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba
    (4) Ecuador (5) El Salvador (6) Nicaragua


(A) Highlights

(a)  In Sudan, between 1 and 13 March, WFP dispatched a total of 8,930
tons of mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region realizing
43 percent of the dispatch plan for March.

(b)  In Pakistan, despite food movement temporarily disrupted due to
countrywide strikes and demonstrations in early March, rain, and
landslides, so far in March WFP has reached an estimated 526,000 people
with 8,448 tons of food.

(c)  There is a high chance that the 'Gu' rains (April-June 2006) in
Somalia may be below normal. According to FAO-Food Security Assessment
Unit, many parts of South Somalia are even at a high risk of famine and
humanitarian catastrophe; WFP thus has scaled up its relief operations
in Southern Somalia from 120,000 tons to some 180,000 tons for the year
2006.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Occupied
Palestinian Territories (2) Pakistan

(1) Occupied Palestinian Territories

(a)  During the reporting period (1-16 March), the Security situation
reached an all-time low in oPt. Hostilities in Jericho sparked an
unprecedented surge of kidnappings in the West Bank and Gaza Strip
(including one ICRC staff member and a number of NGO staff) and attacks
against property of the International Community, including British and
US interests and also UN property (UN vehicle travelling to Erez
crossing and UNDP building in Gaza Strip). Following this upsurge in
violence, all UN agencies, and other humanitarian organisations
including ICRC, temporarily withdrew International staff from the West
Bank and Gaza Strip. WFP also halted all field operations, closing field
offices for 2 days (13-14th March).

(b)  WFP Cooperating Partners in Gaza Strip faced implementation
challenges linked to the deteriorating security and political situation.
These challenges are expected to escalate.  Hostilities continued in
Jenin and Northern Gaza; threats remain towards British and American
citizens. In Israel, security forces remain on high alert for fear of
retaliation. In Karni, the commodities crossing point between Israel and
the Gaza Srip, re-opened on the 9th March for 3.5 days; however, it was
re-closed by the 14th (according to OCHA). This brings the number of
days of closure in 2006 to 44 (of 75) equivalent to 59 percent of the
year so far compared to an average of 15 percent of the time over the
past two years.

(c)  The West Bank and Gaza Strip has been closed to workers and traders
since the 12th of March over the Jewish holiday of Purim and will remain
closed until the 19th of March. UN staff were unaffected. A curfew was
imposed on Madama in Nablus (10 hours) and Jericho city (9 hours). The
extended closures of Karni commercial crossing are unprecedented and
have had a clear impact on food availability, market prices and
unemployment.. There will soon be no basic commodities in Gaza; wheat
flour stocks are already critically low. WFP is monitoring price
developments in the Gaza Strip and to identify the most affected areas.
Two reports have been released on Karni's closure and the impact of
availability and price changes on the livelihood of the population.

(d)  The situation in Gaza Strip is deteriorating further and rising
unemployment, poverty and growing frustration are brewing despair
amongst the population. PA employees have now received their salaries
for February (as of 15th March) due to one off contributions form the
EU, Saudi Arabia, Norway and the UK. However after Hamas present their
new Government to Parliament on 20th March, funds are expected to
plummet.

(e)  Under the Protracted Relief and Recovery operation (PRRO) 10387,
basic food needs of both the Social Hardship Cases (SHC) and New Poor
(NP) will be met through distribution of monthly family rations. While
the SHC will receive relief food as part of the Ministry of Social
Affairs (MSA) programme, 'new poor' beneficiaries will receive food
through participation in food for work (FFW) and food for training (FFT)
activities implemented through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Community
Housing and Finance (CHF) and Ministry of Agriculture (MOA). The most
vulnerable individuals living in institutions will be provided with a
daily food ration through the MSA in the Gaza Strip and CRS in the West
Bank.

(f)  The third distribution cycle for the SHC started throughout the
West Bank. A total of 6340 chronically poor households received 782 tons
of mixed food commodities during the reporting period.

(g)  WFP provided 666 tons of food to 5818 beneficiaries of SHCs through
MSA in Gaza and Northern Gaza, January and February allocation. 250 tons
of food is needed to complete the Gaza January-February distribution
cycle and 394 tons for Northern Gaza. MOA FFW outputs in Salfeet
Governorate (MOA) under phase one (3 months) were as follows:  2,395m
Stone Walls, 274m Retaining Walls, 2,325 sq/m painted in schools, 412
sq/m of construction in public schools, 1761m of painting of public
buildings, 440m Water tunnel construction, 1,300 trees planted in public
areas and schools, 4,800m of roads rehabilitated, 220m of fencing
constructed around public building and schools.

(h)  In West Bank, Cooperating Partners started food distribution in the
Northern governorates, as part of the second phase of Food-for-Work
(FFW) and Food-for-Training (FFT) project. During the reporting period,
a total of 11,050 new poor families received a total of 1,844 tons of
mixed food commodities through CRS, CHF, MoA, in the West Bank
governorates. CRS FFW outputs in West Bank were four gardens were built
and planted in local schools, 150 meters of retaining walls, 120 meters
of cement walls at a hospital in Hebron, a theatre was constructed at a
local girls' school, a rural road was built to connect remote villages.

(i)  In Gaza Strip, 43 tons of food was distributed to 2334 farmer's
households through the MOA for the January-February allocation. MOA FFT
activities as of the 15th of March: A total of 1880 trainees completed
32-34 lectures out of 48 planned lectures during project cycle in
different topics such as literacy, rational use of water, home gardens,
environmental awareness, food processing / preservation and mushroom
planting. 146 tons of food was distributed to 5776 unemployed workers
households through CHF for the November/December and part of January
allocation. CHF FFW as of end February: A total of 14,790 m of walls was
painted, 3,765 trees was planted, 53,990 m of roads was maintained and
18,300 sq m of agricultural area was rehabilitated by CHF by end of
February. No food was distributed in Bedouins due to wheat flour
shortage.

(j)  WFP West Bank organised in partnership with Relief Services and the
local committees from about 22 localities a celebration for the
International Women's Day in the town of Dura. The celebration included
the opening of a three days exhibition of Food-for- Training products
such as embroidery, netting products and processed food. The event was
also attended by women beneficiaries of FFT and representatives of
different local and international NGOs.

(k)  Two celebration of IWD took place on the 9 and 13 March organized
by MOA in cooperation with WFP staff and beneficiaries in east Gaza city
and Al-Qararah village in Southern Gaza.  The celebration ceremonies
included speeches, theatre play, Folk dancing, food and hand crafts
exhibitions.

(l)  WFP total outstanding food needs is 6 tons until end of March. The
current contract for WHF is for 8 tons to cover until the end of April,
these mills are currently completely empty due to the closure. UNWRA
currently only 19 percent of the wheat flour is available and
consequently the Emergency round planned for 19th March will not be able
to start. The current order of 17 tons is outstanding. Between UNWRA and
WFP a total of 30 tons of wheat flour are ordered to local mills. UNWRA
and WFP are advocating for the access of the wheat grains to cover the
now urgent food needs for their food aid programme.

(m)  2345 tons of mixed commodities were delivered in West Bank. Closure
of Karni has affected delivery of 3594 tons of wheat flour previously
contracted with local mills. WFP was able to transport 300 tons of Wheat
through Karni, during its brief opening.


(2) Pakistan

(a)  During the reporting period (8-14 March), the overall security
situation was relatively calm.

(b)  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 roads remain blocked.

(c)  Despite food movement temporarily disrupted due to countrywide
strikes and demonstrations in early March, and rain and the fact that
landslides continued to affect food deliveries, WFP has reached an
estimated 526,000 people so far in March 2006.

(d)  WFP Executive Board recently cleared the 2-year Protracted Recovery
and Relief Operation (PRRO), which will commence on the 1st of April.
The PRRO is comprised of two essential components: a) relief, returnees
will be provided with food while they rebuild their homes and animal
shelters and rehabilitate their land and agricultural infrastructure,
and assistance to the people residing in the locations above the snow
line, and those whom have been made homeless; and b) recovery, comprised
of two sub-components: i) sustainable livelihoods, environment and
natural resources, ii) education and Food-for-Training (FFT).

(e)  The PRRO, a short-term operation to achieve a shift from relief to
recovery, will include practical solutions for achieving measurable and
sustainable results in a fixed timeframe. It will target food-insecure
households through food for work and asset creation, and will address
pre-existing chronic malnutrition through flour fortification. About
670,000 homeless people who lack remittances and other family support
will be provided with food as they return to rebuild their homes and
community infrastructure; school feeding will maintain attendance and
address short-term hunger for 450,000 children. These interventions will
be undertaken in remote villages where food production, access to
markets, employment and credit facilities will be constrained until
basic infrastructures and trade can be restored. The operational
requirement for the PRRO is $US 67,849,078 or 113,648 tons of food

(f)  In Bagh, air lift operations for delivery of food to Baidi Union
Council (UC) for 11,350 beneficiaries were disrupted due to bad
weather.. Out of the 194 tons requirement, 184 tons has already been
delivered and distributed. Some 5 percent, 10 tons remains to be
despatched. Food distribution for the month of March has been completed
in Bir Pani to 22,417 beneficiaries and Rangla 22,467 UCs. Food
distribution is ongoing in the other six UCs serving the remaining
106,899 beneficiaries. The security situation remained calm and stable
throughout the district and operational areas. There were reports of
"unnecessary" military involvement in checking the status/documents of
some expatriates. UNDSS is looking into the matter and will resolve the
issue with the military. A general assessment for Food-for-Work
activities was done in Baidi UC. A meeting was held with community
leaders from 13 villages. The community has shown interest to construct
damaged schools, roads and water channels including building homes for
widows. The local community leaders have expressed their willingness to
mobilize the community to participate in such activities.. WFP Bagh
office continued to prepare for the implementation of PRRO activities to
begin on the 1st of April. WFP visited Bagh to review possibilities for
establishing a WFP Sub-office there.

(g)  During the reporting period, an estimated 1,411 tons of food was
dispatched, 988 tons from warehouse Garhi Habibullah and 423 tons from
Abbottabad. Food movement to Kawai and Paras was started as roads were
reopened. Food will move to Kaghan and Mahandri as soon as flights
resume.Food distributions to some schools delayed due to non renewal of
jeeps. Various Consultative meetings with district management and line
departments about the PRRO were held. In the tented camps the total
allocation for March for WFP Garhi Habibullah office in Balakot,
Abbottabad and Mansehra is 44,068 beneficiaries. WFP has distributed to
a total of 40,988 beneficiaries in all the camps on UNHCR/Regional
Relief Commissioner list.

(h)  During the reporting period, 1,577 tons of mixed food commodities
were distributed to 61,100 beneficiaries in Battagram (Allai), Mansehra
(Kala Dhaka) Shangla, Kohistan and planned camps. 589 tons of mixed food
commodities from Battagram, 269 tons from Chattarplain and 172 tons from
Abbotabad warehouse were dispatched to Allai, Palas, Dassu, Kala Dhaka,
Alpuri Tehsils and planned camps. Planned repatriation starts from Maira
and Maidan Camp during this week. WFP has already provided March rations
to all the camps. WFP had meetings with Heads of UN Offices regarding
their plans of Operations. WFP discussed the PRRO with the Cooperating
Partners and district authorities. Air operation was restricted due to
bad weather in Islamabad where the two Chinooks which are usually
operating out of Chatter Plain are based. As a result of this,
performance reduced to 90 tons per day in sling food deliveries.

(i)  In Muzaffarabad, 80 percent of deliveries to remote areas were done
by road and 68% of deliveries against the March allocation were
completed in General Food Distribution and partly in Emergency School
Feeding. WFP, UNHCR and the AJK Government jointly celebrated the
International Women's Day in Muzaffarabad. The Camp Management
Organization (CMO) has informed that 183 families have left the camps
for their home towns. Many more will follow in the coming days provided
roads are open. IOM has yet to provide transport facilities as agreed
with the CMO. Distribution in the camps resumed on the 16th of March in
order to benefit the families prepared to leave the camps and awaiting
food. The distribution was put on halt until the last week of March to
enable the families to take some rations while returning homes. Air
operations and road deliveries were suspended on the 14th of March due
to heavy rains.

(j)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) is resourced 71 percent against the
appeal and the PRRO is currently resourced 3 percent against the appeal
of $US 67,849,078.

(k)  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.

(l)  The deliveries from the hubs to extended delivery points from 01-12
March 2006 amount to 5,872 tons, out of which 887 tons were delivered by
air.

(m)  Under the Special Operation (UNHAS), a rapid reduction of the
helicopter fleet is now being undertaken due to lack of funding. Out of
the 20 UNHAS helicopters that was operational by the beginning of this
month, seven are now off contract. The military air support will also
stop on 31 march, leaving UNHAS with a total fleet of 13 aircrafts as of
1 April, as opposed to the fleet of 28 helicopters that was previously
tasked by UNHAS. A total reduction of 50 percent. If no further funding
is available by the end of March, the remaining helicopters will also go
off contract first week of April and the project will close down. Since
the start of the air operations UNHAS has airlifted 17,340 tons of Food
Items, 4,767 tons Non-Food Items and 29,860 passengers.



(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo (3) Congo, DR (4)
Eritrea (5) Ethiopia (6) Kenya (7) Rwanda (8) Somalia (9) Sudan (10)
Tanzania (11) Uganda

(1) Burundi

(a)  WFP has concluded the countrywide distributions of the seeds
protection ration (SPR). More than 171,000 or 96 percent of the planned
farming households were assisted. The main constraints encountered
during the operations were, inter alia, targeting challenges and
shortage of some commodities such as oil due to a weak pipeline.
Although seeds and SPR were well distributed for the season 2006B,
erratic rainfall remains a threat for the next crops in different rural
areas.

(b)  Following different reports on the movement of Burundians to
Tanzania due to hunger, a cross-border meeting of WFP and UNHCR in both
Tanzania and Burundi will be organized towards the end of March to
discuss joint measures to solve the problem. Several reports indicate
that a continuous flow of Burundians into Tanzania will persist, despite
large food distributions in hunger-affected provinces of northern and
eastern Burundi.

(c)  WFP teams conducted verification missions in relation with targeted
distributions in 12 communes of four provinces, namely Muyinga, Kirundo,
Cankuzo and Bujumbura Rural. Following discussions with local
authorities and distribution committees on the eligibility criteria, the
teams reported that more than 56,000 households were vulnerable and in
urgent need of food assistance. In some zones of Bujumbura Rural
province, the number of beneficiaries increased due to heavy rains and
hailstorm during the last three months.

(d)  Between 06 and 12 March, WFP distributed 1,078 tons of food aid to
130,524 beneficiaries.


(2) Congo

(a)  Dead birds were found in some areas of the country; FAO and WHO
sent samples of those birds to South Africa in order to determine the
cause of their death. Reportedly one FAO staff suffered from fever after
he disposed of four of his birds, which he found dead in his premises.


(3) Congo, DR

(a)  The eastern part of the country remained plagued by insecurity. In
various locations in North and South Kivu, Ituri district and Katanga,
government mop up operations against untamed armed forces continued.
Looting and burning down of villages, ambushes, killings, rape and other
actions on civilians by various armed factions were reported.

(b)  The latest data on internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kalehe
(South Kivu province) indicated the presence of 5,718 displaced
households and an additional 300 in Shabunda. In the Ituri district,
humanitarian activities could not be carried out in the south east of
Irumu due to increased insecurity caused by armed men. Concerned with
the growing caseload of IDPs in hosting families, the humanitarian
community in Bunia conferred with local authorities on the settlement of
IDPs camps to relieve hosting families. During the reporting week, 709
displaced families received 30 tons of WFP food through its cooperating
partner Association pour le Developpement Social et la Sauvergarde de
l'Environnement (ADSSE). Plans were also made to feed an additional
1,193 families in Kindia and Yambi starting on 14 March.

(c)  In the south of the Kivu province, movement of returnees continued
to be reported. Latest statistics provided by UNHCR indicated that since
18 January, a total of 6,049 Congolese people have been voluntarily
repatriated from Tanzania. To ease their reinstallation, WFP provided
them with food packages.

(d)  A total of 576 tons for targeted 350,000 food-insecure Congolese
people was released by WFP to supply various cooperating partners in the
North and South Kivu, Maniema provinces and Ituri district. The food
targeted mainly IDPs, malnourished children under-five and primary
school pupils.

(e)  In the Katanga province, the mission report released by WFP on food
distribution in Mitwaba indicated that 9,534 IDPs were provided with 62
tons of food. Food distribution activities, which were carried out in
two rounds, provided the caseload with a one-month ration.

(f)  Following several months of logistics' constraints that hindered
the smooth delivery of food to Maniema province, close to 300 tons of
food commodities were dispatched to Punia, Kalima and Kindu.

(g)  Dispatches of food to WFP cooperating partners in Gemena, Equateur
province, could not be undertaken due to unavailability of trucks, which
were all used for the transfer of 100 tons of food from the port of
Dongo to Gemena. The poor status of roads caused the transportation to
take several days. Remaining food stocks that were offloaded from the
barge, which recently arrived from Kinshasa, were stored in a rub-all
provided by UNHCR at the port of Dongo.

(h)  Starting from April, WFP anticipates growing pipeline breaks. In
the North Kivu province, WFP decided to reduce the daily ration of
cereals to some 120,000 IDPs from 200gr to 150gr. In addition, food
assistance to returnees will be suspended to keep 300 tons of maize meal
for distributions under nutritional and school feeding programmes in
April. In other provinces, WFP provided an incomplete foodbasket.


(4) Eritrea

(a)  The United Nations said on 13 March 2006 that Ethiopia and Eritrea
agreed to resume demarcation of their disputed border after two days of
talks in London with international mediators. Legal experts from the two
Horn of Africa neighbours attended the London meeting at the invitation
of an international boundary commission that was appointed to delineate
the border under a peace agreement ending their two-year border war.

(b)  The Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare has yet to submit its
proposals regarding the shift from general food distribution to a more
food-for-work oriented approach. Food distributions remain suspended
with the following exceptions: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) was asked
to distribute food to about 70,000 drought-affected people in Southern
Red Sea Region. CRS also distributed food in parts of Debub in the
southern part of the country. WFP continues to provide food to 72,000
internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camp.

(c)  Although WFP is responding to on a number of smaller initiatives,
significant distributions of food will have to resume to avoid larger
commodity losses. Due to the slow turnover commodities are at high risk
of infestation/deterioration.

(d)  In Barentu town, located in the western part of the country a
shortage of bread is reported and long queues are observed daily in
front of bakeries. Livestock conditions in Anseba and Gash Barka regions
are still good; however, fodder is expected to last for only about two
months. In some parts of Anseba the physical condition of livestock is
deteriorating due to lack of water and fodder compounded by disease.
Goats are being sold at around 50 percent less than last month.

(e)  In many parts of Anseba region in the northwest food aid was the
main source of food as the arable land in the areas is only about one
percent of the surface. Although the previous season's harvest was
relatively good in these areas, farmers reported that their harvest
stocks were already depleted.

(f)  The contributions registered under protracted relief and recovery
(PRRO) 10192.1 stand at approximately US$ 51.5 million, covering almost
25 percent of the total food requirements of the project. Further food
commitments and deliveries to Eritrea are kept in abeyance at the
request of WFP.


(5) Ethiopia

(a)  The serious humanitarian situation in southeastern parts of the
country persists, especially in Somali region and Borena zone of Oromiya
region. However, as the dry season persists, there are concerns about
the water situation both for humans and livestock in other parts of
Oromiya region, especially in lowland part of Bale, East & West Hararghe
zones that border the Somali Region and Fentale woreda of East Shewa
zone. In Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR),
serious water shortages for livestock is reported in most parts of South
Omo zone and the rift valley areas of Silti and Guraghe zones. The food
security situation is being closely monitored in view of these
deteriorating conditions.

(b)  In Borena zone of Oromiya region, WFP field monitors report that
the current drought situation has significantly eroded livestock assets
and increased the use of negative coping mechanisms. Due to recent
concerns over the number of beneficiaries included for emergency
assistance in Borena zone, a government-led joint emergency assessment
of the area started on 16 March. The main objective of this assessment,
in which WFP participates, is to reassess the number of people in need
of emergency assistance in the area. The assessment is expected to last
for 10 days. During the last few days, parts of Borena have received
small amounts of rain. The distribution was however erratic, and
continued rain is necessary for this to have a positive impact on
pasture and water availability.

(c)  The Federal Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Agency (DPPA) is
continuing its daily dispatches to Borena zone of Oromiya and to Somali
region. Out of 6,037 tons allocated to Oromiya in January, 98 percent
has been dispatched so far. For Somali region, the dispatch status is at
90 percent of the 29,055 tons in January. In February, DPPA has
allocated a further 5,186 tons to Oromiya and 23,459 tons to Somali
region and so far 60 percent has been dispatched to Oromiya and 2
percent to Somali region. WFP field visits confirm that food
distributions are ongoing. In Moyale district in Oromiya region, 90
percent of the February distribution is finalised, and in Meyo district
50 percent of the February distributions have been effected. In Somali
region, food distributions have been confirmed by WFP field teams in
Warder, Shinile and Jijiga zones, where most of the January allocation
has been delivered and distributed.

(d)  For WFP's targeted supplementary feeding component, recent reports
on nutrition screening from the "Enhanced Outreach Strategy", covering
20 districts in Somali region, give an overall coverage of 83 percent
for children under-5. From the total number of children screened
(186,000), 23.5 percent of them were found to have moderate acute
malnutrition and 2.3 percent were identified with severe acute
malnutrition. Twenty-four districts will be benefiting from Targeted
Supplementary Feeding in Somali region and nutrition screenings will be
carried out shortly in the remaining four districts. The food dispatches
to the districts which have had nutrition screening are expected to
start shortly as the Regional Disaster Preparedness and Prevention
Bureau of Somali region has temporarily waived the usual tender
procedures for transportation in order to speed up food aid dispatches
and distributions.

(e)  In addition, NGOs have allocated food aid to their respective areas
of operation in Somali region and Borena zone. For Somali region the
allocation amounts to 5,295 tons to Dolo Ado and Filtu districts of
Liben zone and to Dolo Bay district of Afder zone. For Borena zone, 399
tons have been allocated to Hagere Mariam and Gelana districts. For
other Regions of the country, DPPA has allocated 800 tons of emergency
food to Afar and 436 tons to SNNPR. So far, DPPA has dispatched 63
percent of the allocation to Afar and 100 percent to SNNPR.

(f)  An evaluation mission is currently visiting refugee camps in
Ethiopia in order to evaluate WFP's refugee operation. The mission,
which is in the country for three weeks, will look at WFP's general
feeding programme, the school feeding project and grinding facilities
offered to the refugees, amongst other issues. Due to a recent
contribution, the refugee food pipeline is covered up till September.
Further contributions are however sought in order to address some of the
serious nutrition concerns that have been found in the camps over the
last months. Requirements for blended food is in particular higher than
planned due to increased needs for blanket and targeted supplementary
feeding.


(6) Kenya

(a)  The food basket for emergency operation (EMOP) 10374.0 in March
contains a full ration of cereals but no vegetable oil. Stocks of pulses
are low and will only be allocated to the nine pastoralist districts,
out of a total of 25 districts targeted by the EMOP. The little
remaining stocks of micronutrient-rich CSB have been earmarked for the
most affected district of Madera, and will be targeted to families with
pregnant and lactating women, and children under-five years of age.

(b)  The Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG) has supported the
proposal to allocate 10 percent contingency aid to all pastoralist
districts, for a total of some 108,000 beneficiaries, to assuage the
deteriorating situation of pastoralists forced to move in search of
food. The contingency plan allows WFP to respond quickly to the needs of
migrating populations.

(c)  According to the recent reports, the situation is deteriorating in
Wajir and Mandera. Livestock deaths continue, the price of food has
further increased and the malnutrition rates continue to grow as well.
On the basis of this information, the Kenya Food Security Steering Group
has recommended that coverage be extended to 80 percent of the rural
divisions.

(d)  Under the current protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO)
10258, WFP has been forced to reduce by 20 percent food aid rations to
some 230,000 Somali and Sudanese refugees in the camps of Dadaab and
Kakuma in northeast Kenya. PRRO stocks will run out of pulses this
month, cereals and vegetable oil in May, and soya blend in June. The
global acute malnutrition rates in the two refugee camps are 19.6
percent in Kakuma and 17.5 percent in Dadaab. The current ration cuts
will not affect WFP's school feeding or supplementary feeding programmes
in the camps. WFP appeals to donors to urgently provide additional
funding for the refugee operation so that full rations could be
reinstated.


(7) Rwanda

(a)  In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, WFP began
distributing a one-time food package to 3,316 targeted households in 15
nutrition centres in Bugesera, Gisagara, Nyanza and Huye districts of
the eastern and southern provinces. WFP targets these households for
food assistance since they already have one or more malnourished
child/children who has/have been assisted in the nutrition centre with
supplementary food from WFP. The food distribution includes 123 tons of
maize meal, pulses and vegetable oil. Each household receives a ration
consisting of 25kg of maize, 10kg of pulses and 2kg of vegetable oil,
which is sufficient for 15 days. At an average of 5 persons per
household, it is estimated that about 16,580 people will benefit from
the food aid.

(b)  WFP Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping, in collaboration with
FEWSNET, the Government of Rwanda and NGO partners, is finalizing a plan
to conduct the joint Crop and Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment
starting from 20 March in the whole country.

(c)  Migration services and local authorities interviewed 104 asylum
seekers who recently arrived in Gisenyi and rejected 29. Thus, their
number

was reduced from 1,324 to 1,295. After screening in Nyagatare transit
centre (Cyangugu), 44 asylum seekers were accepted and transferred to
Nyabiheke refugee camp. The number of refugees reported by UNHCR in this
camp stands at 4,871. UNHCR included 81 newborns in the beneficiary list
in Kiziba, which increased the total number of refugees to 17,587. The
number of Congolese refugees is currently 40,999.

(d)  The cases of 88 refugees in Nyamure were reviewed by UNHCR/
Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Social Affairs
(MINALOC) and were granted refugee status, which brought the number to
1,904. Kigeme remained stable at 665. The number of Burundian refugees
currently stands at 2,569.

(e)  Food delivery to Nyabiheke camp is ongoing. Following the request
by UNHCR, WFP has provided a rub-hall for food storage to be installed
in Nyabiheke camp.

(f)  A total of 56 returnees from Congo were received last week at
Nygatare and Gisenyi. Three-month food ration packages were distributed
to them before their departure to their places of origin. No returnees
from Uganda were received during the reporting period.


(8) Somalia

(a)  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) may be below normal. According to FAO-Food Security
Assessment Unit, many parts of South Somalia are even at a high risk of
famine and humanitarian catastrophe and FAO and OCHA therefore have
advised to prepare for the worst-case scenario. WFP thus has scaled up
its relief operations in Southern Somalia from 120,000 tons to some
180,000 tons for the year 2006. The additional 60,000 tons requirement
has been reflected in the Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) review. The
new protracted relief and recovery operation (PRRO) is also being
revised accordingly.

(b)  A total 5,800 tons was distributed to 330,000 beneficiaries in
February and early March and 1,100 tons are being distributed to about
70,000 beneficiaries in Afmadow district in Lower Juba region.
Additional 9,000 tons are being transported to assist 600,000 additional
beneficiaries. It is expected that the first round of food distribution
to one million drought-affected people will be completed during late
March or early April 2006. Further, 4,000 tons of food are being planned
as part of the second round distribution, which are expected to arrive
in Mombasa shortly.

(c)  Discussion is ongoing with UNICEF on the use of about US$1 million
from the Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF) to purchase some 1,300
tons of CSB to meet additional 5kg per household monthly requirements in
addition to 5kg CSB already planned under the WFP emergency relief
distribution.

(d)  WFP has prepared a Special Operation for airdrops and riverboat
transport of up to 7,500 tons of food commodities as a contingency
measure.

(e)  A photojournalist, hired by WFP Rome to cover the regional drought,
has visited Wajid and Bidoa. A media mission is being planned for the
third and/or fourth week of March in consultation with the WFP Regional
Information Office.

(f)  Available WFP food stocks and confirmed new funding, including
Italian contribution of US$1.2 million, amount to 80,000 tons. The
shortfall now stands at some 100,000 tons compared to the total 180,000
tons requirement for the year 2006.


(9) Sudan

(a)  In South Darfur, increased tensions in Nyala followed a number of
shootings reported, and local authorities consequently established
checkpoints on the major roads in the state. Despite which, incidents of
highway banditry targeting commercial vehicles continued to be rife
throughout the reporting period (9-16 March).

(b)  In West Darfur, heavy fighting between armed rebel and Government
forces was reported in Sabanga, Jebel Marra resulting in at least six
fatalities. The Jebel Marra locality has been particularly volatile
recently with clashes and subsequent displacement of civilians reported,
notably in Rokero and Golo. Some 140,000 targeted beneficiaries did not
receive food in the locality in February as insecurity prevented
humanitarian access. In a move to open up humanitarian access along the
northern corridor from El Geneina meanwhile, WFP Security and UNDSS
began a series of assessments during the reporting period. Road
assessments were carried out along the El Geneina - Sirba route with
routes to Selea and Kulbus planned for the coming week. Recommendations
pertaining to access will follow.

(c)  In North Darfur, An Action Contre la Faim vehicle was hijacked on
the El Fasher - Nyala road near Shangil Tobayi during the reporting
period.

(d)  An armed group ambushed the vehicle of a national NGO in a location
60-km west of Yei and killed two persons from South Sudan Community
Association (SSCA). The road is within a UN Phase Four area and for UN
staff it is a requirement to travel only with armed escorts.

(e)  Inter-clan fighting took place in Maper/Makwach since the end of
February to early March between Agar Dinka and Luach Dinka, primarily
over grazing land. WFP, OCHA and UNDSS security officers assessed the
area and reported that the security situation has returned to normal but
a number of villages were burnt down, unknown number of people displaced
and killed as well as properties looted. OCHA is planning for an
inter-agency intervention in which WFP will provide food for the people
affected. Cases of vehicle attacks and ambush are being reported between
Wulu and Mvolo limiting the movement of humanitarian workers. On 10th
March, unidentified gunmen attacked engineers of WFP partner Civicon,
maintaining roads between Mvolo and Wako. They escaped safely and
reported the issue to SPLA authorities.

(f)  During the reporting period, the overall security situation in
Abyei remained tense with an increased number of armed men in and around
Abyei town. Furthermore, a clash between two factions of the former
South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) militia took place on the road between
Diffra and Abyei consequently resulting in eleven deaths and 23
injuries. The Abyei-Nyama-Higlig road was a Go area following a security
assessment that was undertaken one day before this incident, however, it
was later declared a No-Go area. In addition, restriction of movement to
locations north of Abyei town is still in effect by the national
security authorities. Insecurity has hindered WFP's planned registration
and verification exercise as well as the implementation of other
humanitarian activities in the area.

(g)  The general security situation in Kauda remained tense as tension
between SPLA and Government soldiers continued to be a threat to local
communities and humanitarian agencies in the region.

(h)  Peaceful demonstrations took place in Kadugli town condemning the
killing of two SPLA soldiers a few weeks ago. As a security
precautionary measure, restriction of movement for UN staff was imposed
during the reporting period.

(i)  Between 1 and 13 March, WFP dispatched a total of 8,930 tons of
mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region realizing 43
percent of the dispatch plan for March. Of which, 2,248 tons of cereals
were dispatched directly to El Geneina via Abeche (Chad) during the
reporting period against the month's allocation of 5,000 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 2,901 tons
in the three Darfur states.

(j)  During the reporting period, WFP dispatched a total of 2,141 tons
of food from Lokichoggio in Kenya and Tororo/Koboko in Uganda into South
Sudan. Of this figure, 1,134 tons was delivered by road along the
western corridor from Uganda (Tororo/Koboko), while 1,007 tons was
despatched from Lokichoggio in Kenya. Meanwhile, WFP continued to erect
new rubhalls all over the south, in its pursuit to enhance storage
capacity and preposition food prior to the rainy season. A new rubhall
was erected in Marol Deng Geng in Northern Bahr El Ghazal. In Eastern
Equatoria, an assessment mission was carried out to assess the road
between Kalokupe and the Kapoeta Narus main road to establish the food
storage facilities.

(k)  WFP and other humanitarian agencies coordinated a number of
celebrations of International Women's Day on 8 March. The theme of the
event was "women in decision making; meeting the challenges and making
the change". Events were well attended across the Darfur states.

(l)  The International Women's Day was celebrated for the first time in
the southern States on the 8th of March. WFP sub-offices in the south
played a key role in the event. Over 5,000 people gathered to celebrate
the occasion when women from neighbouring countries (Uganda and Kenya)
attended the occasion in Juba, Bahr El Jebel State. The festival was
attended by government officials, representative of women in the south
Sudan legislative assembly, representative of UN agencies dealing with
women empowerment activities and church leaders. The speeches
highlighted the challenges faced by women and requested support from the
government on women empowerment, access to education, jobs and capacity
building. On behalf of the UN agencies, UNIFEM representative assured
the gathering that the UN recognizes the commitment of the Government of
South Sudan that granted women 25 percent of the constitutional posts
under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

(m)  Despite relentless efforts by the Ministry of Health, WHO and other
UN and NGO partners, the reported cholera cases are on the increase and
spreading in many states in the south.  As of 8 March 2006, the
cumulative number of cases reported, so far in Juba is 4,203 and 81
deaths.  In Yei, the figures stand at 1,783 and the cumulative number of
deaths at 53. From 28 January to date, a total of 5,986 cases and 134
deaths with an overall case fatality rate of 2.24 percent were reported
in South Sudan. Meanwhile, in Upper Nile, the death toll has risen to
seven and over 200 patients are in the Quarantine camp run by MOH in
collaboration with NGOs. Ministry of Health at both the state and
federal levels, with support from WHO and UNICEF, are putting extensive
efforts with the community to contain the outbreak and limit the spread
of disease amongst susceptible population.. Efforts are directed towards
sanitation, surveillance and monitoring of cases.

(n)  WFP participated in a one-day preparatory workshop organized by
UNDP in Port Sudan for the upcoming Eastern Sudan Donors Conference
scheduled on first week of April 2006. In addition to WFP, participants
included State Government, national and international organizations,
community-based organizations and academics in Red Sea State who
presented a paper on priorities and strategies on poverty and
peace-building process in Red Sea. The main issues discussed in the
workshop included: (i) recommendation and application of poverty
alleviation strategies in Red Sea State; (ii) adopting conflict
resolution and peace-building process to be adopted in Red Sea State;
and 3) policies and legislations required to address poverty and
conflict resolution.

(o)  WFP actively participated in the International Women's Day
celebrations that took place in Kassala and Port Sudan during the
reporting period. In Kassala, activities included a symposium on women
rights and a visit to Fatu IDP camp where women benefiting from WFP's
FFT activities exhibited WFP food basket as well as handcrafts and
utensils made of WFP empty food containers. In Port Sudan, the theme for
the day was "Partnering with men to achieve gender equity". Celebrations
were attended by local authorities, Cooperating Partners, Women Union
and women organizations.

(p)  During the reporting period, arrivals of Chadian refugees in West
Darfur were reported following clashes across the border in Chad.
Approximately 1,300 refugees were reported to have arrived in Habila
locality, with UNHCR accordingly planning a humanitarian needs
assessment of the affected populations. A food relief committee was
established in Mornie camp during the reporting period, with membership
50 percent female. WFP and Save the Children US subsequently conducted a
workshop to familiarise the elected members with techniques for receipt
and distribution of food as well as related reporting. Elsewhere in the
state, previously established food relief committees were actively
allowing the continuation of food aid interventions in areas where
humanitarian access has been restricted due to the current level of
insecurity.

(q)  In North Darfur, the Ministry of Health released preliminary
results of a survey conducted in El Fasher town in February offering a
significant improvement in nutritional status over a similar survey
conducted in March 2005. Prevalence of global acute malnutrition and
severe acute malnutrition were recorded at 11.9 and 0.4 percent
respectively, compared to the previous figures of 17.4 and 2.6 percent.
The findings are currently being analysed within the context of wider
surveys conducted recently in Darfur. Meanwhile, WFP undertook a rapid
food needs assessment in Umjabak, near Tawila. The population, estimated
at 1,000, were noted to live in isolated conditions with limited access
to towns and markets as well as services such as health, water and
education. Food assistance for those assessed was recommended although,
due to level of insecurity currently prevalent in the area, WFP plans to
work with Cooperating Partners and establish local food relief
committees through which distributions can be effected.

(r)  During the reporting week, WFP, OCHA and WVI took part in a
humanitarian assessment in Gereida following the recent escalation of
violence in villages in the vicinity of the town where an estimated
90,000 people have gathered since November seeking refuge. Many of whom
have moved to the area with personal possessions and livestock, raising
particular concerns regarding health and water. Cooperating Partners
reported a decrease in cases of malnutrition in Kalma camp and other
locations in Nyala locality during the reporting period. Prevalence of
Global Acute Malnutrition remained at 7 percent although cases of
diarrhoea were reported to be on the increase, especially among under
the age of five.

(s)  A team headed by the Speaker of the Assembly Upper Nile State,
UNMIS head of mission in Upper Nile, UNOCHA and WFP visited to Meluit
County to assess the food security situation in the county following the
Minister of Agriculture report that indicated a total failure of food
crops.  The team will assess food security and the possible seasonal
routes for food deliveries to the area. The visit was intended to cover
three payams in this county, but was unable to do so due to time
constraints. UNMIS agreed to organize another visit to the remaining
locations.  The report of this visit will be submitted after the second
visit.

(t)  An Assessment team consisting of staff from the Sudan Relief and
Rehabilitation Commission, WFP, OXFAM and EP&R responded to a call by
senior government official and county officials to assess the reported
serious water shortage in Karokomuge, Kapoeta North County, East
Equatoria. Based on the assessment, the WFP team prepared a quick
preliminary report and together with GTZ responded to the emergency by
taking water to the location.

(u)  WFP organized two warehouse training workshops in the period 6-11
March in Port Sudan to update warehouse technical staff and Cooperating
Partners on pest management and warehouse field practice and
documentation. Participants included 50 warehouse WFP staff and five of
WFP's Cooperating Partners.

(v)  During the reporting period, WFP in collaboration with the
Humanitarian Aid Commission completed the dispatch of Non-Food Items
comprising of soap, blankets, jerry cans, hygiene kits, plastic sheets,
cooking utensils and mosquito nets to Arbaat area, Red Sea State. The
items will be distributed through Cooperating Partners and local
authorities under WFP's supervision to 952 households affected by the
gale that took place in the state in August 2005.

(w)  During the reporting week Preparations were ongoing for the planned
rolling needs assessment scheduled to commence on 17 March in Kassala.
The assessment, potentially covering Matateib, Makely, 6 Arab, Tahjur,
Gulsa, Awad and Odi, will be preceded by an orientation workshop for all
participants including FAO, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health,
Sudanese Red Crescent, WES and Practical Action.

(x)  Under food-for-education activities, WFP dispatched 64 tons of
assorted food commodities to 46 schools in Blue Nile during the
reporting period. Breakfast meals will be provided to 13,441 pupils in
the remaining 23 days of the school year. Another six tons of WFP food
will be dispatched to cover the requirements of 1,431 pupils in eight
schools in the state..

(y)  According to the Humanitarian Aid Commission and the Sudan Relief
and Rehabilitation Commission, movement of returnees to their areas of
origin continued to take place during the reporting period. Some 16
trucks carrying returning IDPs has reportedly left Bakori for Kashengaro
villages in Giessan locality with an unspecified number of people. This
group is part of the 4,000 IDPs supported by the government to return to
Giessan locality. It was also reported that a total of 1,050 returnees
arrived at Ashambu village.

(z)  WFP is preparing to conduct a rolling assessment and a verification
and registration exercise, with focus on returning villages, next week.
The rolling assessment targets nine locations in Blue Nile. The
registration and verification exercise will take place next week by 22
trained enumerators who will cover five localities in Blue Nile state.
These activities aim at verifying returnee numbers, identifying the most
vulnerable and subsequently providing the required humanitarian
assistance. In addition, WFP is pre-positioning 1,900 tons of assorted
food commodities in Challie and Kurmuk, as well as 830 tons in Damazine
to meet needs of returnees expected to be repatriated from Ethiopia
during the period March-May 2006. Present returnees and vulnerable local
residents will receive food assistance during the hunger gap up to
harvest period.

(aa)  According to IOM, a total of 10 buses arrived in Abyei town
carrying 649 returnees (204 households) during the reporting period. WFP
continued to provide food assistance to returnees in Abyei. WFP's
Cooperating Partner, Save the Children-US distributed 165 tons of food
commodities to 9,246 returnees (48 percent female) in six villages of
Mabok, Mading Acueng, Rumamer, Miokol, Gallar and Tag Alei covering
their requirements for March.

(ab)  WFP dispatched 325 tons of assorted commodities to its Cooperating
Partner, CARE International for distribution to 7,563 Food-for-Asset
participants (64 percent female) in eleven hafir sites in North Kordofan
state. Overall, seven hafirs out of the planned sixteen were completed
in the state under this activity and the remaining hafirs are expected
to be completed by the end of March 2006.

(ac)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10503.0 has so far received
contributions totalling US$116 million, 16 percent of the US$746m
requirement. Due to the slow response to the appeal, shortfalls in
certain commodities are currently anticipated from April onwards. In
response, reductions in rations of pulses, sugar and salt have already
started affecting 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.

(ad)  At the end of 2005, the Humanitarian Air Service (WFP-HAS) Special
Operation 10181.3 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. Initially, the consequences of the funding shortfall will lead to
an imminent and sizeable reduction in both the fleet size and the
frequency of flights. Ultimately, the air service will be suspended
cutting off access to remote areas which are not covered by commercial
operators and in many cases where humanitarian assistance is most
needed. This will include the helicopter service in Darfur which
provides access for the humanitarian community to locations inaccessible
by land due to current and prevailing insecurity.

(ae)  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.

(af)  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.


(10) Tanzania

(a)  A total of 4,355 refugees (778 Burundians and 3,577 DRC) have
voluntarily repatriated to their home between 1 - 31 February. During
the same month, more than 6,000 asylum seekers arrived in western
Tanzania, which is a significant increase compared to the 1,061 new
arrivals in January.

(b)  The WFP refugee operation (PRRO) has implemented ration reductions
as of 13 March in order to extend resources in anticipation of shortfall
expected 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 kcal, which is 74 percent
of the approved ration level. It is expected that WFP Tanzania will
continue distributing reduced rations until June.

(c)  Due to anticipated resource shortfall, WFP Tanzania has decided to
continue with the current ration scale for Supplementary Feeding
Programme (SFP) (150g CSB, 50 maize meal, 20g sugar, 20g vegetable oil)
and not to implement the 2004 Joint Assessment Mission (JAM)
recommendations, which were endorsed by the 2005 JAM mission, to
increase the CSB ration to 200g and remove the 50g maize meal in the SFP
ration.

(d)  WFP continues to be concerned about the health condition of more
than 7,000 Burundian asylum seekers accommodated in Kibondo's three way
stations. A quick nutrition screening, which was conducted by the
International Rescue Committee (IRC), shows an overall global wasting
level at 4 percent (<2SD) and suggest to institute nutrition
interventions. WFP is currently providing the asylum seekers with a
daily full ration of 2,100 Kcal and has extended the SFP to the way
stations from 1 March.

(e)  General distribution covers 360,079 registered refugees. During the
past week, WFP distributed 1,258 tons of food through general
distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in
western Tanzania. Around 7,500 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.

(f)  Since the last update on 8 March, Ireland contributed US$592,417,
which is yet to be programmed. A shortfall of 26,300 tons (US$15.8
million) exists up to the end of December 2006.


(11) Uganda

(a)  A UN Interagency Internal Displacement Division (UN IDD) mission
visited Uganda 6-10 March to prepare for a forthcoming Government of
Uganda/Donor/UN meeting in Geneva on 20 March that will discuss a
comprehensive plan of action and coordination mechanism to address the
crisis in northern Uganda. Jan Egeland will then visit Uganda on
30/31March to discuss the suggested action points agreed in Geneva with
senior Government of Uganda officials.

(b)  A multi-donor mission (Canada, Norway, Sweden, ECHO, USAID, DFID,
OCHA) is in Uganda from 12 to 17 March to assess the situation on the
ground and possibilities for an improved response to the crisis.

(c)  WFP is working closely with the district, government and other UN
agencies to plan joint support to the process of internally displaced
persons (IDP) return in Lira district. WFP is planning to conduct seed
and tools distribution to 35,000 IDPs in Lira, to be followed by a
three-month return food ration in May.

(d)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced
persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past
week, WFP distributed 4,548 tons of food assistance to 415,618 persons
including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira
districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other vulnerable
persons.

(e)  Access to land around the IDP camps generally increased over the
last 18 months due to a gradual reduction in violent Lord's 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 rise significantly and
the death rates of young children would increase rapidly.

(f)  WFP Pipeline shortfall through December 2006 currently stands at
70,000 tons with pipeline breaks anticipated in June 2006.



(D) West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire (2) Liberia (3) Niger

(1) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (9-15 March), the security situation
was fairly calm all over the country. However increasing attacks from
armed gangs are reported and racketeers were raging along the road
Biankouma-Sipilou as well as along the road Korhogo-Boundiali.
Humanitarians are therefore recommended to be cautious and to comply
with security instructions. WFP assessed the security system of offices
and warehouses in Korhogo, Bouake, Man and Guiglo.

(b)  Forces Nouvelles leader Guillaume Soro returned to the
government-held capital Abidjan on Tuesday after 17 months' absence to
join the new transitional government and held a closed-door meeting with
President Gbagbo. He later held talks with Prime Minister Charles Konan
Banny. On Wednesday he attended his first cabinet meeting as minister
for reconstruction and reinsertion, the number two position in
government.

(c)  The foreign minister of the Republic of Congo, which chairs the
African Union, was in Cote d'Ivoire on Wednesday for talks among
international peace brokers to monitor progress. On Friday, he
co-chaired with the UN SRSG Pierre Schori, a routine monthly meeting of
the International Working Group.

(d)  Cote d'Ivoire was granted 950 million USD to help at-risk
populations in the West through 4 clusters - protection, food security,
water and sanitation, and health - under the respective leadership of
UNHCR, FAO/WFP, UNICEF and WHO. The UN emergency relief coordinator Jan
Egeland will manage the fund.

(e)  The return of UN Humanitarian staff to Guiglo is still being
discussed. As a first step a security team will be operational in
Duekoue and relief operations are likely to resume gradually with staff
travelling back and forth.

(f)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 395 tons of
food to 76,217 beneficiaries through its sub-offices.

(g)  A 2-month ration were distributed to 2433 refugees in Tabou as well
as a one-day ration to 400 refugees, voluntary for repatriation in
transit to Liberia.

(h)  During the monitoring visit of parcels cultivated through the 2005
vegetable farming programme, the WFP Man sub-office reported that the
current heat wave in Man region had a negative impact on seedlings'
growth of gumbos, hot peppers and egg plants. A total of 1,886
beneficiaries have been assisted with food, out of which 95 girls, who
were victims of gender-based violence, through Food-for-Training
activities.

(i)  The WFP Bouake sub-office assisted 69,123 beneficiaries, i.e.
68,803 school children through school feeding and 320 voluntary teachers
and their families.

(j)  Following the food security survey in the region of Bouake, a food
security survey was also conducted in Korhogo and 144 sampled households
in 12 villages were interviewed. The results of the survey will enable
WFP to set up a food security monitoring system based on reliable
information and relevant indicators.  A total of 1,090 beneficiaries
were assisted by the WFP Korhogo sub-office.

(k)  In addition to the weekly food distributions through its 4
sub-offices, WFP assigned 13 staff to supervise the examinations for
CEPE. WFP also made its plane available to transport examinations'
papers in various localities.

(l)  As of 15 March, the regional Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO) Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali received a total of
35.1 million US dollars against the operational needs of 50.1 million US
dollars (29..7 percent shortfall or 14.9 million US dollars against
operational requirements). Additional funding is requested in order to
avoid pipeline breaks.


(2) Liberia

(a)  Crime rate in the country increased slightly during the reporting
period (6-12 March). Cases of robberies, rape and burglaries were
reported throughout the Country.

(b)  On 10 March, fighting was reported to have been broken out at the
Cavalla rubber plantation, where rival factions (ex-fighters) were
trying to gain control of the plantations.  Some eight people sustained
injuries from the fight. Further unrest is expected in other disputed
rubber plantations (Gutherie and Sinoe) and illegal mining areas.
Hundreds of ex-combatants are squatting in the rubber plantations since
2003 and are reported to be disturbing the local residents.

(c)  During the reporting period, a joint task force comprising UNMIL
and other local security services launched an operation in Monrovia to
crack down on narcotic drug dealers and users. Six people were arrested
for possession of drugs.

(d)  There was no distribution of monthly food rations to IDPs and
Refugees in camps during the reporting period.

(e)  A total of 1,034 tons of assorted commodities was distributed to
114,561 beneficiaries under Resettlement, School Feeding, FSLI and
Special feeding programs.

(f)  Distribution of resettlement package to de-registered IDPs in
Conneh commenced during the reporting period. Conneh, one of the two IDP
camps hosting IDPs in Liberia, almost half of the population in the camp
(5,279) had received their 1st tranche (two months) food package and Non
Food Items (NFIs), and are ready to return to their communities of
origin. WFP intends complete the distribution by end of March. Also
de-registration of IDPs in Buchanan camp (the last camp) is on-going.

(g)  However, riots broke out in Conneh IDP camp during the distribution
of cash component of the resettlement package.  The IDPs received less
cash than expected and claimed that they were not informed in advance
about the reduction in the cash entitlement.  As a result, one of the
vehicles for Norwegian Refugee Council (Partner handling the
distribution) was badly damaged.  The situation was later brought under
control by UNHCR and UNMIL after explaining to the IDPs that the cash
reduction was genuine. Despite the riots, WFP food distribution went on
smoothly.  Cash distribution is expected to resume soon in the camp.

(h)  During this reporting period, UNHCR repatriated some 2,798 Liberian
refugees from Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.  WFP
provided wet rations to the returnees at the various transit centers; in
addition the 1st tranche resettlement package, 95 tons was distributed.

(i)  Distribution of the second tranche (two months) food ration to
Returnees and IDPs, which completes the four months resettlement food
package, continued in Montserrado, Bong, Bomi, Capemount, Gbarpolu,
Grand Gedeh and Lofa Counties.  During the reporting period, 12,319
beneficiaries received 398 tons of assorted relief food commodities as
second tranche package.

(j)  As of 10 March, a total of 59,869 returnees were repatriated by
UNHCR and 309,799 IDP residing in camps in Liberia, have been
deregistered.  Of which, some 33,792 Returnees (72 percent) and 241,907
IDPs (88 percent) have received their four months resettlement food
package.

(k)  Under the Emergency School Feeding (ESF), WFP delivered a total of
425 tons of food to feed over 92,171 school children located in various
counties including Lofa, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba and Grand Bassa.
In Lofa County, some 13 schools received cooking utensils in addition to
the food commodities.

(l)  A total of nine tons of assorted food commodities was distributed
to 750 persons involved in Food Support for Local Initiatives (FSLI)
projects including community farming, rehabilitation of roads and income
generation training activities.

(m)  In Harper, Maryland country, food assistance was delivered to some
21 casual workers working along side with the UNMIL Pakistan Engineers
to repair the Harper /River Gee High way. This was as a result of the
recently signed MOU between UNMIL and WFP to support infrastructure
rehabilitation projects UNMIL is undertaking in various communities
through provision of food aid.

(n)  Assessment of community projects that can be supported through FSLI
programme continued during the reporting period in all the eight WFP
sub-offices.  FSLI projects assessment missions are jointly carried out
by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, LRRRC, Districts
development Commissioners, INGOs and NGOs that are providing
humanitarian services in these communities that are recovering from
conflict.

(o)  WFP distributed a total of 107 tons of food to 6,523 beneficiaries
in various institutions under the Nutrition Intervention Programmes,
including supplementary and therapeutic feeding centers; pregnant and
nursing women attending antenatal and post-natal clinics; people
affected with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and leprosy; as well as
institutions caring for orphans, the elderly, and the handicapped.

(p)  WFP Liberia operation has a total food shortfall of 2,449 tons
valued at US$ 1.83 million over the next six months, March to August
2006.The pipeline break will start in April with cereals and a critical
food shortfall affecting other commodities will commence in August.
Additional pledges and resources are needed to avert shortfalls of 1,935
tons of cereals, 416 tons of pulses, and 98 tons of vegetable oil
expected in the next six months.

(q)  On 10 March, the Country Office received a shipment of 397 tons of
Corn Soya Blend (CBS).This consignment is one of the 1790 tons of CSB
expected to arrive this month.

(r)  During the reporting period, a total of 842 tons of assorted food
commodities was dispatched from Monrovia to various sub offices in the
country, in continuation of the March 2006 food distributions. Of this
quantity, the private commercial transporters moved 704 tons, 84
percent, while the WFP Fleet moved 138 tons, 16 percent.

(s)  Preparations for the comprehensive food security and nutrition
survey are still on course.  Training of the 80 remunerators for the
survey was completed during the reporting period. Data collection will
commence on 17 March for a period of four to five weeks. The survey will
be carried throughout the country.

(t)  WFP participated in the IDP consultative forum meeting that took
place on 10 March.  The main issues discussed in the forum included
review of the draft terms of reference for the Participatory IDP camps
closure that was prepared by UNHCR. Following the on-going closure of
IDP camps, the humanitarian community saw the need to have guidelines to
address the issue of camp closure and clean up.  The draft of the camp
closure strategy is in its final stages of finalization.

(u)  The IDP consultative forum also requested that resettlement package
be provided to some 800 IDPs whose names were deleted from the WFP
feeding log due to lack of resettlement tickets. WFP agreed to this
request and NFIs will also be provided.

(v)  The Country office received a Protection mission from Rome. The key
issues the mission is expected to handle include; providing programme
support to integrate protection issues into the WFP work plan; holding
consultative meetings with members of the protection working group in
Liberia and visiting some return communities to review WFP beneficiary
protection concerns.


(3) Niger

(a)  WFP's Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (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. Unfortunately almost no stocks
from the current Emergency Operation will be available to transfer to
the PRRO and therefore, immediate contributions are needed to avoid
pipeline breaks in May.

(b)  PRRO 10509.0 is mainly focused on recovery elements designed to
help populations affected by the 2005 food crisis rebuild their
livelihoods and improve the nutritional state of children. Relief
activities are limited to the targeted general distributions. 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).

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

(d)  One contribution for 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 or 85 percent of the PRRO
requirements.



(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Madagascar (4) Malawi
(5) Mozambique (6) Swaziland (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe

(1) Angola

(a)  Assessments of damage caused by the lack of rainfall in southern
Angola are ongoing. A mission composed of high-ranking officials from
the Ministries of Agriculture, Territorial Administration and Planning
is visiting the affected areas. Although the mission is still assessing
the situation, local officials in Huambo Province indicate that up to
210,000 families could be at risk. Authorities in Huila Province say
600,000 people are likely to have been directly affected by the failure
of rains since December. Other provinces include Benguela, Cunene and
Namibe. Amongst those most impacted by the lack of rain will be the
refugees who have recently returned to the country. WFP continues to
monitor the situation closely. Amongst the actions being considered in
the long term is the rehabilitation and construction of irrigation
ditches. This will not only help avoid similar situations in the future,
but will also provide aid to the affected population through Food-
for-Work projects.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  During the reporting period (8-15 March), WFP and Cooperating
Partners provided food to over 43,000 people.  Beneficiaries were
participants in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, mother and childcare, orphans
and other vulnerable children programmes, as well as Food-for-Work (FFW)
and Food-for-Assets (FFA) projects.

(b)  WFP, in consultation with Cooperating Partners, has finalized a
revised 2006 distribution forecast, based on an anticipated reduction in
resource levels. Beginning April 2006, WFP food assistance will target
vulnerable households in the Southern Lowlands and Senqu River Valley
Areas. These households were identified from the joint WFP and
government targeting exercise that took place between August and October
2005. Although heavy rains that have been falling since January have
boosted aggregate rainfall to near-normal levels, and there is a
possibility of an improved harvest, rural poverty persists at extremely
high levels. WFP's recent assessments of poverty have identified some
220,000 persons in 38,000 households that are chronically vulnerable to
hunger, and without access to land and/or agricultural inputs to farm
land.


(3) Madagascar

(a)  In response to damage resulting from the passage of tropical
cyclone "Boloetse" earlier in the year, WFP and Cooperating Partners are
implementing Food-for-Work projects in the communes of Itampolo and
Androka (southern Madagascar) with the participation of approximately
27,000 beneficiaries.


(4) Malawi

(a)  Prolonged dry spells ranging from two weeks to almost a month in
localized parts of the central, northern and southern regions have
raised concerns of reduced maize production prospects from an initial
crop estimate of 2.4 million tons. The situation has also affected the
production of other crops such as beans, cassava, sweet potatoes and
tobacco. The impact of the dry spells on crop production will be
provided subsequent to the second crop assessment study.

(b)  The supply of maize in ADMARC depots remains erratic and local
market prices continue to escalate further exacerbating household food
security. In an effort to meet immediate food needs, some households are
engaging in piece work in exchange for food or cash, selling livestock
at reduced prices, selling firewood and resorting to alternative coping
mechanisms, however the scarcity of casual labour opportunities and a
drop in livestock prices have negatively affected household income and
purchasing power. Households that have been targeted by food aid
continue to benefit and the assistance has helped to mitigate the
negative impacts of this year's hunger season.


(5) Mozambique

(a)  On Wednesday, 15 March, two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.6 on
the Richter scale shook Mozambique in the central province of Manica,
the same region that was affected by the 22 February earthquake, which
measured 7.5. While there was some panic in Manica and Beira, there have
been no reports of casualties or damage.

(b)  The rising level of the Zambezi River remains of concern,
particularly in the districts of Mopeia, Chinde (Zambezia Province), and
Caia and Marromeu (Sofala Province), where it has passed the flood alert
level of 5 metres. In Marromeu, people have fled their homes, located on
small islands on the river, in search of higher ground. In Tete
Province, flooding in Zumbo and Mutarara districts has caused crop loss
and the relocation of families. In Alto Mulocue, heavy rains have
resulted in the destruction of 21 houses and the displacement of 25
families. The National Institute of Disaster Management is closely
monitoring the situation, and WFP is ready to provide food assistance if
necessary.


(6) Swaziland

(a)  Field reports indicate that maize planted in November and December
in Lubombo has matured and is ready for harvesting.  However, in the
Lowveld and Middleveld, erratic rains combined with dry spells have
negatively affected maize crops. Farmers who re-planted maize in January
remain hopeful that their crops will mature, and weeding activities are
ongoing.


(7) Zambia

(a)  A UNICEF lead nutritional survey including representatives from the
Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WFP has been concluded. A total of 22
districts, in the Southern, Western, Eastern and Central provinces were
visited. The National Food and Nutrition Commission are currently
drafting the report. Preliminary findings indicate cases of oedema were
discovered in a number of wards. As an immediate intervention, in
collaboration with Cooperating Partners, relief distributions are being
organised. In addition HEPS will be supplied to health centres in close
proximity to the affected wards. While Cooperating Partners will inform
and advise communities and households to bring underweight children to
the Health Centres, an intervention targeted at the rehabilitation of
severely affected children will be formulated and implemented by the
Ministry of Health and UNICEF.

(b)  Rainfall in the Eastern Province of Zambia has been fairly good in
the majority of areas. However Lundazi, Chadiza and Chama received late
rains and continue to experience rainfall deficits.  Due to late
planting, the harvest is not expected until the end of April or early
May.  The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) are organising
a number of airlifts to inaccessible areas in the Eastern Province,
mainly in Mambwe and Petauke districts as number of roads and bridges
have been washed away due to previous heavy rainfall. A total 250 tons
will be airlifted.

(c)  Following the restoration of full rations to refugees in Zambia
from the beginning of March, authorities in Kala and Mwange camps have
reported a marked drop in the number refugees who have been travelling
to nearby villages in search of extra food. This development has
significantly reduced security concerns for local government officials.
A meeting of the Tripartite Commission (the Governments of Zambia,
Angola, and UNHCR) was held in Luanda, Angola on 1-2 March 2006. An
agreement was reached whereby the voluntary repatriation of Angolan
refugees, which was to close on 31 December 2005, will be extended to
December 2006. Currently there are approximately 26,500 Angolan refugees
remaining in camps and settlements in Zambia.  In 2005, WFP assisted in
the repatriation of over 17,000 Angolan refugees by providing hot food
at transit centres and packed food for refugees while they were
travelling. A shortfall of USD4.4 million remains for WFP's assistance
to Zambia's refugee programme in 2006.


(8) Zimbabwe

(a)  In March 2006, WFP plans to reach 3.6 million beneficiaries with
37,000 tons of food under the Vulnerable Group Feeding programme. An
additional one million beneficiaries will receive 4,000 tons of food
through School Feeding, Home Based Care, Orphan and other Vulnerable
Children, and Mother Child Health programmes. Due to pipeline
constraints, the pulse ration will be reduced from 1kilo/person/month to
0.5 kilo/person/month.

(b)  Figures released by the Central Statistics Office show that
Zimbabwe's annual rate of inflation for February 2006 surged to 782
percent, up from 613 percent from January 2006. This implies, on
average, household goods and services are now nine times as expensive in
February 2006 when compared to February 2005. According to WFP's
bi-weekly price collection, year on year maize grain price inflation
averaged record levels of 1,900 percent, outpacing inflation in other
sectors.

(c)  Monitoring reports indicate that people who are not receiving food
aid are harvesting their immature maize crops, which will negatively
impact the 2005/2006 harvest. The issue of early harvesting of maize
crops and its impact on food security was brought to the attention of
district authorities, who indicated they would take up the matter with
the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) with hopes of increasing grain
dispatches. The GMB depots continue to supply insufficient maize to
wards. In the west, GMB maize meal prices have risen from ZWD 282,000 to
ZWD 785,000 for a 50 kilo bag. However, in the south, where the last GMB
supply was in December 2005, maize meal in local shops is being sold at
ZWD 5,000,000 for a 50kg bag.. The current UN exchange rate is
ZWD109,125 to USD1.



(F) Asia: (1) Indonesia (2) Myanmar (3) Philippines (4) Timor Leste

(1) Indonesia

(a)  During the reporting period (1-28 February), the general security
situation in Indonesia remained calm. Security related incidents were
reported at a few locations around the country but there are no
indications of threats directed towards the United Nations staff and
assets. The recent publication of controversial cartoons in the media in
Denmark has resulted in expressions of outrage in a number of Muslim
countries including Indonesia. The protests in Indonesia, however, have
been so far peaceful.

(b)  In February, some 20 Avian Influenza deaths have been reported in
Indonesia. The Country Office continues to monitor closely all
developments related to Avian Influenza, and is working with the UN
Country Team to prepare for any possible outbreak.

(c)  During the reporting period, WFP provided 6,930 tons to 1,377,862
beneficiaries.

(d)  Food distributions for Targeted Food for Recovery (TFFR) programme
continued without major delays throughout Aceh and North Sumatra
Provinces. The number of beneficiaries, however, reduced by about 60,000
(from 490,000 in January to about 430,000 in February) from the last
month's number, which reflects the Areas Office's efforts to downsize
the TFFR programme in pace with the overall recovery of the tsunami
affected people.

(e)  3,500 conflict-affected people in Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah are
being supported with two month food basket consisting of five
commodities - rice, canned fish, vegetable oil, fortified noodles and
biscuits.

(f)  In Aceh and Nias, the School Feeding is planned to expand (upto
about 450,000) in the coming months into new districts where the
Nutrition Survey Report disseminated in late January indicated high
level of malnutrition, including Aceh Barat Daya, Nagan Raya, and
Simeulue. At the same time, WFP is targeting assistance to more needy
beneficiaries withdrawing from schools in district centres, and
increasing focus in more vulnerable rural areas. In an effort to improve
targeting, in March WFP will withdraw from 28 primary schools (13,000
beneficiaries) in district centre of Lhokseumawe and four schools in
Aceh Utara. This decision was made after several monitoring visits and
observations, and the reduction was agreed with the respective local
Department of Education.

(g)  Expansion of the Mother Child Nutrition (MCN) programme in Aceh &
Nias is underway. WFP is conducting a series of socialization and
training events for officials from the Department of Health and
Cooperating Partners (PMI) in Aceh Utara and Aceh Barat Daya. WFP
Intends to reach an estimated 170,000 MCN beneficiaries in Aceh and Nias
in 2006.

(h)  WFP Nias Field Office is implementing an emergency MCN programme in
Nias Selatan District covering 7,500 children under the age of five,
pregnant women and lactating mothers. This emergency intervention will
be completed in March. Preparation for the roll-out of the regular MCN
programme is proceeding concurrently.

(i)  In West Timor (NTT), the Dried Skimmed Milk (DSM) project commenced
during the reporting period. The food rations for 75,000 severely
malnourished children in three districts were dispatched. Food
distribution will be organized by 63 Community Health Centres
(Puskesmas) and will be delivered to 2,070 Local Health Posts
(Posyandus).

(j)  UNICEF and WHO expressed their appreciation for the WFP posyandu
programme in East Java, which has made a substantial contribution in
reaching all children in the polio vaccination campaign. In areas
supported by WFP, the polio vaccination outreach is much higher than in
other areas.

(k)  In East Java, a draft proposal was finalized for strengthening the
Nutrition Education at primary schools. The project targets 15 schools
in Sampang. The project will be implemented in collaboration with
UNICEF. It follows a FRESH approach and aims to achieve 4 outputs:
Preparing a wall display in all classes on nutrition, health and
environment by school children, establishing school rules and policies
with regard to a healthy school environment, providing de-worming
tablets and fortified biscuits, renovating water and sanitation
facilities.

(l)  Food for Work (FFW) has been proposed in a few villages affected by
a devastating flash flood in Jember district of East Java. The
activities begun in March.

(m)  In its ongoing effort to improve programme management, the Country
Office has developed monitoring database software. Using intranet, all
sub-offices and area offices will be able to upload their monthly
progress information in the agreed reporting formats. Currently training
is being organized in Aceh Area Office for all the programme staff on
the new reporting and database system.

(n)  The independent research institute, SEAMEO, made a presentation on
WFP's School Feeding Evaluation Study in comparison to the Baseline for
the Greater Jakarta area. The key results are that the level of iron has
improved significantly, the prevalence of anemia decreased from 24
percent to 10 percent, the prevalence of iron deficiency decreased from
8 percent to 5 percent and low iron stores from 26 percent to 20
percent, all aspects of cognitive performance had also improved, albeit
small.

(o)  To date, USD 63 million has been resourced under the Protracted
Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO), including donor contributions,
Trust Fund allocations and the transfer of resources from the previous
Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10405.0 Most of the contributions transferred
from EMOP to the PRRO are restricted to tsunami affected areas (Aceh and
Nias). Meanwhile, other areas (East and Central) of Indonesia are
receiving limited resources. There is a shortfall of USD 19.3 million
for the rest of 2006, based on the status of confirmed contributions.

(p)  Status of Social Development Center (Street Children Project) in
Jakarta. All structural-concrete works for the three buildings have been
completed. In March, finishing works is on going. Roof-steel frames for
the Management Office have been installed.

(q)  17 multi function community centers at Yahukimo district in Papua.
Based on a special request from the Government of Indonesia, WFP has
agreed to construct 17 food storage-cum-multi function community centres
in the very interiors of Papua province. The technical documents of
these multi function community centers of Yahukimo have been finalized.


(2) Myanmar

(a)  During the reporting period (1-15 March), the Security Management
Team and the United Nations Country Team held a meetings on 15 March,
FAO and WHO briefed on the suspected Avian Influenza cases reported in
Mandalay.. Though there is no technical confirmation as yet on the H5N1
Avian Influenza virus (tests are being carried out in Australia and
Thailand) discussions focused on funding, contingency plans, and
essential staffing. WHO also confirmed that there has been no case of
virus transfer from bird to human.

(b)  It has been confirmed with the Government Counterpart Department
that WFP will need to set up Logistic Bases in Sittway for Protracted
Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) and Mandalay Emergency Operation
(EMOP) in the next project cycle. This arrangement is expected to
shorten the current long food transport procedure and improve the
pipeline situation which has beleaguered operations especially in
Northern Rakhine State.

(c)  International Woman Day (IWD) celebrations were held in all WFP
sub-Offices highlighting this year's theme: "Partnering with Men to
Achieve Gender Equality". Activities included drama competition, school
drawing competitions,

(d)  The PRRO Evaluation/Formulation Mission completed its final
deliberations in the first week of March and recommended that food
assistance is still very much needed in Northern Rakhine State and
Magway Division and made further recommendations in improving the
monitoring of the programmes under a new PRRO phase.

(e)  Under PRRO 10066.2, a total of 280 tons of mixed food commodities
were dispatched to Maungdaw and Magway Sub-Offices for
Food-for-Education (FFE), Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) and
Food-for-Work (FFW) activities. In Maungdaw area, 256 tons were
distributed to 24,850 beneficiaries for the last month of
Food-for-Education and also for TB patients under the Malteser
programme.

(f)  Under EMOP 10345.1, a total of 160 TONS of rice was dispatched to
Lashio and Pang Kham Sub- Offices for FFE, FFW and VGF activities. In
Wa, three tons of rice was distributed as an emergency response to 158
fire victims in Mong Maw Township. Food security analysis is being
carried out in all four WFP sub-offices and initiatives taken to carry
out food security assessments in Taunggyi and Lashio area prior to the
fielding of EMOP evaluation and formulation mission during the last week
of March 2006.

(g)  UNICEF Regional Director from Bangkok visited WFP Taunggyi
sub-Office and commended on strengthening of UNICEF and WFP
collaboration in the Taunggyi area. WFP is supporting Early Child
Development (ECD) centres through a partnership with UNICEF and a local
community based organization.


(3) Philippines

(a)  During the reporting period (1-15 March), President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo lifted the state of the emergency that was declared
following an alleged military coup plot on the 24th of February.  The
decree expanded the powers of the military and police, banned rallies
and permitted arrests without warrants.  Following the lifting of the
decree on 3 March, the streets of Manila was calm, but the Government is
monitoring the situation. At least 16 people were arrested in connection
with the alleged coup plot.

(b)  In the southern Mindanao-region, the security situation was
reportedly calm.  In Cotabato City on the East coast, the streets are
after 7pm and UN staff have a 6 pm curfew.  There were threats of
insecurity from renegade/splinter elements of the rebel groups the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Moro National Liberation Front
(MNLF) and the Aby Sayyaf Group (ASG).  The Ramos highway which runs
from Cotabato north up to Marawi was opened.

(c)  The first WFP team has arrived in the Philippines and started
operations to feed 2.1 million people in Mindanao.  The operation
provides assistance to people affected by the ongoing conflict in
Mindanao.  As of 15 March, eight WFP staff were on mission in the
Philippines.

(d)  The main Emergency Operation (EMOP) activity, WFP provided 55
percent of the total tonnage under the School-Feeding programme to
primary school children and account for.  Other activities included
Food-For Work (20 percent), Mother and Child Nutrition- MCN- (15
percent) while the remaining 10 percent was resettlement rations for
Internally Displaced People (IDPs), Food-for-Training (FFT), support to
TB-patients and reintegration support to demobilized soldiers.

(e)  WFP begun identifying Cooperating Partners (CPs) for the various
programme activities in Mindanao.  WFP is looking for 5-6 partners for
the five provinces (110 municipalities).  Discussions are underway with
DSWD, Save the Children, Community Family Services International,
Philippines Business of Social Progress, Accion Contra el Hambre,
Catholic Relief Services and the German Technical Development
Cooperation (GTZ).

(f)  WFP has also been discussing with the World Bank the possibility of
using funds from the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) social
fund to provide Non-Food Items to WFP programmes.  This includes e.g.
water-sanitation and cooking utensils for the School-Feeding programme,
nutritional education materials for the Mther and Child Nutrition (MCN)
programme and tools and equipment for Food-For Work.

(g)  WFP is also working with the Canadian Local Government Support
Progamme to see if they can focus more attention on assisting the Local
Government Units where WFP will be operating.  Having local government
support is crucial for the successful implementation of the programme.

(h)  Under School Feeding activity, WFP had originally intended to
provide oil as take-home rations to the 137,000 targeted children but
has now adjusted the rations to rice.  This was mainly done to keep
rations in line with what is being provided through the existing
Government programme and in view of the low probability of getting oil
donations.  The programme is foreseen to start following the end of
school vacations on 15 June but food stocks will be prepositioned one
month in advance. WFP is working with GTZ to provide technical services
in the same schools targeted under the programme.

(i)  At present WFP estimates that only 20 percent of the targeted
schools are suitable for on-site feeding using Corn Soy Blend, oil and
sugar.  The prerequisites are that the schools have a suitable water and
sanitation system, sufficient space for cooking and storage of food, a
functioning Parent-Teacher Association and that it can provide
complementary inputs such as vegetables and firewood.

(j)  WFP has begun conducting LCA/LTSH needs and verification for
Mindanao and has completed port assessments of Iligan and Cagayan del
Oro.  The three remaining ports in General de Santos, Davao and Cotabato
will be assessed next week. Discussions with the National Food Authority
(NFA) continue regarding warehouse and labour services.  During the
reporting period, WFP met with the Regional Manager in Cagayan del Oro
and visited warehouse facilities now under renovation. WFP has also
initiated discussions with potential transporters in the region.

(k)  In Cagayan del Oro the price of white corn has increased to
Php11.60 (US$0.23) per kg or US$225 per ton, and similar levels have
been recorded in General de Santos and Davao City. The availability is
limited and the main product consumed by the population is maize grit
which is expensive.

(l)  FITTEST has completed an initial ICT survey with an estimated
budget of $435,000.  The overall figure includes $137,000 in costs
related to MOSS/MISTS requirements.  WFP's is expanding communication in
the south; this means that communications infrastructure will be
established in the area.

(m)  Out of the US$27 million needed, WFP Philippines has so far
received IRA/DSC/ODOC-advances of around US$2.5 million to start up
operations. Consultations with donor representatives are underway both
in Manila and in WFP headquarters in Rome. WFP resourcing projections
stand at US$10.3 million (38 percent), mainly of medium probability.


(4) Timor Leste

(a)  The Security Phase in february was Phase 1 throughout Timor-Leste.
Travel advisory for all regions is as follows: no movement at night, No
travel without communication,Travel plans are submitted for approval to
the Regional Security Officers, and, security clearance must be obtained
before traveling to countries where security phases are in effect.

(b)  In late January, the Enclave of Oecusse was subject to high winds,
rains and flash floods causing severe damage to property, livestock,
infrastructure and the natural environment. The Country Office (CO) met
with the Under Secretary of the Region who briefed WFP on the extent of
damages as well as coordination efforts to ameliorate the situation. It
was agreed that the Government should provide the initial assistance of
Non-Food Items (NFI) and Food Items. WFP would then jointly assess the
food needs until the harvest and act accordingly.

(c)  In the monthly meeting of all stakeholders and developing partners
in the Education Sector, WFP made a presentation on the progress of the
School Feeding activity. Discussions also touched on the project impact
on agriculture production. The World Bank suggested that the project be
in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and
Fisheries.

(d)  The CD met with the Minister of Labour and Community Reinsertion to
discuss the forthcoming Chinese consignment (4,500mt rice and 50mt oil)
due to arrive in March. WFP alerted the Government on the heavy
financial and operational responsibility of the consignment and offered
its experience and the possibility of matching the cash funds if both
the donor and the Government consider it as part of PRRO. The Minister
will consult the Cabinet on this issue and accordingly advise WFP.

(e)  Two separate meetings took place on 13 February with USAID and the
US Ambassador regarding the need for the release of the second million
donor contribution to the PRRO. A briefing note on the progress of
activities was provided to both for their perusal and update to
Washington.

(f)  Regarding the Basic Agreement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has
sent the final draft to the Minister of Planning and Finance for the
Minister's final agreement before Government/WFP signing of the
document.

(g)  WFP has had several meetings with CARE to discuss possible means of
collaboration between the two. CARE is planning to phase out its
supplementary feeding activity, currently funded by ECHO. An initial
agreement has been made for WFP to use the monitoring format and
database developed by CARE /MCH activity used during the past few years.
Efforts are also being undertaken to develop a plan and costing of the
use of CARE fleet for moving WFP food to the districts. Currently WFP is
relying solely on IOM.

(h)  The Prime Minister's office has stated its intention to take over
and expand the School Feeding Activity into non-WFP targeted areas
nationwide. The CO met with a representative of the PM's office to
provide a SF progress report and to offer guidance.

(i)  The CD met with the UNICEF Regional Nutrition Officer and Head of
Nutrition UNICEF/TL. UNICEF has obtained 20 measuring board for dispatch
to the Health Posts participating in WFP-MCH program. It was agreed that
de-worming tablets would be distributed in schools participating in the
School Feeding activity in Liquica District.  UNICEF is ready when
needed to provide technical assistance for the MCH activity (nutrition
and monitoring).

(j)  A SMT meeting was held on 22 February. Participants were briefed on
the Dengue situation in the country. The Chief Medical Officer advised
that the UN hospital is receiving an average of three cases per day of
infected staff and/or staff family members. It was mentioned that the
cost of treatment is high (reaching USD$5,000 for a one-week
hospitalization) given the lack of in-country facilities necessitating
the need for intensive care to be sought in Darwin, Australia.
Evacuations are also very costly.

(k)  Under the School Feeding programme, WFP with Ministry Of Education
and Culture had delivery 48 tons of rice, 11 tons of Beans, 7 Oil tons,
39 tons of CSB, 4 tons of sugar and one ton of BP-5 and cooking utensils
to Atauro, Liquica, Ainaro and Oecussi district for 18,685 students.The
remaining two districts, Bobonaro and Covalima, the items will be
delivered in mid-March.

(l)  Under the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) activity, WFP with
Department of Health delivered 64 tons of Corn Soya Blended (CSB), 10
tons of Oil, and 6 tons of sugar to 22 health post/Community Health
Center in Liquica and Ainaro districts with the total beneficiaries
7,622. The remaining three districts Oecussi, Bobonaro and Covalima the
food will be delivery by mid of March.

(m)  Cooking demonstrations of CSB for School Feeding and MCH have taken
place in Liquica and Ainaro districts. The demonstrations are expected
to expand to others districts in March.

(n)  WFP did a Rapids Emergency Food Needs Assessment. The Government
had also completed an initial assessment and had identified 556
households for immediate food aid. Under the SF activity, WFP with the
Department of Education distributed 187 bags of rice, 37 bags of beans
59 cartons of vegetable oil, 15 bags of sugar, 299 bags of CSB and 29
cartons of High Energy Biscuit prior to disaster areas to 3,589
students.

(o)  The CO discussed with the Government (Ministry of Land and
Community Reinsertion) the different means of sending food stocks to the
region as the regular ferry was not operational. Alternative means
considered were: hiring the Atauro Express (small ferry); and to travel
to the Enclave by roads through West Timor. The latter was discussed
with Indonesian Embassy and the Government and appears to be feasible
but not currently recommended given mounting tensions developing along
the border.

(p)  The CO is in contact with ODB on the possibility to place an
advance LPO to farmers being organized by USAID/ AgriBusiness, for
cultivation of new land and additional production during the next
harvest season. ODB sees that there should be no commitment from WFP to
farmers, however there may be ongoing dialogue on this issue.

(q)  During the last six months WFP has received total of 2,486 tons of
different food commodities, up-to-date 182 tons has been dispatched to
Oecussi district (129 tons in February), 28 tons of rice has been
delivered to Suai warehouse ready for distribution, and about 185 tons
of CSB, Sugar, Beans and V.oil has been distributed to Primary schools
and Health centers in both Liquica and Ainaro, adding to this about 9
tons sent to Atauro to cover SFP requirements.



(G) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba (4)
Ecuador (5) El Salvador (6) Nicaragua

(1) Bolivia

(a)  During the reporting period (10-17 March), rain continued in the
affected areas of Santa Cruz and Beni, however, it was not as intense as
in previous months.  Efforts have been on-going in the Department of
Santa Cruz in order to get Rio Grande to its original track; for
instance, further defensive and reforestation plans will be soon
developed. Some of the cattle were rescued by the affected families in
the past week. The National Association of oil seeds and wheat producers
donated forage for the livestock.

(b)  As of 15 March, an estimated 11,600 affected families received 255
tons of food in the Departments of Santa Cruz, Beni and La Paz.

(c)  Under the Emergency Operation (IR-EMOP 10511.0), food was
distributed in the Department of La Paz, where some 3,380 affected
families in the rural Municipality of Puerto Acosta benefited from
approximately 71 tons of food aid. In Santa Cruz, 39 tons of food has
been delivered to 1,867 families sheltered in camps in the Municipality
of San Julian.

(d)  New affected communities have been assessed by WFP counterparts in
Potosi. A total of 1,644 families have been affected in the
Municipalities of Colcha K, Tupiza and Uncia. WFP has authorized food
assistance to these families with the IR-EMOP and development resources.
WFP initiated an in-depth food security and nutritional assessment of
families sheltered in camps of Santa Cruz. This survey will provide
baseline information to follow up in the next months.

(e)  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.  Joint efforts with
the Government and UN Agencies are underway to prepare a Rehabilitation
Plan to be presented to the donor community.


(2) Colombia

(a)  The situation is tense in the Province of Antioquia. According to
reports some 100 families fled due to clashes between illegal armed
groups and the Colombian Army in Dabeiba, Sonson and Yondo people fled
their homes. In Taraza, Argelia, Abejorral, Narino, San Francisco,
Granada, Cocorna, San Carlos, San Rafael, Urrao and Caucasia, a similar
situation occurred. WFP is currently evaluating the situation in order
to provide emergency food aid support, if required.

(b)  WFP's Executive Board President, Mr. Mirza Qamar Beg, visited
Colombia last week. Mr. Beg met with Colombian Government high level
Representatives and discussed with them the need to increase
humanitarian assistance to IDP's. He also held a meeting with
representatives from UN agencies in Colombia. He visited different WFP
activities in the outskirts of Cartagena, Province of Bolivar and the
Province of Choco, where he spoke with WFP beneficiaries.

(c)  Illegal armed rebels have blockaded the road in Province of Choco.
The security conditions tense to humanitarian assistance. WFP intends to
transport food aid supplies through this road with UN security office in
Colombia.  Six rebels were killed in rural areas of the Municipality of
Florencia, Province of Caqueta (southern Colombia), where the Colombian
Army seized weapons, explosives and ammunition.

(d)  Colombia's parliamentary elections were marred by threats of
violence from a major illegal armed group.  Although the group killed
some 35 people in different parts of the country. WFP's food aid
deliveries in Colombia were temporarily suspended during the elections
period.

(e)  Under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10366,
"Assistance to People Displaced by Violence", WFP distributed 271 tons
of food in nine provinces to 32,226 beneficiaries, under the
Food-for-Work, Food-for-Training, School and Preschool Feeding, Nursing
and Expectant Mothers, Nutritional Recovery and Emergency Food Aid.


(3) Cuba

(a)  Drought continued in the Province of Camaguey, rainfall continue to
be lower than average.

(b)  Under the Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10423.0 is ongoing: 341 tons
of oil, 705 tons of rice, 643 tons of black beans in Guantanamo, 152
tons of rice in the Pronvice of Granma.

(c)  EMOP 10423.0 is resourced at 20 percent; the operation also
received IRA 1.2 million. US$446,200 contribution has been confirmed US$
2,953,800 is urgently needed to meet outstanding requirements.


(4) Ecuador

(a)  Heavy rains and floods continued in the coastal Provinces of Los
Rios, Esmeraldas, Guayas and Manabi.  Houses, basic infrastructures and
crops were severely damaged. On 17 February, Ecuadorian Government
declared state of emergency in 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.

(b)  During the reporting period, heavy rains were reported in the
coastal Province of Manabi.  An estimated 1083 families were affected.
In Tosagua, 833 families lost homes and property. According to the
Ministry of Agriculture an estimated 20,000 hectares of crops have been
destroyed in the Provinces of Los Rios and Guayas.  In the Province of
El Oro, the rivers Arenillas and Zarumilla are overflowed while hundreds
of families have been displaced.

(c)  On March 13, Ecuadorian indigenous uprising in the Province of
Cotopaxi protested against FTA and Oxy Oil Company demanding the
organization of a National Constituent Assembly. Other provinces have
joined the protest. Roads in the provinces of Carchi, Imbabura,
Tungurahua, Chimborazo and Cotopaxi are blocked.  An estimated one
thousand indigenous people walked to Quito.

(d)  Colombian troops in La Victoria have restricted the entrance of
products and gas between El Carmelo (Ecuador) and La Victoria
(Colombia).

(e)  On 11 March, Colombian aircraft violated Ecuadorian airspace in
Puerto Nuevo (Sucumbios).  According to the community, two aircrafts
flew 5 km of the border and attacked the guerrilla in Teteye, Colombian
territory.

(f)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, on 8 March, a low
intensity quake of 4.3 in the Richter scale was registered in the
coastal Province of Los Rios, on 9 March, a low intensity quake of 4.7
in the Richter scale was registered in the Province of Carchi. According
to the National Geophysical Institute, volcanic activity continued to be
moderate at the Tungurahua Volcano with moderate emissions of ashes,
steam and gas. Loud roars coming from the volcano and incandescent rocks
were also registered. Reventador Volcano continued to emit of steam,
gas, and ashes. Due to bad weather conditions, monitoring of the volcano
has been difficult.

(g)  Distribution of food rations under the Emergency Operation (ECU
EMOP) 10381.0 started last week. Monitoring and evaluation of the
operation is on going. A monitoring and evaluation report will be
presented at the end of March.

(h)  On 15 March 15, WFP with the Civil Defense, Ministry of Agriculture
and Ministry of Welfare started distribution of 800 tons of food rations
to affected families areas affected by floods in the coastal Provinces
of Los Rios and El Oro. WFP mission will distribute 1000 tons of food
rations to families in the Province of Manabi.

(i)  Procurement of 204 tons of commodities is on going. 15,000 tons of
emergency food rations will be distributed to affected families in the
coastal areas affected by the floods.  Commodities were delivered on
March 17 to the provincial warehouses of Guayas and Manabi.

(j)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10381.0 has received a contribution
of US$357,000 to continue its operations. In order to complete the
operation, there is a need of funding for $399,506. Funds for
procurement of emergency commodities are available according to the
Contingency Agreement among WFP, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Welfare and the Civil Defense.


(5) El Salvador

(a)  Municipal and Mayoral elections were held on 12 March, however,
allegations of fraud and vote rigging is still being investigated. In
San Salvador, the left-wing FMLN has been declared the winner of the
Mayoral post. Tensions were high in the capital as the Supreme Electoral
Tribunal (TSE) struggled to declare the winner of the San Salvador
Mayoral race. Several people were reported injured from rubber bullets
and tear gas utilized in by National Police force in attempts to ward
off the protestors.

(b)  According to the National Service for Territorial Studies (SNET),
the Santa Ana (Ilamatepec) volcano remains stable with moderate
activity. A 5 km radius exclusion zone remains at alert level red.

(c)  Under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10212.0,
distribution to chronically malnourished children under the age of five
and pregnant and lactating women in 62 of the poorest municipalities are
programmed to begin soon. 465 tons of cereals, beans, CSB and vegetable
oil will be delivered.

(d)  On 9-10 March, WFP organized and participated in a Regional
workshop together with Nutritional Institute for Central America &
Panama PAHO / INCAP and Regional Food Security and Nutrition programme
(PRESANCA). Participants included specialists in the area of design,
execution and evaluation of food assistance programs and nutrition. The
sessions focused on the study, design and execution of feeding programs
targeting populations living in extreme poverty.

(e)  The PRRO is facing shortfalls of 4,236 tons over the next six
months with forecasted pipeline breaks for CSB starting in April,
followed by all other commodities in May. The current lack of resources
will severely limit WFP in it's response to the recovery efforts.


(6) Nicaragua

(a)  The labor conflict of the health sector continued in its fourth
month without any solution. As a result, medical attention at public
health centers was suspended since 18th January. Furthermore, a partial
strike of the public transport sector is affecting transportation in the
capital. A solution to the conflict is being negotiated. WFP is
monitoring the situation.

(b)  On 5 March, regional elections were held in the Northern and
Southern Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN and RAAS). During the
reporting period, protests over the election results lead to the
occupation of public installations, road blockades and violent
confrontations between affiliates of the indigenous political party,
YATAMA, and the police.

(c)  Under the Protracted Relief and Protracted Operation (PRRO)
10212.0, an estimated 56,700 school children in the Northern Autonomous
Atlantic Region (RAAN) were provided food under the Food-for-Education
Programme.. Prolonged labor conflict of the medical sector has reduced
the number of beneficiaries under the Mother and Child Health Care
component receiving food assistance. An estimated 994 pregnant and
lactating women and 1,670 children under the age of two benefiting from
food distributions.

(d)  The PRRO 10212.0 urgently needs resources to avoid pipeline break
and to continue to provide assistance to families. The PRRO 10212.0 will
experience shortfalls for the next six months, beginning in April, of
Corn Soya Blend 726 tons, maize 1,114 tons, beans 204 tons and vegetable
oil 136 tons.


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


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