WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 12 / 2006 - Date 24 March 2006


This report includes:

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



(A) Highlights

(a)  In Chad, a total of 46,868 pupils in 254 schools will be assisted
with a 45-day ration.

(b)  The Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG) recommended an
increase to 80 percent coverage of the population in Mandera and Wajir
districts in north-eastern Kenya. The number of beneficiaries assisted
through general food distributions will now increase by 221,000.

(c)  Persistent insecurity continued to hinder the smooth implementation
of humanitarian activities in eastern DRC.

(d)  In Pakistan, the two-year Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) will commence on the 1st of April. An estimated 670,000 homeless
people will be provided with food.



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

(1) Afghanistan

(a)  During the reporting period (16-22 March), security situation
remained volatile in the southern, south-eastern and eastern regions,
while other parts of the country were relatively calm.

(b)  The Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10427 is
resourced at 13 percent or US$48 million as of 20 March 2006, through
contributions from various donors. WFP is facing a pipeline break of
wheat in March, the critical lean and pre-harvest period when food
insecure Afghans are highly vulnerable. Urgent mobilization of cash and
in-kind resources are needed to avoid the shortfall of 23,600 tons of
food for the coming six months.

(c)  During the reporting period, WFP assisted 104,000 vulnerable
Afghans with 570 tons of food across the country.


(2) Pakistan

(a)  During the reporting period (15-21 March), the general situation in
Pakistan was calm. However, the continued insurgency in North Waziristan
and Balochistan was of growing concern. The International UN staff
continued to be escorted in North West Frontier province (NWFP) on all
road missions.

(b)  The snowline has receded significantly since its maximum on 19
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 being temporarily disrupted due to
countrywide strikes and demonstrations in early March and the fact that
rain and landslides continue to affect food deliveries, WFP has reached
more than an estimated 837,000 people with 13,344 tons so far in March
2006.

(d)  WFP Executive Board recently cleared the two-year Protracted Relief
and Recovery Operation (PRRO), which will commence on the 1st of April.
An estimated 670,000 homeless people will be provided with food as they
return to rebuild the 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.

(e)  In Bagh, Air lift operations for delivery of food to Baidi Union
Council to 11,350 beneficiaries for the current month were concluded on
the 16th of March. A total of 194 tons of mixed food was dispatched and
distributed. The lifting operations started on the 7th to 16th of March
with disruption in deliveries due to bad weather conditions. Food
distribution for the month of March has been completed in 5 Union
Councils: Budhal for 13,439 beneficiaries, Degwar 14,489 beneficiaries,
Chanjal 16,511 beneficiaries, Thub 23,177 beneficiaries and Mallot
18,344 beneficiaries, with the exception of Sangal 20,939 beneficiaries
where some 15 tons of wheat flour is pending distribution. During the
previous reporting period, distribution to Bir Pani 22,417 beneficiaries
and Rangla 22,467 beneficiaries Union Councils was completed. Security
situation remained calm and stable in the district and operational
areas. A religious procession related to "muharram" was reported in
downtown Bagh. It remained peaceful but movement of UN vehicles was
restricted for some time. An attempt to break into WFP rub hall, located
in Naumanpura (6 km from Bagh) was foiled by security guards. It is
relevant to note that on 3 March a theft was reported from the same
location and 33 cans of oil weighing 600 kg was missing from the store.
Distribution plan for 15 camps with a caseload of 8,631 persons has been
finalised for March distribution. The beneficiary list has been updated
in consultation with UNHCR. The starting of food distribution was
delayed for a few days because of incessant rains. Distribution will
start from 23 March onwards.

(f)  In Ghari Habibullah, 416 tons food was dispatched during the
reporting period. General Food distribution for March was completed
except for Kaghan Union Council, which is being air dropped from
Muzaffarabad. March food distribution to camps has been completed. Food
distribution to the schools is in process, and WFP vehicles are being
used for distribution. Total allocation for March for WFP Ghari
Habibullah office for camps in Balakot, Abbottabad and Mansehra is
44,068 beneficiaries. WFP has distributed to a total of 43,419
beneficiaries in all the camps on UNHCR/Regional Relief Commissioner
list.

(g)  In Battagram, Planned repatriation continued from camps during the
reporting period. WFP has already provided the March ration to all the
camps. A total number of 9,687 individuals out of an estimated 19,764
individuals have left the camps in the district and returned to their
respective villages. The remaining 10,077 individuals will leave the
camps by early April, depending on favorable weather conditions and
sufficient transport services by IOM. 1,025 tons of mixed food
commodities were distributed to 62,600 beneficiaries in Battagram
(Allai), Mansehra (Kala Dhaka) Shangla, Kohistan and planned camps. 440
tons of mixed food commodities from Battagram, 442 tons from
Chattarplain and 90 tons from Abbotabad warehouse were dispatched to
Allai, Palas, Dassu, Kala Dhaka, Alpuri Tehsils and planned camps.
Dispatches have been interrupted by road closures, caused by landslides
due to heavy rain fall in the period 14 to 20 March. During the
reporting period, auditors visited Battagram office for internal audit.

(h)  In Muzaffarabad, bad weather conditions resulted in the disruption
of the road deliveries as well as relief bound flights for two days
during the reporting period.  84 percent of the total requirement for
March has been dispatched out of which 77 percent was by road. 17
Extended Delivery Points have been covered at 100 percent. Preparations
for the implementation of the PRRO are ongoing. Consultative meetings
are being conducted with potential Government, UN and NGO partners. Food
distributions in the camps for the month of March has been completed.
Turkish Red Crescent consulted WFP on the possibility of distributing
sugar to the camps.

(i)  The Emergency Operation (EMOP) is resourced 77 percent against the
appeal and the PRRO is currently resourced 6.66 percent against the
appeal of $US 67,849,078.

(j)  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 in order 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.

(k)  The deliveries from the hubs to extended delivery points from 13-19
March 2006 amount to 4,075 tons, out of which 919 tons were delivered by
air.

(l)  In Bagh, a Coordination Meeting with the Deputy Commissioner (DC)
in Bagh District, Line Departments and Cluster Heads was held on 15
March. The DC informed that no construction of school buildings should
take place without the approval of ERRA. The DC also informed that by 31
March all residents of camps must make arrangements to return on
voluntary basis. After that date, those caseloads still remaining in
camps would be scrutinized and reasons sought from them as to why they
continue to stay.

(m)  Regarding provision of land to those people left landless by the
earthquake, the DC stated that the Board of Revenue will be earmarking
lands available and applications from deserving people would be
entertained. The question of cash compensation for people to rebuild
their damaged/destroyed houses has now been subjected to a new policy
where committees would be constituted for scrutiny of claims. The
participants expressed their concern that disbursement of compensation
would take months. During the meeting, the DC was briefed by WFP
regarding the activities to be undertaken under the PRRO. He was
appreciative of the fact that food has now been linked with activities
and requested the line departments to come up with proposals and get it
cleared from their respective Head of Departments in Muzaffarabad.

(n)  A rapid reduction of the helicopter fleet is now being undertaken
due to lack of funding for the Special Operations (UNHAS). The military
air support will also end on 31 March, leaving UNHAS with a total fleet
of 13 aircrafts as of 1st of April, 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 18,099 tons of Food Items, 4,901 tons of Non-Food Items and
30,513 passengers.



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

(1) Burundi

(a)  Improvements in human rights, good governance and other areas are
urgently needed in Burundi, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said,
calling for close monitoring of the impoverished country in the
countdown to the planned withdrawal of the United Nations mission there
by the end of this year. In his latest report to the Security Council on
the UN Operation in Burundi (ONUB), covering the situation since
November, Mr. Annan noted that "significant challenges remain," with the
"most immediate task facing the Government is ending the 12-year
conflict and restoring durable peace." The conflict, along with
recurring drought and frequent displacements, had driven "two thirds of
the population into extreme poverty and thousands are still facing
serious food shortages," he said.

(b)  Burundi released a final group of 1,846 political prisoners last
week including some accused of involvement in ethnic massacres and the
assassination of the president in 1993. Human rights activists,
including the largest group Ligue Iteka, said they wanted the
constitutional court to cancel the releases arguing it was against
Burundi's constitution and international law to free detainees charged
with murder. Some 1,453 prisoners were released in January and February
as part of a plan by President Pierre Nkurunziza to free all prisoners
accused of politically motivated acts.

(c)  Between 13 and 20 March 2006, WFP distributed 329 tons of food aid
to 32,133 beneficiaries. This low achievement is due to the fact that
WFP had completed the massive Seeds Protection Rations campaign the week
before and was getting ready to switch to a new round of targeted food
distributions. The intervention plan remains to gear up assistance from
6,000 tons of food per month to approximately 10,500 tons in April, May
and June, just before the harvest when the crisis will be at its peak.

(d)  Even though timely arrival of food in country remains a critical
factor, the pipeline forecast for the coming months and the level of
resources raised are relatively satisfactory. The recent confirmation of
contributions from ECHO, Belgium and Ireland are being used for regional
purchases of food commodities, enabling a timely response to the
increased requirements.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  Persistent insecurity continued to hinder the smooth implementation
of humanitarian activities in eastern DRC. The redeployment of
humanitarian workers in highly affected localities such as Bunyakiri and
Kalonge (South Kivu province) could not take place as planned. In the
North Kivu province, Rutshuru, Masisi and Walikali remained the most
affected areas with reports on clashes between uncontrolled militia
forces and governmental troops.

(b)  In the Ituri district, a total of 3,428 displaced families - i.e.
some 17,000 people - were provided with 166 tons of WFP through the
cooperating partners Association pour le Developpement Social et la
Sauvergarde de l'Environnement (ADSSE), German Agro Action (GAA) and
Cooperazione e Sviluppo (CESVI). The targeted internally displaced
persons (IDPs) are located in Bunia, Komanda and Kotoni.

(c)  From Goma (North Kivu province), 17,000 people were targeted with
172 tons of WFP food. On 17 March, WFP started an evaluation of
nutritional centres located in Oicha and Eringeti. According to
Solidarity, there are more than 15,700 displaced families in these
areas, many of whom have recently arrived. In addition, the distribution
of 196 tons of WFP food in favour of 4,513 food insecure persons
continued in areas near Beni. Beneficiaries comprised malnourished
children under five, primary school pupils and farmers involved in seeds
protection programmes.

(d)  On 17 March, WFP fielded a mission to an area located at 20km from
Goma where 104 Pigmy families have settled since they were thrown out of
their lands in the Masisi territory. The families are highly exposed to
food insecurity and suffering from discrimination. They stated to the
WFP assessment team that they wish to return to their home village.

(e)  An update on WFP assistance in the Katanga indicates that from
February 2006 to date, 446 tons have been dispatched to war-affected
populations in central Katanga. A convoy with 31 tons of WFP food, which
left Lubumbashi on 15 February to Mitwaba, has not reached its
destination yet due to the bad status of roads.  Food distributions to
4,000 IDPs in Pweto and an additional 13,000 in Mutabi/Dubie are planned
to start on 20 March. Meanwhile, WFP is also planning to provide 1,251
tons of food to 50,000 IDPs in Malemba-Nkulu. The food to be distributed
represents three months' food rations.


(3) Ethiopia

(a)  The start of the short rainy season has been mixed, with close to
normal performance in some parts of the country, and below normal
performance in other parts. In the drought-affected Somali region, rains
have been received in the northern zones, especially in and around
Jijiga. Rains in the worst drought-affected southern areas are expected
to begin in April, and these areas have so far only received some early
light showers during the last week of February. These showers were
however not significant enough to improve the water and pasture
shortages, and have caused fear among community members that the main
season 'gu' rains might be delayed. In eastern Amhara region, where the
short season "belg" crop production takes place, rains have arrived up
to two months late and the performance has not been encouraging. This
has had a significantly negative impact on both timely planting as well
as development of crops. Many parts of Zone 3 in Afar region have
reportedly received good rains during the second dekad of March. Most
parts of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) have
received close to normal rains that have not only helped mitigate
shortages of pasture and water but also the timely planting of "belg"
crops. In Tigray region, rains have helped the initiation of "belg'
planting in areas of Southern Tigray zone. They have also created
favourable conditions for regeneration of forage and preparation of land
for long cycle crops.

(b)  In Somali region, field reports from Shinile zone confirm that the
general food security situation in Erer, Afdem and Meiso districts has
started to deteriorate, as pastoralists and agro-pastoralists are facing
severe drought conditions. Distress migration of livestock has been
observed for the last 2-3 months within these districts, and
in-migration of animals from neighbouring districts has also occurred,
leading to overgrazing. Pasture is hardly available in all pastoral and
lowland areas in the zone. In some areas, the current drought has
affected school attendance.

(c)  In Somali region, there are concerns about the number of
beneficiaries included for emergency assistance in some districts. A
reassessment mission will therefore take place in Afder, Gode and Liban
zones from the 28 March to the 12 April in order to assess the current
humanitarian situation and revise the number of people receiving
emergency assistance in these zones. Meanwhile, the reassessment of
emergency needs in Borena zone of Oromiya region is ongoing and this
emergency assessment is expected to be finalised by the beginning of
next week.

(d)  Relief food dispatches to Somali region are now complete for food
allocated in January, and 11 percent of the food allocated in February
has been dispatched so far. The Government has taken measures to give
priority of transporters to Somali region. The Road Transport
Authorities have now increased the transport capacity for dispatches of
relief food in order to improve the delivery time to the beneficiary
districts. 63 percent of the food allocated in February to Borena zone
of Oromiya region is also dispatched. Field reports confirm that more
than 90 percent of January food allocation has been delivered and
distributed in the districts of Erer, Afdem and Meiso in Shinile zone.
Only a few distribution points, still awaiting full delivery of food,
have not yet started distributions. Food distributions have also been
confirmed by WFP food monitors in Gode, Afder, Korahe and Liban zones of
Somali region.

(e)  This paragraph refers to targeted supplementary feeding (TSF)
only.. In Somali region, screening is completed in 20 out of 25
districts with the government's Disaster Prevention and Preparedness
Agency (DPPA) receiving information regarding beneficiary numbers by
food distribution centre yesterday for 19 districts. There are 59,000
malnourished beneficiaries identified for TSF: 11,000 pregnant and
lactating women and 48,000 children under-five. Importantly, the
regional authorities waived the usual transport procedures in order to
get the food moving faster; Gode zone districts have been prioritised
and food for TSF will start moving to food distribution points within 10
days. In Gode zone, there are currently 32,000 beneficiaries and 811
tons of blended food and 91 tons of oil will be transported to 8
districts. Screening is yet to be undertaken in 4 districts in Afder and
Liben zones. The key challenges that remain include getting screening
data on a timely basis, and the transport tendering process being
constrained by shortages of transporters willing and able to transport
in the region, which is increasing transportation costs. In Borena zone
of Oromiya region, the 3 highland districts of Bule Hora, Gelana and
Abaya will receive rations in the next 10 days, Oromiya DPPA is
contracting transporters this week for those 3 districts and the other
53 districts covered in the second round of distributions. In the 5
lowland districts in Borena, there is currently no TSF capacity, but
this will change after the May nutrition screening when all districts
will be covered. Food has started moving to distribution points in
Tigray and distributions are in the early stages.  Amhara has
experienced further delays and the new estimated time of food arrival at
site is week beginning 27 March.  In Afar, Zone 1 figures are still
unavailable by food distribution centre, though the first round of
screening was completed on 18 March. Hulla in SNNPR has received food at
all 15 sites and distributions to the 3,000 beneficiaries have begun. In
all but 4 districts in SNNPR, distributions to the 105,000 beneficiaries
are completed.


(4) Kenya

(a)  The food security situation in at least two districts in
north-eastern Kenya (Mandera and Wajir) appears to be deteriorating.
Data submitted to the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG)
reported an increase in livestock deaths, in food prices and in
malnutrition rates. KFSSG analysed the data and has recommended an
increase to 80 percent coverage of the population in these two
districts. The number of beneficiaries assisted through general food
distributions will now increase by 221,000, from the original 3 million.

(b)  Distributions for February for 2.5 million beneficiaries spilled
over into March, given that during the month of February beneficiary
numbers had to be scaled up from 1.1 million. These distributions are
now largely completed and distribution data compiled. Food for March is
being dispatched for 3 million people in 25 districts. Some of the March
distributions have started.  Food is also being dispatched for the 1,481
schools targeted under the expanded school feeding programme to reach an
additional 500,000 children.  (c) The total amount of resources received
thus far against the current phase of the emergency operation (March
2006 to February 2007) are US$ 78 million; the shortfall is USD 147
million or 65 percent of the requirements.

(c)  The WFP-supported refugee operation received some donations during
the reporting period, and a loan from WFP's Immediate Response Account;
the food pipeline is thus healthy until mid August. However, the 20
percent food ration cuts (from 2,166 kilocalories/person/day) effected
in mid March are likely to be extended until mid April for cereals and
early May for pulses and vegetable oil, when food from local purchases
and shipments from abroad are expected to be available for distribution.


(5) Rwanda

(a)  Food aid that was distributed in February by the Government of
Rwanda to the most vulnerable households affected by recent drought has
already been consumed. A second distribution for March is urgently
needed and is being planned by the government.

(b)  Season 2006B rains have started and most of the sorghum that was
planted early has emerged; if rains continue until the end of May, a
good harvest can be expected. Farmers are now busy with preparing the
land and planting. Due to shortage of seeds resulting from poor 2006A
harvests, the Ministry of Agriculture, donors and NGOs distributed beans
and maize seeds to the most vulnerable households in the Eastern and
Southern provinces.. However, the available quantities were below the
needs.

(c)  WFP/Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping, in collaboration with
FEWSNET, the Government of Rwanda and NGO partners, is set to carry out
the joint Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment
starting from this week in the whole country. The specific objective of
this assessment is to obtain details on areas, numbers and
characteristics of most vulnerable groups and possibly targeting
criteria for different socio-economic groups. The results are expected
in May.

(d)  WFP finalized a one-time food distribution to the targeted 3,316
households attending 15 nutrition centres in Bugesera, Gisagara, Nyanza
and Huye districts of the Eastern and Southern provinces. A total of 122
tons of mixed commodities was distributed in collaboration with the
Ministry of Health and local authorities.  Each family received 25 kg of
maize meal, 10 kg of pulses and 1.8 kg of vegetable oil.

(e)  Four new arrivals and 1 newborn baby were added to the number of
asylum seekers in Nkamira transit centre, which brought the figure to
1,300. The other camps in Nyabiheke, Gihembe and Kiziba remained stable
at 4,871, 17,246, and 17,587 respectively. The number of Congolese
refugees is currently 41,004.

(f)  Burundian refugee camps, Nyamure and Kigeme, also remained stable
at 1,904 and 665, respectively. The number of Burundian refugees
currently stands at 2,569.

(g)  A one-month ration amounting to around 630 tons of mixed
commodities was distributed to 36,050 refugees in Kiziba and Gihembe.
Asylum seekers in Nkamira received a ration for 15 days. Additional food
will be delivered to Kiziba camp for 83 refugees who were recently added
to the list and could not receive a full ration due to the shortage of
some food commodities.

(h)  A total of 191 returnees from Congo were received last week at
Nkamira and Nyagatare transit camps. Three-month rations, totalling 10
tons, were distributed before their departure to their places of origin.


(6) Somalia

(a)  On 21 March 2006, there was an exchange of fire between two
militias at a WFP distribution point in Salagle village of Middle Juba
region. Stray bullets killed one civilian while two other persons were
wounded. WFP staff had to be evacuated.

(b)  On 22 March 2006, fighting erupted between two militia groups in
North Mogadishu. As a result, the Port of El Maan is temporarily closed
for operations.

(c)  Based on early predictions for the upcoming 'Gu' rainy season
(April-June), the Food Security Analysis Unit, together with FEWS
Net/Somalia, has issued an early warning that parts of Southern Somalia
are at high risk of famine/humanitarian catastrophe from July to
December 2006. WFP has scaled up its operations in Somalia from 120,000
tons to some 180,000 tons for the year 2006.  (d) The revised
Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) for Somalia was launched on 21 March
2003. The new PRRO is also being revised to reflect the additional
requirements. Available WFP food stocks and confirmed new funding
(including recent Italian contribution of US$1.2 million, contributions
from Sweden of US$1.16 million and The Netherlands of US$482,000) amount
to 82,000 tons. The shortfall remains for 98,000 tons (compared to the
total 180,000 tons requirement in 2006). Total WFP net shortfall in the
CAP (for 2006) is US$ 73 million.

(d)  A total of 7,700 tons have been distributed to 480,000
beneficiaries as drought response up to date. In addition, 9,000 tons of
food have been transported into South Somalia for imminent
distributions. It is expected that the first round of food distribution
to 1.1 million drought-affected people will be completed in late March
or early April 2006.

(e)  A further 11,300 tons of food have already been planned for the
second round of distribution, of which 4,000 tons is expected to arrive
in Mombasa shortly, while 1,100 tons from Djibouti, currently being
loaded, will be transported directly to the distribution points, and
6,200 tons from South Africa will be transported for direct forwarding
to distribution points..

(f)  WFP is considering to set up logistics bases at Buale and Baidoa
and to secure superintendence service in the port of Kismayo.


(7) Tanzania

(a)  A total of 2,114 refugees (406 Burundians and 1,708 DRC)
voluntarily repatriated to their home between 1 and 17 March. During the
same period, 3,484 asylum seekers from Burundi arrived in western
Tanzania, bringing the total number of asylum seekers received between 1
January and 17 March 2006 to 10,541.

(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 were provided with a reduced
ration of 287g maize grain (or 266g maize meal), 80g pulses, 40g
corn-soya blend (CSB), 20g oil and 10g salt. The reduced ration provides
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)  The 9th meeting of the Tripartite Commission on the voluntary
repatriation of Burundian refugees living in Tanzania was held in Dar es
Salaam on 21 March 2006. As stated in a signed Joint Communique, the
Tripartite Commission concluded that the time has come to move
progressively from facilitation to promotion of voluntary repatriation.
The Commission recognized that a new tripartite agreement will be
necessary to establish the legal framework, commitments and
understandings for launching the promotion of voluntary repatriation to
Burundi. The Commission agreed that the signing of the new tripartite
agreement and the official launch of promotion of voluntary repatriation
will be concluded on the forthcoming World Refugee Day on 20 June 2006.

(d)  WFP continues to be concerned about the health condition of more
than 10,500 Burundian asylum seekers accommodated in Kibondo's three way
stations. WFP continues to provide the asylum seekers with a daily full
ration of 2,100 Kcal and has extended the supplementary feeding
programme support to malnourished individuals at the way stations from 1
March. During the meeting of the Tripartite Commission held on 21 March,
the Commission welcomed the plans announced by UNHCR, WFP and other UN
agencies to organize a cross-border meeting in Ruyigi province at the
end of March 2006, and encouraged both governments to participate and
seize the opportunity to develop a coordinated strategy for food
distribution in Burundi that will induce the return of those who left
for Tanzania due to food shortages.

(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 7,750 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,
food-for-training and vulnerable feeding.

(f)  A new contribution from Sweden of US$ 535,600 in cash was received
and has been programmed to purchase 900 tons of maize. Since the last
update on 15 March, the contribution made by Ireland of US$ 592,417 was
programmed to purchase 971 tons of maize. A shortfall of 25,674 tons
(US$ 15.5 million) exists up to the end of December 2006.



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

(1) Chad

(a)  During the reporting period (10-22 March),the security situation
was calm but remained relatively volatile following a foiled coup
attempt on 15 March 2006, after which a number of arrests were made. The
situation was immediately controlled, and the capital N'Djamena
atmosphere was tense. On 22 March, a shooting incident near the
Presidency in N'Djamena caused widespread panic in the city centre.
However, the calm was restored later.

(b)  The situation in eastern Chad is relatively tense following the
Chadian National Army's attack on 20 March against rebel positions in
the Hadjer Marfeina area, near Adre. It was reported that the areas of
Abeche, Farchana and Adre are being used as transit routes for the
military while heading towards the border.

(c)  A United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) mission
visited the region from 9 to 14 March to assess the security situation
and make necessary recommendations. During a meeting with Heads and
Security Officers of various humanitarian agencies and organisations,
the mission emphasised the necessity for local authorities to secure the
areas of humanitarian intervention, particularly in view of continuous
reports of carjack involving aid workers.

(d)  Humanitarian staff are regularly sensitised on the usual security
and safety measures. In order to minimize the risks of incidents and/or
accidents, it was recommended that all road travel in eastern Chad
should be done by convoys of at least two vehicles, which must return to
base by 16:00.

(e)  The WFP/UNHCR targeted caseload is estimated at 207,400 refugees
registered in twelve camps in the month of March. This figure may change
in view of ongoing regularisations in some camps. The screening exercise
was completed in the Iridimi and Touloum camps during the reporting
period. The caseloads reported by UNHCR stand at 16,230 and 21,849
refugees respectively.

(f)  In the Gaga camp, a total of 1,400 refugees were registered
following the general food distributions. The registration process was
delayed for two weeks due to strikes by the staff of CNAR (National
Commission for the Reception and Reintegration of Refugees), demanding
payments of their salaries. Meanwhile, there has been a decrease of new
arrivals from the border villages of Goungour and Borota.

(g)  Efforts are underway to speed up the relocation of refugees settled
in the Am Nabak camp in view of the prevailing insecurity in the area.
Most refugee leaders in the camp have expressed reluctance to leave the
camp which is slowing down the transfer.  WFP completed the General Food
Distributions for March in all the camps, assisting a total of 204,841
beneficiaries with 3,631 tons of food. A special distribution was
carried out in the Goz Beida camp to assist 107 fire victims. The next
distribution cycle is scheduled for 3 April in the Gaga camp.

(h)  The findings of Food Basket Monitoring (FBM) conducted by ACF
(Action Contre la Faim) in the Mille camp indicated that that
Cooperating Partners (CPs) were using incorrect scooping measurements,
which resulted in shortages for some rations. WFP informed the CPs, and
corrective measures were undertaken to compensate the shortages.

(i)  ACF conducted FBM in the camps of Iridimi, Touloum and Oure Cassoni
during the general food distributions in March. Group discussions were
also carried out with the beneficiaries in order to assess the level of
satisfaction and identify any problems. The final report is expected to
be released shortly. WFP food aid monitors will participate in the FBM
activities organised by Premiere Urgence (PU) in Farchana next week of
March.

(j)  Water scarcity continues to raise concerns in the Touloum camp.
Between 13 and 19 March, the refugees reportedly received 6.62 litres
per person per day instead of the standard 15 litres. UNHCR and CARE are
working on bringing solutions to this problem. NGO partner OXFAM will be
replacing INTERSOS for the construction of latrines as well as the
provision and management of water in the Goz Beida camps.

(k)  The International Women's Day festivities were celebrated in all
the refugee camps, as well as neighbouring villages. The Iriba
Sub-Office organised a presentation on WFP's Enhanced Commitment to
Women in an effort to encourage women to participate and assume key
roles in food management committees and other WFP-supported activities.

(l)  Preparations to launch new Food-for-Work (FFW) activities are
ongoing with various NGO partners. In Iriba, the digging of reservoirs
for water storage and the rehabilitation of rural roads under the
supervision of IRD (International Relief and Development) are proceeding
well. Participants are expected to receive their rations shortly. A
joint WFP/CCF mission visited the village of Aka near Guereda to
identify possible FFW projects to be implemented by partners. The
construction of school classrooms and a women's alphabetisation centre,
the building of wells, and the rehabilitation of rural roads were among
the main proposals expressed by the local population.

(m)  The second food deliveries to WFP-assisted schools in eastern Chad
started on 21 March. A total of 46,868 pupils in 254 schools will be
assisted with a 45-day ration. Among those, a total of 7,450 girls will
also receive take-home family rations covering two trimesters. The
programmes are covered under both the Emergency Operation (EMOP) and the
Country Programme. Findings of WFP monitoring visits to the schools
indicate that both food deliveries and the functioning of the canteens
have improved since January 2006.

(n)  WFP has undertaken a number of assessment missions with partners to
examine the situation of the internally displaced persons who have fled
their villages (near the border) following attacks by militias. The IDPs
are currently situated near the Goz Beida area of eastern Chad and are
estimated to over 30,000 persons. Preliminary findings of ongoing
missions have indicated that the IDPs in question are seeking security
and are not in an immediate need for food assistance.

(o)  In-country stocks in Abeche and the Extended Delivery Points as at
20 March 2006 total 6,500 tons of cereals and 3,100 tons of non-cereal
commodities.

(p)  Pre-positioning of food for the rainy season is in progress,
although the majority of required food is yet to arrive at the ports of
Douala and Benghazi. Priority will be given to the south-eastern camps
of Goz Amir and Djabal, as they are usually the first to be cut off.

(q)  Given the ongoing nature of the operation, WFP is constructing
platforms for warehouses in most of the refugee camps. New Rubhall
warehouses are expected to arrive in the camps by the end of March
2006.. The WFP Regional Bureau in Cameroon is finalising contracts for
the regional purchases of salt and pulses, which should allow for timely
pre-positioning. MSF Holland has started a nutritional survey in the
Farchana camp and will continue in the Bredjing camp as of next week.

(r)  IMC reported a fluctuating acute malnutrition rate of 3.94 percent
in the Mille camp and 7.32 percent in the Kounoungou camp. The health
centre noted that the high rates in Kounoungou may be explained by the
abandoning of children by their mothers who leave the camp in search of
work. A measles vaccination campaign is currently underway in the Mille
camp. In view of the apparition of avian influenza in some parts of
Africa, COOPI plans to hold a sensitisation meeting in Goz Beida on 18
March, in an effort to disseminate facts and information about the
virus, including precautionary measures.

(s)  During the reporting period, WFP Humanitarian Air Service (UN-HAS)
transported 351 passengers on the N'Djamena-Abeche routing (UN 21W) and
337 passengers on the Abeche-eastern strips routing (UN 23W). A total of
4,372 kg of light cargo and relief supplies were also transported.

(t)  The EMOP has so far received some US$ 47 million, representing
54percent of the total requirement. Late confirmations of donor
contributions have obliged WFP to borrow US$ 3 million from its internal
emergency account to be able to cater the needs of the refugees during
the upcoming rainy season, when most camps are cut off. The loan will
allow WFP to procure 1,200 tons of CSB, 1,000 tons of pulses, 366 tons
of sugar and 84 tons of salt. This should avert a pipeline break that
could lead to a deterioration in the refugees' nutritional status and
generate security problems in an already volatile environment.

(u)  The WFP Humanitarian Air Service (SO 10338.1) remains dramatically
under resourced with only US$ 1,044,634 so far confirmed against a total
US $7.2 million requirement. While WFP has borrowed over US$1.8 million
from its internal emergency account (IRA) to run the operation until the
end of March 2006, the air service faces suspension in the absence of
new confirmed contributions.


(2) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period (16-22 March), the security situation
was fairly calm all over the country. However increasing racketeers are
reported in the region of Bouake along urban roads that are not light
up. Armed forces closed the security corridor at Tiebissou, hindering
all movements from the Forces Nouvelles zones to the government-held
zones via Yamoussoukro. Until the security is ensured for its staff in
Guiglo, UN has opened an outpost in Duekoue since Monday 20 March 2006
and will resume operations with staff travelling there and back.

(b)  The meeting of the International Working Group (IWG) held on Friday
17 March to review progress in the peace process was co-chaired by the
UN SRSG Pierre Schori and the foreign minister of the Republic of Congo.
The group congratulated the political leaders for the "new spirit of
dialogue" following their participation in the Yamoussoukro talks. And
it noted in particular the urgency to complete the process of
identification and establishment of the electoral rolls. It also
reaffirmed the urgency to start without delay the disarmament process
and it expressed its serious concern over the repeated obstruction to
the free movement of international peacekeepers, calling for the urgent
re-deployment of UN troops in the West which they evacuated following
anti-UN riots in January.

(c)  The allocation of an estimated one million USD granted to Cote
d'Ivoire through the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will be
implemented as a first step under the cluster "Protection" through
"saving life" projects to help at-risk populations in the West.

(d)  According to the identification conducted by IOM along the road
Guiglo-Blolequin, a total of 7,980 displaced were counted in hosting
families in 21 villages. IOM intends to do the same along the roads
Guiglo-Duekoue and Duekoue-Bangolo in collaboration with the Cooperating
Partners.

(e)  MSF-France reported that cases of severe malnutrition have
increased from 31 admissions in January to 61 admissions in February and
54 admissions on 19 March 2006. The causes have not been identified yet.

(f)  The level of participation to the examinations for CEPE (Certificat
d'Etudes Primaire et Elementaire), that have been held on Tuesday 14
March 2006 in the Forces Nouvelles zones, is estimated to 79 per cent.
This is a rough estimate and the data consolidation is ongoing. Papers
are currently being corrected and results will be released on 03 April.

(g)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 578 tons of
food to 41,111 beneficiaries.

(h)  There is will be no distributions to the refugees sheltered in
Tabou until May as they have been delivered a 2-month refugee ration.
The center is due to be closed by June 2006.The WFP Man sub-office
assisted a total of 6,290 beneficiaries out of which 450 children and 50
mothers under supplementary feeding in Bangolo and Man and its
surroundings.

(i)  The WFP Bouake sub-office assisted 17,157 beneficiaries with 222
tons of food out of which 111 tons were delivered to 1,264 people living
with HIV/Aids and their families or 6,320 individuals.The WFP Korhogo
sub-office delivered 269 tons of food to a total of 17,664
beneficiaries.

(j)  As of 22 March 2006, the regional Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO) Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali has received a
total of 35.1 million US dollars against the operational needs of 50.1
million US dollars (29.7% shortfall or 14.9 million US dollars against
operational requirements). Additional funding is requested in order to
avoid pipeline breaks.


(3) Guinea

(a)  During the reporting period (6-19 March), Guinean President,
Lansana Conte, was medically evacuate to Switzerland. On 21 March, he
addressed the people on radio and said he was doing well and would
return home soon.

(b)  At the end of the National Consultation forum: 17 - 20 March, 15
opposition parties asked for an 18 month transitional period to end up
the current socio-political crisis, which would allow an independent
electoral commission to organize elections.

(c)  On the 15 March, high school students, upset with the school
management, blocked streets and threw stones on vehicles. Calm was
restored in the afternoon. Attacks on private houses and businesses
continued to be reported frequently in Kissidougou and N'Zerekore. On 10
March, armed thieves robbed a store in N'Zerekore.

(d)  During the reporting period, WFP provided 294 tons to 26,073
beneficiaries.

(e)  A total of 2,082 Liberian refugees were voluntary repatriated
during the reporting period. As usual, WFP provided food for the
preparation of hot meals for refugees. On 9 - 12 March, Liberian local
authorities from Nimba and Bong counties conducted visits to Kola,
Kouankan 1 and Laine camps to talk with refugees about the repatriation
process. In order to accelerate the repatriation process, UNHCR has
asked Cooperating Partners in camps to identify Liberian refugees with
problems of going back to their countries.

(f)  Guinean refugee camps host currently over 50,444 individuals who
are being assisted by WFP. The present count includes 3,003 refugees
from Ivory Coast and the balance from Liberia. During the reporting
period, a total of 294 tons were distributed to 22,861 beneficiaries in
the February General Food Distribution in Kouankan 1, Kountaya and Kola
camps.

(g)  Under the Emergency School Feeding, WFP's N'Zerekore sub-office
completed the school canteens evaluation exercise conducted together
with the Cooperating Partner AACG. 26 participating schools were
identified has having significant problems in the implementation of the
activity.

(h)  On 18 March, the food dispatch to Lola and Gueckedou prefectures
was completed. On 17 - 18 March, the regional inspections of education
of Kankan and Faranah in collaboration of WFP conducted a
workshop/training in Kankan for School Feeding focal points. The
training allowed the focal points to have a better understanding of
their role.

(i)  Under Health and Nutrition, UNFPA and WFP's N'zerekore sub-offices
and FHI met with the health authority of N'Zerekore prefecture to
discuss the possibilities of creating a committee that would bring
partners in the HIV/AIDS sector together with the purpose of doing a
common and transparent selection of beneficiaries.


(4) Liberia

(a)  During the reporting period (13-19 March), the general security
situation in the country remained calm. In Ganta, Nimba Country, cases
of property disputes were reported between some returnees (Madingo
tribe) from Guinea and the residents.  The returnees were reclaiming
their properties which they left over 10 years ago and this is causing
tension in the area. UNMIL security is closely monitoring the situation.

(b)  A total of 1,487 tons of food was distributed to 210,512
beneficiaries under the various feeding programs, of which 67 percent
was delivered to the School Feeding program.

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

(d)  WFP completed distribution of the first tranche (two months food
rations) resettlement package to all IDPs in Conneh camp.  Non-Food
Items including cash were also distributed by Cooperating Partners
alongside food distributions. IDPs were repatriated to their preferred
areas of return within ten days after receipt of the 1st tranche
resettlement package.

(e)  Deregistration of IDPs in Buchanan (the last IDP camp) continued
during the reporting period. Over 10,698 persons were de-registered,
waiting to receive their resettlement package.  WFP intends to complete
the distribution of the first tranche resettlement package in Buchanan
at the end of the month. A total of 396 tons of food was distributed to
some 12,175 IDPs and refugees under the resettlement programme.

(f)  Under the Emergency School Feeding (ESF) programme, WFP delivered a
total of 992 tons of food to feed over 189,892 school children located
in various counties including Lofa, Maryland, Montserrado, Nimba, Grand
Bassa, Cape Mount and Bong.

(g)  A total of 22 tons of assorted food commodities was distributed to
2,889 persons involved in various Food Support for Local Initiatives
(FSLI) projects, including skills training programs for ex-combatants
and road rehabilitation projects. In Buchanan, rehabilitation of two
bridges was completed during the reporting period.  Construction of a
Youth Library is also on-going in the same area.

(h)  WFP and Cooperating Partners (CPs) continued to assess community
projects that can be supported through FSLI programme.  In Montserrado,
agricultural projects expected to cultivate over 355 acres of land were
assessed during the reporting period.  FSLI projects assessment missions
are jointly carried out by representatives from the Ministry of
Agriculture, Districts development Commissioners, INGOs and NGOs that
are providing humanitarian services in the communities.

(i)  WFP distributed a total of 77 tons of food to 5,556 beneficiaries
in various institutions under the Nutrition Intervention Programs. WFP
continues to expand the Mother Child Heath (MCH) nutritional programme
throughout the country to encourage pregnant and nursing women in
various communities to attend antenatal and post-natal clinics.

(j)  WFP Liberia will receive 549 tons of food from the new confirmed
contribution of Euro 500,000.  The commodities include 311 tons of
cereals and 238 tons of Vegetable Oil, expected to arrive in the Country
by July. However, additional pledges and resources are still needed to
avert food shortfalls of 2,138 tons expected over the next six months,
April - September valued at USD $ USD $1.6 Million. The shortfalls
include 1,624 tons of cereals, 416 tons of pulses and 98 tons of
vegetable oil.

(k)  Poor road conditions have hindered delivery of food aid to Harper
and Zwedru, in the south-eastern part of the country. Accessibility to
Harper by road is extremely difficult and, as a result, food deliveries
to this location is currently being supported by an UNMIL vessel. The
Country Office has contacted UNMIL to explore ways of delivering food to
areas that are difficult to access by road as the situation is expected
to deteriorate during the rainy season.

(l)  A total of 1,688 tons of assorted food commodities was dispatched
from Monrovia to various sub offices in the country, in continuation of
the March 2006 food distributions. The private commercial transporters
transported 89 percent of the dispatched commodities, while the WFP
Fleet transported up to 11 percent of the cargo.

(m)  Data collection for the comprehensive food security and nutrition
survey started in 13 out of the 15 Counties in Liberia.  The exercise
did not commence in Maryland and Grand Kru Counties due to the closure
of a road in Mary Land and breakdown of one of the main bridges in Grand
Kru.. Rehabilitation of the bridge is on-going.  The survey is being
conducted with the support of four Government Ministries, the Liberia
Institute of Statistics, UNICEF, WHO, FAO, UNMIL, UNDP, CRS, World
Vision, Africare and LINNK.

(n)  WFP chaired the CFA meeting held last Friday on the 17th of March.
CFA members who participated in the meeting included UNMIL- HCS, CRS,
FAO and ICRC. Members reviewed and revised the CFA terms of reference
and membership to be in line with the new food cluster approach.  CFA
will be one of the technical advisory bodies for the food cluster.
ICRC was proposed to be included as a new member of the CFA as one of
the food pipeline agencies, since the organization is expected to start
distributing food in the country this year.

(o)  In preparation for the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) document for 2007 and 2008, the Country Office has started
holding bilateral discussions with stakeholders informing them about
WFP's plans for the next two years, as a way of harmonizing aid
interventions in the country. During the reporting period, consultative
discussions were held with CRS. Further discussions will be done with
other UN Agencies and partners.

(p)  FAO and WFP are finalizing the crop assessment report of the
country-wide survey done in January 2006. The final copy is expected to
be out by end of this month.

(q)  During the reporting period, the Country Office conducted training
for all the Cooperating Partners (CPs) on the updated monitoring and
reporting tools for the various WFP feeding activities. The aim of the
training was to equip CP's with WFP reporting requirements.

(r)  The 2006 'Walk the World' Coordinator for Africa, Babafemi Amure
arrived in Liberia to assist the Country Office with the preparations of
the global event due in May 2006. Babafemi will meet WFP Cooperating
Partners in organizing the event.


(5) Niger

(a)  WFP's Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10398.0 will end on 31 March and
activities will continue under Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation
(PRRO) 10509.0. Several changes will take place regarding nutritional
activities, including the handover of responsibility for supplementary
feeding from UNICEF to WFP. This change is in line with WFP and UNICEF's
global Memorandum of Understanding. UNICEF will continue to be
responsible for providing food for therapeutic feeding. The handover of
supplementary feeding from UNICEF to WFP should take place in April 2006
but as WFP's Corn Soya Blend (CSB) stocks are not sufficient, the
handover will be delayed until May 2006.

(b)  Under PRRO 10509.0, WFP will also provide a protection ration for
children in outpatient treatment for severe or moderate malnutrition.
This protection ration is designed to ensure that the treatment ration
for the malnourished child is not shared with other children in the
household. The protection ration consists of 12 kg of CSB, 1.2 kg of oil
and 0.9 kg of sugar per month per family for the duration of treatment.

(c)  WFP and UNICEF, together with NGO partners, will also implement a
blanket supplementary feeding activity in the most vulnerable areas of
Tahoua, Zinder and Maradi- the most affected regions according to the
results of the CDC/UNICEF survey and WFP's Emergency Food Security
Assessment.

(d)  In addition to nutritional activities, food insecure households
will be targeted with Food-for-Work and Food-for-Training activities.
Villages in remote areas not adequately served by markets will benefit
from cereal bank activities. Finally, the operation includes a
contingency stock to be used for targeted general distributions to the
most vulnerable populations.

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

(f)  Between December and March 2006, WFP has distributed an average of
1,800 tons of food per month to over 350,000 beneficiaries. This
includes nutritional activities as well as Food-for- Work. It was
planned to replace 5,000 tons of cereals in cereal banks this month
however, this is not possible due to insufficient cereal stocks.

(g)  Nutritional partners are reporting a progressive increase in the
number of malnourished children admitted since the beginning of the
year. MSF France has admitted a total of 2,885 children since the 1
January 2006, of which 844 children were also suffering from a medical
complication. Eighty percent of these children were moderately
malnourished and 20 percent were severely malnourished.

(h)  Market monitoring shows an increase in the price of niebe (cow
peas) by 7percent in February, which is linked to the decreasing supply
of this product in the markets. A slight increase in the prices of
millet and sorghum was also noticed. The prices of all cereals are
higher than at this time last year and in fact higher than any of the
past five years.

(i)  WFP sub-offices are noting during monitoring missions that while
food is available in the markets, the high prices of cereals are making
purchases of these commodities out of reach for the most vulnerable
populations.

(j)  A monitoring mission was conducted by the Zinder sub-office to the
department of Tanout to visit Food-for-Work activities for land
recuperation in collaboration with NGO PADAZ. The work is proceeding at
a quicker pace than planned due to the high numbers of person presenting
themselves at the work site. This is an indicator of the high food
insecurity in the area as food for work is a self-targeting activity.

(k)  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 metric tons of food.

(l)  Two contributions totaling 6.8 million US dollars have been
received, representing 18percent of the PRRO requirements.  The current
shortfall is 30.5 million US dollars or 82 percent of the PRRO
requirements.

(m)  Carryover stocks from the EMOP will cover April distributions
needs. And food procured from new PRRO contributions will only be
received in June. Therefore, pipeline breaks will occur in May. WFP is
working with UNICEF to cover this shortfall for nutritional activities.

(n)  WFP stock for EMOP 10398.0 by location for 20 March 2006 was 2,289
tons.



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

(1) Angola

(a)  WFP's current Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO)
10054.2 - Support to Return and Resettlement - will end on 31 March,
with a new PRRO planned to start immediately after. To enable WFP to
carry out planned food distributions throughout 2006, a further USD 22
million, or 27,500 tons of food, is urgently needed.

(b)  An assessment carried out by WFP in partnership with provincial
officials from the Angolan Ministry of Agriculture determined that
approximately 2.6 million people have been affected by the lack of rains
in the provinces of Huambo, Benguela and Huila. The mission reported
that out of this number, at least 294,000 families from rural areas were
critically affected, as they rely only on their crops for survival. The
situation is most of serious concern in the municipalities of Cubal and
Ganda (Benguela Province) where the population in some communes lost 100
percent of their agricultural production for the 2005/06 season. The
absence of rains is also affecting livestock as pasture is becoming
scarce and river levels are low. Amongst other recommendations, the
mission suggested the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with WFP
and other partners implement Food-for-Work projects in order to create
irrigation canals and identify and dig underground water reserves. In
order to keep malnutrition levels from rising, the mission recommended
the continuation of School-Feeding schemes and the extension of this
activity to the province of Huila.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  During the reporting period (15-23 March), WFP and Cooperating
Partners provided food to approximately 45,000 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)  Beginning in April 2006, an estimated 6,000 households comprised of
HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis beneficiaries in the Northern and Central
districts will be left without food assistance as a result of resource
and commodity shortfalls.  Specific activities suspended include dietary
and nutritional support to people living with HIV/AIDS, anti-retroviral
therapy programmes for adults and children, home-based care for the
chronically ill, prevention of mother to child transmission, and food
assistance to at risk household members including orphans and other
vulnerable children. Food assistance plays a vital role and is a
critical support system for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS
throughout the country.  With approximately 24 percent of the population
infected with HIV, the negative impact of the disease is expected to
increase, resulting in higher needs for food assistance. Affected
families struggle to cope with lost breadwinners and further reduced
household food security as a result of increased household expenditure
on medical expenses.

(c)  The rainfall situation is reported to be near average.  The
continued good rains over most parts of the country have been favourable
for crop (especially maize) development. Most crops are at tasseling and
flowering stages. Early frost represents the main threat to a
satisfactory maize out-turn in the upland areas.


(3) Malawi

(a)  WFP's targeted food distribution for March is underway. Due to a
shortfall in pulses, districts with Global Acute Malnutrition levels
above 10 percent will receive half a ration of pulses (5 kilos), while
the remaining districts will receive 2 kilos. WFP expects to reach just
over 2 million beneficiaries by 31 March 2006.

(b)  Due to the delayed on-set of rains, prolonged dry spells in some
areas, increased malnutrition rates, flooding and increased prices of
staple foods, WFP will extend large-scale targeted food distributions
until 30 April 2006 in selected vulnerable districts.

(c)  The availability of affordable maize in ADMARC depots remains
scarce and erratic throughout the country.  Additionally, the price of
maize in most local markets is beyond the means of most vulnerable
households. However, as a result of early harvesting in some parts of
the country, prices are beginning to decline.

(d)  The Ministry of Agriculture expects to release the second round
agricultural production estimates during the first week of April.
While the first round of crop estimates indicated a 96 percent increase
as compared to last years final round crop estimate, past trends have
shown that the difference between first and second round estimates can
be substantial. This year crop estimates may be lower than first
projected, as parts of southern, central and northern Malawi have
experienced prolonged dry spells causing extensive damage to crops.
Flooding and water logging conditions are also likely to affect the
second round crop production figures downwards.

(e)  During second week of March, parts of the country experienced heavy
and continuous rains, causing flooding and damage to houses, crops and
infrastructure. The districts of Mangochi, Machinga and Salima were the
worst hit with just under 3,000 households affected. Families are
residing with relatives or have sought temporary shelter in schools,
churches and mosques. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is
currently assessing the extent of damage caused to crops in the flood
affected areas.

(f)  According to UNICEF, a cycle of drought and floods has aggravated a
cholera outbreak in the southern and central regions of the country
claiming 51 lives. Over 4,000 cases of the disease, associated with poor
sanitation, a lack of hygiene and access to potable water, have been
recorded since October 2005. Cholera typically causes severe diarrhoea,
vomiting and dehydration, however is not usually fatal when treated
promptly. The government in cooperation with UNICEF has set up mobile
clinics in affected districts in an effort to curb the spread of the
disease.


(4) Mozambique

(a)  According to the National Water Board, the level of the Zambezi is
dropping along the river's entire length, with the exception of Marromeu
(Sofala Province) near the delta, where the lower Zambezi remains in
flood. Many people living and working along the river have been forced
to move and many have lost crops that were planted on islands or near
the river's banks. People living along the central region's rivers have
been encouraged to remain on alert in order to move to safe areas if
necessary. Inundation has also destroyed crops in several areas of
Maputo Province. All other major rivers in the country are falling and
the threat of flooding is easing.  Heavy rainfall and river fluctuations
are normal for this time of year.

(b)  Aftershocks from the 23 February earthquake continue to be felt in
Manica Province; however there have been no reports of significant
damage or injuries. The two strongest aftershocks (around 5 on the
Richter scale) occurred on 15 March.


(5) Namibia

(a)  Preparations are underway for an upcoming refugee Joint Assessment
Mission which is expected to take place by end of April.  The findings
of the mission will serve as a tool in assessing the future of WFP
assistance to Angolan refugees and asylum seekers residing in Osire
Camp.


(6) Swaziland

(a)  Distributions for March are ongoing for all activities. However,
the delay in receipt of Corn-Soya-Blend may negatively impact reaching
targets for the month.

(b)  A recent Agromet Update, covering the period 1 to 10 March 2006,
indicates adequate rainfall in many parts of the country, with the
exception of some southern areas.  This has been confirmed by WFP field
reports where there continues to be concerns about the Lowveld.
However, in most parts of the country, the condition of maize is at
various stages of maturity, and should conditions remain favourable, it
is probable that the overall harvest will be somewhat higher than last
year. (Last year's harvest was ten percent below the average of the
previous five years.)

(c)  The Agromet Update further reports the condition of pasture
continues to recover with evident benefits for livestock.  In addition,
water for livestock has improved, as the water levels in rivers and, to
a certain extent, streams, increased following recent rainfall.


(7) Zambia

(a)  The current shortfall for the Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO) 10310 through to December 2006 is USD26 million. While
the pipeline appears stable for cereals through June 2006, further
contributions are urgently needed to ensure food can be sourced in time
for post-June distributions. In-kind donations (27,000 tons) which were
expected in February have not arrived and are now expected in April/May.

(b)  Floods in Kazungula District, said to be the worst since 1958, have
destroyed the homes and crops of more than 500 households in Sikaunzwe
and Kasaya villages. The Zambian Police and Army are working together to
relocate people to higher ground near the Kazangula Health Centre, where
government agencies, with the help of the Red Cross, are managing a
provisional shelter camp. According to district authorities, an
additional 400 households have been affected by flooding in Chama. The
affected families were evacuated to nearby schools. An assessment team
from the provincial office is undertaking an assessment.


(8) Zimbabwe

(a)  In Manicaland Province, WFP field reports reveal the food security
situation has continued to deteriorate despite the approaching
harvesting period.  Most of the early maize crop was affected by heavy
rains, flooded fields, and the lack of fertiliser.  In Masvingo
Province, field reports noted an improved food security situation as
people in Masvingo and Shurugwi districts are now eating green maize,
sweet sorghum, and groundnuts from their fields.  While projections for
the cereal harvest in 2006 are premature, preliminary assessment data
from the SADC Food Security Early Warning System (FSEWS) indicates that
cereal production is expected to exceed 2005 levels.

(b)  During the March 11-19 reporting week, the shortage of maize meal
continued in urban areas of Bulawayo. Long queues were seen at one shop
in Makokoba suburb and riot police were called to maintain order. No
maize meal deliveries were reported in the major retail outlets around
the city. In Harare city, maize meal was readily available in the local
shops, with the minimum price of ZWD380,000 per 10 kilos.  Countrywide,
maize meal prices ranged from ZWD350,000 per 10 kilos in Nkayi,
(Matabeleland North Province) to ZWD600,000 in Shurugwi District
(Masvingo Province).  The current U.N. rate of exchange is ZWD109,125 to
USD1. The Government of Zimbabwe Grain Marketing Board distributions
remained erratic.

(c)  From March 11 through 19, urban feeding registrations were
conducted at three sites in the Harare area allowing WFP staff to review
the beneficiary status of more than 1,250 households.  The process
revealed that an additional 160 vulnerable households relocated mainly
due to prohibitive rental costs in the surrounding suburbs.  In March
2006, WFP plans to assist more than 77,000 urban residents and other
vulnerable transient people.



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

(1) Bolivia

(a)  During the reporting period (16-23 March), there are a number of
demonstrations in the city of La Paz. Three marches and street protests
have been registered per day. Social movements are demanding compliance
of President Morales' electoral promises regarding nationalization of
hydrocarbons and other natural resources, as well as a wage increase.
Bomb blasts were registered in the city of La Paz, killing two people
and wounding at least five. Two foreign suspects, carrying dynamite
cartridges and detonators, were arrested right after the blasts.

(b)  On Friday 17 March, the UN Resident Coordinator along with the
Minister of Defense in a press conference reported that 39,000 families
were affected by the flood; some 26,000 are being assisted and 3,200 are
sheltered in the camps, 163,577 hectares of crops and 2,100 kilometers
of roads were destroyed.

(c)  As of 15 March, WFP provided 302 tons of food to an estimated
11,700 families in the Departments of Santa Cruz, Beni and La Paz.

(d)  Under the Emergency Operation (IR-EMOP 10511.0), WFP distributed 40
tons of food to 1,800 families in Santa Cruz during the reporting
period.

(e)  A rapid Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) has started in
Santa Cruz to determine future needs. The assessment includes a
nutritional evaluation of children under five.

(f)  IR-EMOP resources will meet requirements of the affected families
for a maximum period of 60 days. Food assistance is needed for at least
10 additional months. WFP is preparing an EMOP proposal to assist 9,000
families for a period of 10 months in the Departments of Santa Cruz,
Beni and La Paz.


(2) Cuba

(a)  Drought persists in the eastern provinces including the Province of
Camaguey; meanwhile, overall rainfall levels continued to be lower than
average.

(b)  Distribution under Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10423.0 is ongoing in
Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Guantanamo: 341 tons of vegetable oil, 705
tons of rice, 643 tons of black beans, 152 tons of rice in Pronvice of
Granma.

(c)  EMOP 10423.0 is resourced at 20 percent; the operation also
received IRA 1.2 million. In addition, US$446,200 of WFP multilaterals
have been confirmed and will be used to procure vegetable oil and
pulses, meanwhile, US$ 2,953,800 is urgently needed to meet outstanding
requirements.


(3) Ecuador

(a)  The United Nations Country Team declared Security Phase I the
country due to the indigenous protests in Quito and the Andean
provinces.

(b)  Eleven days of protests have passed and indigenous blockades
continue in eleven Andean provinces.  In order to stop the protests and
blockades, the Government announced that it has accepted to participate
in a debate on the Free Trade Agreement. The FTA Negotiation Team and
Government representatives will visit the Andean provinces to facilitate
information of the importance of FTA.

(c)  Since last week access to and from the provinces of Azuay, Canar,
Carchi, Loja, Zamora, Pichincha, Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and
Bolivar provinces was limited.  Food and fuel shortages in the markets
were registered all over the country.

(d)  Heavy rains and floods continued in the coastal provinces of Los
Rios, El Oro, Guayas and Manabi.  Houses, basic infrastructure and crops
have been severely damaged. Since 17 February, a state of emergency has
been declared by the Ecuadorian Government in the coastal provinces of
Guayas and Los Rios. According the weather forecast, heavy rains will
continue in March and April in the coast.

(e)  During the reporting period, heavy rains have been reported in the
coastal province of Manabi; at least 1,083 families have been affected.
The county of Tosagua has been severely affected as 833 families have
lost their crops and their homes, while cattle are in danger. Hundreds
have been evacuated from their homes since 19 March.  Los Rios coastal
province requests sanitary aid.  According to the Civil Defense, 588
families have been moved to shelters and relatives' homes. Children and
elderly people have been affected by respiratory, dermatologic,
gastrointestinal illnesses.

(f)  An estimated 25,000 flood-affected people in the Provinces of
Guayas, El Oro, Manabi and Los Rios are in urgent need of humanitarian
assistance. Due to protests, social tension and the political
instability in the country, Government assistance has been insufficient;
the situation is aggravating as bad weather continues.  11 people have
died so far.

(g)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, a low intensity
quake of 4.0 in the Richter scale was registered on 16 March, 300 km
from Quito in the coastal Province of Guayas.  No further seismic
activity was registered.

(h)  According to the National Geophysical Institute, volcanic activity
continued to be moderate, with low emissions of ashes, steam and gas.
Loud roars coming from the Tungurahua and Reventador Volcanoes and
incandescent rocks were also registered.  Several communities have been
affected with ashes. Due to bad weather conditions, monitoring of the
volcanoes has been difficult.

(i)  UNHCR's Local Executing Agencies continued to deliver food aid
under the ECU EMOP 10381.0. Monitoring and evaluation report will be
presented at the end of March. On March 15, WFP jointly with the Civil
Defense, Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Welfare will start
distribution of 800 food rations to affected families living in shelters
in the coastal provinces of Los Rios and El Oro. Also, a WFP mission
will deliver 1,000 food rations to floods affected families in the
Province of Manabi.

(j)  Procurement of 204 metric tons of commodities is ongoing; 15,000
emergency food rations will be distributed to affected families in
coastal areas affected by the floods.  Commodities were delivered to the
provincial warehouses of Guayas and Manabi.

(k)  As heavy rains, floods and landslides continue in the coastal
Provinces of Manabi, Guayas, El Oro, Los Rios, on 21 March, WFP with
Civil Defense and the ministries of Agriculture and Welfare evaluated
and commenced distribution of 1,500 food rations in Guayas, El Oro, and
Los Rios. As a result of the WFP assessment mission in Manabi, 4,868
food rations were delivered to WFP's provincial warehouse in Manabi in
order to start distribution as soon as possible. A WFP team is still
evaluating other areas of the province.

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


(4) Guatemala

(a)  In San Marcos, two coordination meetings took place between WFP and
Accion contra el Hambre and Caritas on 15-17 March to avoid future
overlaps in the food interventions activities in the department. The
organizations are implementing food related activities in different
municipalities in San Marcos. In Solola, WFP made an agreement with the
local NGO, Entre Amigos, to participate in the distribution of
additional food rations in the community of Santa Maria Visitacion.

(b)  WFP continued to coordinate actions with the UN Joint programme
(UNDP, FAO, and ILO) that aims to assist families living in shelters.

(c)  During the reporting period, a total of 4,246 families were
assisted with 349 tons of food in Escuintla, Solola, San Marcos

(d)  WFP monitors continued to monitor food distribution in
Huehuetenango, Totonicapan, San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Solola,
Escuintla, Santa Rosa and Jutiapa.  A total of 782 tons of food to the
Departments of Chimaltenango, Escuintla, Quetzaltenango, Jutiapa, and
Santa Rosa.

(e)  Between 8 March and 22 March, 2006, a total of 4,806 tons of food
was received to WFP warehouses for the EMOP 10497. A total of 7,952 tons
of food received for EMOP 10497.

(f)  A total of US $1,338,700 from multinational donations was confirmed
this week. Thus, the amount resourced to date is US$ 8,140,737 or 57.7
percent of the appeal made to the international community.


(5) Haiti

(a)  During the reporting period (16-23 March), the security situation
continued to be relatively stable; however, a number of incidents was
substantially lower than in the previous months. Kidnappings also
continued to be reported. No armed action against UN staff/MINUSTAH was
reported. The political and general security situation remains tense due
to the upcoming second round of parliamentary elections which is due on
the 21st of April. The inauguration of president-elect Rene Preval has
been postponed to early May. Travel restriction measures continue to be
in place in Port-au-Prince, in areas such as Cite Militaire, Route
National 1 and SHODECOSA, where WFP main warehouses are located. UN
activities in the area close to Cite Militaire continued to be
monitored.

(b)  During the reporting period, a total of 1,110 tons of food were
delivered to health centres and schools in the West, North and
North-East departments and in Port-au-Prince.

(c)  A meeting was held with the Chamber of Agriculture in Grande
Riviere in order to further discuss the possibilities of producing and
distributing fortified biscuits (cassava mamba) to school children in
Grande Riviere in the Northern Department.

(d)  WFP Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10382.0 total
food for the duration of the project is estimated at 46,830 tons and the
total cost at US$ 40 million. By the end of January 2005, the PRRO had
received US$ 15 million from directed multilateral and multilateral
contributions. However, it is facing a pipeline break of Corn Soya Blend
(CSB). Contributions are critically needed to overcome the shortages.

(e)  The total food stocks in the country are estimated at 8,141 tons,
of which 6,932 tons are in WFP warehouses and available for distribution
while over 1,209 tons is in transit.

(f)  WFP coordinated a UN task force on Cite Soleil to discuss a
possible joint evaluation mission on site and development of a coherent
UN joint strategy to this needy neighborhood of Port au Prince. WFP
continued participating in the taskforce of Post Electoral Stabilization
Strategy, set up by the UN Country Team.

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


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