Reuters AlertNet - ETHIOPIA: Outlook bleak for pastoral regions as crops failReuters and AlertNet are not responsible for the content of this article or for any external internet sites. The views expressed are the author's alone.
NAIROBI, 29 July 2008 (IRIN) - The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia's pastoral regions of Afar, Amhara, Somali and Tigray is likely to deteriorate because seasonal crops have failed and livestock numbers have fallen, according to preliminary findings of a recent assessment mission.
Widespread crop failure had led to critical food insecurity, prompting increased migration, the findings of the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA)-led multi-agency mission show.
In Somali Region, the assessment found water was scarce, high livestock deaths had affected herd sizes and more cases of malnutrition were being admitted for treatment in several zones. Without immediate humanitarian assistance, the number of needy could increase.
"Terms of trade continue to be against pastoralists, forcing them to sell two/three goats for 50kg of sorghum," according to the preliminary findings reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on 28 July.
In Tigray, the numbers in need had dramatically increased due to the failure of belg (short rains) output. "The region received only 1.9 percent production from the planned estimate," it said. "Price increases have affected all wealth groups. Critical water shortage has been reported in five lowland areas of Raya Azabo and Alamata woredas."
The situation in Amhara was equally serious, with livestock in poor condition in the highlands of North and South Wollo and North Shoa zones, and increases of 200-300 percent in the price of staple foods.
Despite the worsening situation, the aid pipeline faced shortages. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the national shortfall was 153,000MT, valued at US$124 million. WFP's own resources remained insufficient to meet requirements.
NAIROBI, 29 July 2008 (IRIN) - The humanitarian situation in Ethiopia's pastoral regions of Afar, Amhara, Somali and Tigray is likely to deteriorate because seasonal crops have failed and livestock numbers have fallen, according to preliminary findings of a recent assessment mission.
Widespread crop failure had led to critical food insecurity, prompting increased migration, the findings of the Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA)-led multi-agency mission show.
In Somali Region, the assessment found water was scarce, high livestock deaths had affected herd sizes and more cases of malnutrition were being admitted for treatment in several zones. Without immediate humanitarian assistance, the number of needy could increase.
"Terms of trade continue to be against pastoralists, forcing them to sell two/three goats for 50kg of sorghum," according to the preliminary findings reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on 28 July.
In Tigray, the numbers in need had dramatically increased due to the failure of belg (short rains) output. "The region received only 1.9 percent production from the planned estimate," it said. "Price increases have affected all wealth groups. Critical water shortage has been reported in five lowland areas of Raya Azabo and Alamata woredas."
The situation in Amhara was equally serious, with livestock in poor condition in the highlands of North and South Wollo and North Shoa zones, and increases of 200-300 percent in the price of staple foods.
Despite the worsening situation, the aid pipeline faced shortages. According to the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the national shortfall was 153,000MT, valued at US$124 million. WFP's own resources remained insufficient to meet requirements.
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