NONO 52 :: ISSUEDISSUED MAYFEBRUARY 5 2003

FSAU acknowledges the contribution of key partners FEWS NET, CARE, WFP, SC-UK, UNCU, UNDP

FSAU REPORTS AND ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS

**FSAU DEYR HARVEST ASSESSMENT : FSAU is carrying out the Deyr field assessment between 29 ETHIOPIAN DROUGHT AND MIGRATORY MOVEMENTS TO NW : The migration of house- January and 10 February 2003. The findings will be holds from Ethiopia to appears to have ended. However, with an estimated 2,000-3,000 shared with key partners to reach a consensus. The additional households in the Awdal area, having left the drought stricken Shinile region of Ethio- FSAU Field Team Manager will also produce a Deyr pia, the impact on Awdal’s inhabitants and resources—and the situation of the migrants, needs to Crop Focus at the end of February/beginning of be carefully monitored until the commencement of the Gu rains. For an indepth report, see p. 2. March. Please contact FSAU Field Team Manager : HIRAN : The good Deyr season has resulted in a crop that is likely to reverse the poor food [email protected] for more details on the Deyr security situation that was predicted after the very low crop production in the 2002 Gu season. Assessment. The area under production is above normal and yields are expected to be good Livestock condi- **URBAN BASELNE ASSESSMENT OF HARGESIA : tion has also improved. As a result of the good Deyr, the FSAU Nutrition Surveillance Project FSAU / FEWS-NET will be carrying out a household reports that the high levels of acute malnutrition related to food security appear to be decreas- economy baseline survey in urban Hargeisa between ing. However, the longer term food security issues (poverty, low income levels, difficulties access- 1st and 30th March (with prior planning and train- ing). A limited number of places are available to ing good production) remain, particularly amongst the ‘poor riverine’ groups of the region. include field staff from partner agencies who are : Gedo region has been food insecure for several consecutive years due to lack of sufficient involved in urban food security interventions and rainfall. However, as a result of good Deyr rains, the area is now experiencing a period of tempo- who have some knowledge/experience of the House- rary recovery as it enters the harsh, dry, Jilaal season. The region is currently moving from a hold Economy Approach. For more details contact period of acute food insecurity to a more chronic state of food insecurity that existed prior to the Sidow of FEWS ([email protected]) or Lesley Ad- recent crisis so it is important that underlying factors which detrimentally affect livelihoods in the ams of FSAU ([email protected]). longer term are closely monitored —particularly if the Gu rains, beginning in March or April are **HOUSEHOLD ECONOMY APPROACH DEBREIFING delayed or fail In northern Gedo, insecurity prevented planting during October/ November 2002 IN NAIROBI: Following FSAU Hargeisa HEA training in in the agro-pastoral and riverine areas close to Luuq and Belet Hawa and a poor crop is expected. December/ January the HEA training debriefing will It is important to recognise that overall crop production in the region contributes less than 15 per now take place in Nairobi on March 20 at FSAU. (Not cent to household food needs because two thirds of the population are estimated to be Hargeisa as reported last month) The reason for the pastoralists. The other third of the population (agro-pastoral and riverine groups) rely on crops for change is to enable as many decision-makers from an estimated 60-65 per cent of their household incomes. international agencies as possible to attend. FSAU ADDUN : The Jilaal season is being felt by the poorest households in parts of the Hawd and and UNCU will be happy to facilitate the involvement Addun pastoral areas of central Somalia (particularly around ) and is a cause for some of other agencies and government representatives concern. This is a consequence of previous poor rainy seasons (particularly Gu 2002), which who are based in . If you would like to reduced their animals' production with consequent income and food losses. Around 20-30 per attend please contact [email protected] or cent of households in the area are affected; at present they are coping by increasing the amount [email protected] of labour they do for others, engaging in small self-employment opportunities, decreasing their **FAO WORKSHOP : An FAO workshop has been held looking at a multi-sectoral approach to reducing number of meals and switching expenditure to basic food items. malnutrition and food insecurity in Gedo Region. The workshop was held in Mandera between 3 - 5 Information on Food Aid Highlights from the FSAU ‘Nutrition February 2003 Distribution is on Page Two Update’

IMPLICATIONS FOR PASTORALISTS FOLLOWING THE ONSET OF Assessments and Surveys THE JILAAL SEASON The January ‘Nutrition Update’ provided the results of nutrition assessments in Awdal, Somaliland and in the Gardo, Dangarayo The nomadic population makes up to sixty Pastoral movements have never been very and Jariban areas of Puntland. These will be followed in per cent of the total Somali population. The extensive in Somalia, as mobility patterns February by a summary of the recent UNICEF nutrition surveys in onset of the long dry season—Jilaal are restricted to some extent by traditionally Galgodob and Jariban in Puntland whose preliminary results do (January—March) undoubtedly represents demarcated ranges known as degaans. not reflect major differences from the rates usually seen in the most difficult time of year for this While rainfall is the main determining fac- these areas. An interagency nutrition survey, led by UNICEF, is group. Water and pasture is a greater dis- tor, horowyn migrations are complex mat- currently underway in Hargeisa urban areas. tance from homesteads, milk production is ters that depend upon many factors, in- In February, the ‘Nutrition Update’ will also include a review of lower and household/water costs higher. cluding clan relations and grazing rights, ongoing interventions in Gedo Region and in Belet Weyne Dis- During this period, households and herds key rangeland resources, disease risks and trict in Hiran Region where humanitarian organisation have usually separate due to the fact that cam- the location and importance of market faced significant challenges in the implementation of nutrition els, cattle, and shoats have different graz- centres and routes. Movements of nugul related interventions. ing habits and watering needs—and differ- across degaans are usually observed only in During January and February, 500 copies of the FSAU/UNICEF ent household members cater for different dry years or in very dry inland areas. Nugul ‘Nutrition’ calendar are being distributed throughout Somalia. roles. The father and elder sons will usually movements could therefore represent a The calendar carries some key messages related to health, food take the hardiest and most mobile animals useful indicator of critical conditions. Any security and care issues that affect nutrition. to distant ranges in search of pasture disruption to normal migration, border clo- FSAU will conduct a training workshop for partners on nutrition (horowyn). On these journeys, the herds- sures, drought, clan tensions will contribute and nutrition related issues between 15th and 17th February man may eat only milk and wild foods for to the pressures on traditional pastoralist 2003 in Hargeisa. The workshop will focus on the collection, several months. The mother and children livelihoods. As an example, out migration analysis and interpretation of information related to nutrition. usually stay with the remaining ‘milk herd’ away from Awdal at the end of March begin- For copies of nutrition survey reports and further information or nugal (shoats and pregnant or lactating ning of April will be vital, so this movement related to nutrition, see the FSAU monthly publication ‘Nutrition camels and cattle) near their home wells. needs to be closely monitored. Update’ or contact :[email protected].

The FSAU is funded by the EC and implemented by FAO. The FSAU Nutrition component is funded by USAID. Further information is available through PO Box 1230, Narobi, Tel: (254-2) 3741299, 3745734, While all efforts have been made to utilize the most accurate data and information 3748297, Fax: 3740598, E-mail: [email protected], or look at www.unsomalia.org under available, neither FSAU, FEWS Net or any of their supporters or partners endorse the ‘FSAU’ webpage. any figure or political boundary as definitive. FSAU Monthly Food Security Report February 2003

HEAVY MIGRATION FROM EHTIOPIA INCREASES PRESSURE ON PASTORALIST GROUPS IN NORTH WEST SOMALIA

In early October 2002, the first out-migration of pastoralists took rain fell in the Awdal and Shinnile highlands but not enough to place from Shinnile region in Ethiopia (Aisha’a, Shinnile and significantly regenerate pasture and water catchments, however, the Dembal) heading towards the coast of Awdal region, particularly the climate is cooler and water is available. Guban area (sub-coastal and coastal plains of northern Awdal) in WFP Ethiopia reported the migration of entire households following search of good pasture and water to keep their main livelihood the start of the hais rains in the Guban areas. This has been con- asset — livestock, in satisfactory condition. Migrations in the area firmed by FSAU radio communications, where camels and donkeys are normal — and necessary — especially during this season. and families carrying possessions have been reported walking However, the movement from Ethiopia of more household members through Hariirad village towards the Guban areas. with goods was considered abnormal. This is likely to be a result of This abnormal in-migration of livestock from Ethiopia to Awdal is previous difficult seasons which have meant that weak lactating likely to remain in the Guban until the Gu rains begin. However, due livestock cannot support a homestead base—as is considered to the carrying capacity of the area and the excessive number of normal. livestock, new pasture will be grazed prematurely without a chance Shinnile zone in Ethiopia had experienced very poor performances to regenerate and shed seeds. Overgrazing is likely to take place of both deyr and karan (October 2002) seasonal rains. They were earlier than expected. Another worrying factor is that animals are poorly distributed and insufficient and didn’t bring the much needed concentrated in a very specific area (from the coast to the moun- relief that was urgently required to rejuvenate the region. tains) and the outbreak of disease is highly probable, especially as These rain failures were complicated by conflict involving the animals originate from so many different parts of the region. clan with the neighbouring Afar people putting severe constraints on The resident population which are already under pressure (see ear- livestock movement to alternative water and grazing areas. As a lier FSAU reports) is stretching usual kin support. People arriving in result, the Issa from Shinnile (Ethiopia) did not have as many Awdal are stressed and justify external support. In the absence of options as normal and this has precipitated the more sudden alternative humanitarian response, relief food at the present tar- en-masse movement to Awdal, instead of the usual sporadic geted level of distributions could be extended to the next Gu rains to migrations. The situation led to the weakening of livestock and relieve some pressure on households. The Gu season is expected to increasingly livestock mortality. The Afar region also did not receive start at the end of March/beginning April 2003. This food is not adequate rains. expected to increase migration/pull as food aid is being distributed The second livestock in-migration into Awdal took place shortly after in Shinnile and most of the migratory movement is believed to have the first in-migration—this was because the hais rains are usually already occurred into Awdal. expected to fall in the Guban between November 2002 and Febru- Critical factors to be watched in the coming months are ary 2003. The pastoralists, who belonged to the Issa clan moved (1) The commencement of the Gu rains in Shinnile/highlands of through the areas of Harirad and A/kadir villages of Awdal on their Awdal—particularly their timing and quantity. way to Guban — and the clan (from Aisha’a, Dembal and (2) Any delay or failure of rains will prevent the migrants from Awbarre) passed through Gadabuursi settlements and territories. returning which should normally occur in late March/April and The situation of these in-migrating pastoralists and their households this will pre-empt a collapse of the sustainability of the Guban became worse when the hais rains of Awdal were delayed. Many of rangelnads carrying capacity and hasten resource depletion in them and their livestock had to stay in the mountains of central Awdal. The vital return of the migrants at the beginning of April Awdal where they could find water and browsing for their camels is expected to happen as rangelands will be depleted. This and goats. Those pastoralists (mostly with sheep) who had already should encourage them to return with their livestock to their moved on to the Guban areas encountered the harsh dry climate place of origin. Interventions that encourage the migrants to where there was inadequate fodder for livestock consumption and stay in Awdal could create additional problems. severe water shortages. Their sheep were particularly badly hit by The onset of the Gu rains in Shinile in Ethiopia are critical. tick borne diseases with which they were unfamiliar. (3) The pastoralists are highly dependent on income from milk and In the second week of December, FSAU, UNICEF and representatives livestock sales. of several Somaliland ministries conducted a drought assessment in MIGRATORY MOVEMENT FROM ETHIOPIA TO GUBAN AREA OF SOMALIA villages around (Gerissa, ElGal and AshaAddo) where they met with elders from Shinnile region. Following interviews it became DJIBOUTI Z# AC clear that those pastoralists who had in-migrated from Ethiopia were suffering the highest livestock mortality rate in the region and their Aysha # GUBAN LU GH AY E animals were the least marketable with the worst productivity. At the # #BE RB E RA BAK I beginning of December, the Ethiopian pastoralists were located in # BOR OM A Zeila district only. As reported in the last monthly report, the hais S HEI KH rains actually commenced in the last week of December and cov- #Y # D ire D a w a #GEB IL E Y

# B# AN DA R WA NA AG #Y #Y BUR AO ered most of the drought affected areas of Zeila, Lughaya and parts Ji Ji ga HAR GEYSA ETHIOPIA of Berbera districts, stretching up to the Ogo and Golis plateau of #

# Awdal and Galbeed regions. In a WFP Ethiopia report dated 9 Janu- BAL L I G U B AD LE #C AY N AB O ary 2003, Jijiga and Shinnile zones did also receive light hais rains (B al leh K h ad ar) but they had little impact on the condition of human and livestock in Direction of livestock movement Aw ar e # B# UU HO O D L E the region. (towards the Guban)

WFP Ethiopia reports that a population of 284,224 people from FOOD AID DISTRIBUTION IN SOMALIA FOR JANUARY 2003 Shinnile districts have been affected by the drought. During January CARE did not distribute in Gedo region and they The FSAU estimates that if 10-15% of this population has are expected to reduce their number of beneficiaries in the region in possibly moved to Awdal, this would represent 4,000-7,000 coming months. CARE have 2,500 MT in the pipeline in Mandera. households, which is estimated to be 2,000-3,000 households During January in the form of Food for Work,(FFW) WFP distributed more than is usual. 32 MT in Berdale district of Bay. 412 MT was distributed in Wajid, Huddur, El Berde and Baddhure in Bakol, 51 MT were distributed in Hiran and 9 MT in , 14 MT in . FFW carried out in the North, 19 MT in and 244 MT in Hargeisa. Other distri- A third phase of migration into Awdal, from Ethiopia, commenced butions in the north included 54 MT in Togdheer, 7 MT in Sanag, 54 when the Guban rains began. This group faced less problems MT in Bari and 10 MT in Sool regions. compared to the two other migrations—on their way to the coast– as

2 FSAU Monthly Food Security Report February 2003

REGIONAL FOOD SECURITY HIGHLIGHTS AS REPORTED BY FSAU FIELD MONITORS Every month, the 22 FSAU Field Monitors provide in depth information on food security indicators in their areas. If you would like to obtain a copy of their district reports - please contact [email protected]. The Regional highlights are a summary of this field information. SANAG & TOGHDEER SOOL (and the Buhoodle Hawd) BARI REGION Toghdeer and Sanag agro-pastoral zone Unusual rainfall fell in January in Sool Plateau The overall food security situation in which had a poor Gu season has made around Dhahar district but its unlikely to regener- Dharoor FEZ, Sool FEZ and Coastal FEZ is some recovery due to good Deyr rains in ate pasture which is in its dormant stage. With normal with the exception of poor urban the area. In Sool Plateau of eastern the exception of the urban poor (who are affected wealth groups, particularly the IDP’S in Sanaag the main problem for pastoralists by security problems) other FEZ’s have access to Bossaso who have limited coping options remains the shortage of water coming normal food daily intake. The pastoral community available to them. Weather conditions are from bore holes. Most of these are old and in the area are benefiting from the favourable typical of the hot dry Jilaal season. In the fragile and during the Jilaal are vulnerable Terms of Trade and improved livestock market Dharoor FEZ poor pastoralist groups are as a result of mechanical damage due to demand for both local and export quality stock. still feeling the effects of low livestock re- over-pumping. Pastoralists in this area are Livestock have normal body condition and production due to last drought,depressed also suffering from a reduced camel calv- weight—only a small percentage of young and livestock value, and the effects of the harsh ing rate due to the effects of the last lactating animals are in poor body condition. How- Jilaal season. Poor pastoralists access to drought. The price of milk is still 30% ever, pasture availability is already beginning to dairy products is also below normal as the higher than normal due to low milk produc- decline and water shortage is already being felt number of milking animals is limited and tion. It is expected that some pastoralists in parts of Sool Plateau. Pasture exhaustion is available to only a few households. Normal are expected to start water trucking at the already occurring in Nugal Valley. food expandability options (gifts or pur- end of February until the Gu rains are chase of cereals) have been effective in received. The fishing communities in east- SOUTH NUGAL & NORTH MUDUG counter balancing the food gap. The con- ern Sanaag have however experienced a The Hawd Food Economy Zone is normal with the sumption patterns of the pastoralists are good season. They are benefiting from the exception of the 25-30 per cent of poor pastoralist likely to change as the Jilaal season pro- establishment of the Laskorey fish factory. households in the drought hit eastern areas of the gresses. Milk yields will drastically decrease Local people have benefited from trans- Food Economy Group who are increasingly food and consumption of non pastoral food port related activities in Berbera insecure, particularly around Jariban district. items are likely to increase. Generally related to food aid on its way to Ethiopia. These households have low milk production and livestock condition is good. In the Sool FEZ, poor access to livestock sales. They are coping the income sources of pastoralists have through self employment and other labour oppor- returned to normal although they are still NORTH NUGAL & SOUTH BARI tunities. Despite the livestock ban—the better off losing about 9% of their total income be- Despite the drought experienced in the last and middle wealth groups are able to access their cause of inaccessibility to fishing activities hagai season, which reduced herd size in usual income. Access to water is normal except in over the last two months. Income from live- Hawd and Lyax eco-zones, (and below nor- Goldogob district borehole, where water is more stock sales is still below normal – about mal milk production during the Deyr) pas- scarce, being sold at the abnormal price of 67.5% of the baseline price. However, pas- toralists are coping due to good terms of 12,000 sh/drum, more than three times the price toralists are managing the loss of income trade for : shoat/rice, shoat/sorghum, and for this time of year. The western part of the through selling milk instead of consuming shoat/drum of water. All berkads have Addun Pastoral Food Economy Zone is worrying. it and increasing livestock sales. There been replenished. One water drum of 200 Camel conception rates have declined last year is no water crisis on the sool plateau of Bari litres cost 10,000 Somali shillings while in during a series of successive droughts and this, region – although water could become a the previous hagai the same drum cost combined with poor market accessibility, poor problem at the end of Jilaal. Fishing activi- 45,000-75,000 Ssh. There are pockets infrastructure and the ongoing livestock ban ties resumed in January. An overall im- such as the Nugal valley which did not means that 20-30 per cent of poor households in provement in pastoral well-being is not ex- receive deyr rains so many pastoralists this area are finding it increasingly difficult to pected unless camel reproduction returns migrated elsewhere, some however stayed access food. In order to cope, they are exploiting to normal and the livestock ban is lifted. behind and it is now too late for them to different self employment activities to try and The following have positively affecting the move to far-flung areas such as Addun or maintain their income and purchasing power. improvement of the overall livelihoods of Deeh/coastal. Camel herds from Lyah, Nu- In the Deeh Food Economy Zone food security the the coastal FEZ especially in Bosasso town. gal and Sool which have not fully recuper- situation is normal. The low price of rice and relief maize, avail- ated physically from the severe droughts ability of related livestock trade and port will stuggle to survive the Jilaal. Camels in NORTH WEST & AWDAL activities, construction trade and an ade- hawd seem to be fully recovered due to the See highlights on the front page and article on quate supply of food commodities. good quality pasture in the region. page 2.

Fig 1 : Current Vegetation conditions (early AS JILAAL SEASON ARRIVES LIVESTOCK EXPORT TABLE JANUARY 2003 February ) compared to previous dekad of PASTORALISTS ARE FACING 21 –30 January 2003. DETERIORATION IN QUALITY OF Bosasso * October November December January PASTURE : Current pasture and livestock conditions are reported to be adequate/ Camel 782 765 1,300 50 fair in Lower and , Bay Cattle 4,448 3,433 3,773 5,820 and Juba Valley. However, in the rest of the country pasture is drying quicker than Shoats 150,845 160,245 100,154 209,030 is usual. Fig 1 looks at current vegetation (early February) compared to the previ- Total 156,075 164,443 105,227 214,900 ous dekad 21-30 January 2003. The de- Berbera ** teriorating pasture conditions are more evident in parts of Bay, Lower and Middle Camel 1,251 3,627 450 2,947 Shabelle, , central Galbeed and along the northern coastal belt. Nev- Cattle 4,503 5,519 8,800 10,174 ertheless, there are still good vegetation Shoats 42,261 62,549 40,396 123,089 conditions in regions. Re- ports from the field confirm this situation, Total 48,015 71,695 49,646 136,211 Source: FEWS NET & USGIS which could lead to overgrazing. Source *: Bosasso Port Authority Source ** : Berbera Port Authority

3 FSAU Monthly Food Security Report February 2003

REGIONAL FOOD SECURITY HIGHLIGHTS AS REPORTED BY FSAU FIELD MONTIORS

GEDO BAY BAKOL The food security situation is good and no In mid January some districts The food security situation is fairly good severe food shortages are reported. This is (Kansahdere and Dinsoor) received unex- despite some food insecure pockets in areas the best beginning to the start of Jilaal in four pected rain. This replenished many of the around Wajid and villages in Huddur district. years and the harsh, hot, dry season is ex- water catchments in the agro-pastoral Water shortages are expected around south- pected to be relatively cool. There are a few and pastoral areas and improved pasture ern villages of Rabdure and Huddur districts localized showers in some areas which is and grazing. In terms of milk and meat (Bodan, Emilow and Wabgarad) which rely unusual. Currently pasture and grazing is production, the situation is normal for the heavily on catchements and shallow wells. considered above average – pasture is green time of year. Milk prices have slightly Catchments are already drying up causing allowing some livestock to remain in the decreased. Harvesting activities have livestock to move to fixed water points. ADRA region during Jilaal which is unusual. Pastor- begun in farming areas of the region, is working on rehabilitation of wells in alists are staying close to urban centres improving agricultural opportunities for Huddur and Rabdure to try and improve the because of good pasture and plenty of water. very poor wealth groups. The price of sta- situation. Due to good Deyr rains, however Livestock are strong and healthy. Livestock ple food (sorghum and maize) has pasture continues to be available and milk production is good in terms of yields- decreased by 50% due to insecurity. This livestock survival especially camel and shoats especially cattle and goats, camel milk yield has worried farmers as non-food items is expected through until the start of the next is a bit below normal but plenty of availability. such as clothes, medicine and sugar have rainy season. Crop harvesting should All livestock species are fetching good market not been affected by the price drop. Agro- completed by the first week in January. Some prices and terms of trade are favourable to pastoralists have good stocks until the pockets of Wajid and Tieglow have seen crop pastoralists. Goats and cattle are going to next Gu while pastoralists are experienc- losses following the late showers in Decem- Garissa markets, while camels are being sent ing favourable Terms of Trade. Insecurity ber. Livestock availability and marketing is to Mogadishu and Kenya. Rain fed farmers in Baidoa, Dinsor and Oflow is negatively normal. Livestock prices are good for both have stopped selling their sorghum grain be- affecting food security. sustainable livestock holding pastorals and cause availability is plenty and because the agro pastorals making the Terms of Trade cereal is fetching a low price – farmers are LOWER SHABELLE favourable. Staple and non-staple food mar- storing in local ground pits. Maize supply and Food security situation is normal. Most wealth kets, in terms of demand, supply and accessi- prices are normal. groups have stocks and or/cash crops bility is normal. Cereal prices have substan- (sesame). In addition agricultural labour is tially dropped this month by 35-45%. There HIRAN still satisfactory and the price of local are reports of shoat diseases in Rabdure. The food security situation is improving as a produce is affordable to most households. result of the good Deyr. The harvest of early Livestock are in good condition and are fetch- planted crops has finished while the late ing a good price. Cattle have started to move planted crops will be finished at the end of back to the riverine area—improving milk COWPEA BELT January. The total cropped area is above nor- access for the riverine population. However, Above normal Deyr rains have meant mal because of the good Deyr rains. Crop localised conflict is causing some difficulty in households have good availability and condition is good despite slight infestation of specific areas which is lessening the coping accessibility to food, water and pasture. pests and bird attacks. The Deyr rains started option for poorer wealth groups. Livestock are producing milk and meat and in early October and were initially poor and the harvest is expected to produce a good unevenly distributed but these rains improved MIDDLE SHABELLE sorghum and cowpea crop. Water for in December which is traditionally a dry Pasture and grazing conditions are becoming people and livestock is available with nor- month improving pasture and water availabil- poor because of the prevailing dry weather mal prices for the season. Livestock prod- ity. Livestock condition has improved as well and temporary water catchments have dried ucts are being consumed locally as well as meat and milk production. The river level up in the rangelands. Browsing animals as being sent to Galkaio and Mogadishu has been fluctuating in the last two months (camel and goats) are better off compared to which is enabling pastoralists to purchase but recently the river level dropped drastically non-browsing animals due to the availability imported staple food (rice, flour) and other making mini floods in the area unlikely. The of ever green trees and shrubs. The dry essential commodities such as sugar. drought in the Ethiopian Shabelle region has weather has caused a reduction in milk not made a significant impact on Hiran re- production and a loss in animal body weight. gion’s livelihoods; no abnormal migration of Cattle have moved to riverine areas in order livestock or humans has been observed. to graze crop residues. Maize and sorghum There is a good supply of cereals, which are crops have been harvested and early planting GALGADUD even available to poor households and cereal of sesame is in progress. River levels rose The food security situation is normal as the prices have declined. There are job opportuni- between 6-15 January. During the high river region enters the Jilaal season. Water avail- ties in the agricultural sector for poorer level some farmers had the opportunity to ability for the season is normal. Livestock are households too which is enabling them to irrigate their fields. Insect infestation and bird concentrated near to water points except in access income. attacks were not alarming this season. Food C/Wak and parts of Adado where the water- availability in the market is good. The supply JUBA VALLEY ing frequencies are reported to be high due to of maize, sorghum, cowpea and sesame is Middle Juba (Sakow, Buale and Jilib) is the prevailing harsh Jilaal season -the bore- good due to the deyr harvest. Traders from experiencing dry, hot weather typical of holes are also few and livestock quite dense other places are in the market collecting local Jilaal. Pasture and grazing are still in this area. Poor households are the most products. Maize and sesame are transported available. Overall livestock condition is susceptible to the ongoing Jilaal season in to Mogadishu while cowpea is shipped to normal. Although insecurity exists, people terms of water accessibility as they won’t be Hiran, central regions, and even Mudug. are managing through their usual coping able to afford the price of water if the season Retail prices of maize, sorghum and cowpea mechanisms. In Lower Juba (Kismayo, is prolonged. Pasture and grazing conditions have decreased by 11%, 18% and 16% Baolaole, Afmadow, Hagar, Jamamma are normal. Cereal supply to markets and the respectively compared to last months levels. districts) the weather is hot and cloudy. price of staple food (maize) has declined by Household stocks in both irrigated and Poor wealth groups have small stocks of 16% this month making purchase easier for rainfed remain good because of the seasonal cereal left following the poor Gu 2002. poorer pastoral groups. During Jilaal pastoral- harvest. Therefore, currently the overall food Livestock production is normal. Pasture and ists need to purchase food because of a de- security situation for all wealth groups is grazing is in good condition while water cline in the productivity of animals. availability is starting to decline. normal. 4