ANGOLA FOOD SECURITY UPDATE July 2003
ANGOLA FOOD SECURITY UPDATE July 2003 Highlights The food security situation continues to improve in parts of the country, with the overall number of people estimated to need food assistance reduced by four percent in July 2003 relieving pressure on the food aid pipeline. The price of the least-expensive food basket also continues to decline after the main harvest, reflecting an improvement in access to food. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the results of both the latest nutritional surveys as well as the trend analysis on admissions and readmissions to nutritional rehabilitation programs indicate a clear improvement in the nutritional situation of people in the provinces considered at risk (Benguela, Bie, Kuando Kubango). However, the situation in Huambo and Huila Provinces still warrants some concern. Household food stocks are beginning to run out just two months after the main harvest in the Planalto area, especially for the displaced and returnee populations. In response to the current food crisis, relief agencies in Angola have intensified their relief efforts in food insecure areas, particularly in the Planalto. More than 37,000 returnees have been registered for food assistance in Huambo, Benguela, Huila and Kuando Kubango. The current food aid pipeline looks good. Cereal availability has improved following recent donor contributions of maize. Cereal and pulse projections indicate that total requirements will be covered until the end of October 2003. Since the planned number of beneficiaries for June and July 2003 decreased by four percent, it is estimated that the overall availability of commodities will cover local food needs until end of November 2003.
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