SOMALIA* (2 October)
The Somalia Food Security Assessment Unit (FSAU) estimated the 2005 "gu" season cereal crop in Somalia at about 115 000 tonnes, including off-season gu crop, nearly 37 percent less than average. The decline is due to the poor rainfall performance in the main crop producing areas of southern Somalia. By contrast, the gu rains in central and northern Somalia were generally good and the estimated cereal harvest in these parts is above average. The “gu” cereal crop normally accounts for some 70 to 80 percent of annual production.
The above average gu rains in central and northern Somalia have markedly improved pasture and livestock conditions. Although this signifies an end to the severe drought conditions of more than three years, a full recovery will be slow due to the cumulative effects of the drought on livelihoods, including large livestock losses and high levels of indebtedness.
The overall food security situation in Somalia continues to be alarming with more than 900 000 people in need of urgent assistance. The situation is further aggravated by the outbreak and upsurge in hostilities in parts of southern Somalia and the deterioration in security conditions that are hampering the distribution of relief assistance. Further information and analysis can be accessed from the Food Security Assessment Unit (FSAU) at:www.fsausomali.org.