Poor rains have seriously affected crop and livestock production. Total failure of the secondary azmera season rainfall in major agricultural areas has seriously affected land preparation and the replenishment of pasture, while the main kremti season rains arrived late over most of the country, delaying planting by several weeks. An early cessation of the rains could also compromise the important chickpea crop which is normally planted in early September.
An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited the country from 19 August to 1 September and its report is expected to be issued shortly.