The quarterly Early Warning Early Action report on food security and agriculture monitors situations at risk for potential disasters and adverse impacts on food security and agriculture. Risks are categorized according to their potential consequence as either “high risk” or “on watch” so that preventive action can be taken. The Report provides consolidated, easy to read, country-by-country mapping and analysis of crisis situations such as conflict, drought, flood, plants and animals pests and diseases.

In the April to June 2018 edition, the following countries and risks are included:

• HIGH RISK: Yemen (access constraints combined with spikes in conflict threaten to precipitate an already large-scale humanitarian crisis), South Sudan (early lean season induced by conflict-related disruptions), Democratic Republic of Congo (intensification and spread of conflict to other regions), Sahel (difficult pastoral lean season due to drought impacting food security outcomes), Bangladesh and Myanmar (refugee crisis compounded by the upcoming monsoon season), Ethiopia (erratic long rains forecast potentially affecting meher season), Venezuela (hyperinflation and a declining economy to affect food security)

• ON WATCH: Somalia (despite near-average Gu rains forecast, insecurity and flood risks could further exacerbate food insecurity),  Nigeria (northeast) (lean season to exacerbate impact of civil conflict on food security), Syria (fighting to aggravate the food security situation in eastern Ghouta and in the northwest), Afghanistan (prolonged dry spells, conflict and cross-border movements), Southen Africa region (dry conditions threatening cereal production prospects), Central African republic (further spread of conflict leading to continued displacement), Sudan (localized dry spells and increased economic fragility), Mongolia (continued impact of localized dzud), Africa fall armyworm (further spread to Egypt and Libya)