Latest Headlines:

Estimated food security conditions, 3rd Quarter 2009 (July-September)

Generally Food Secure
Moderately Food Insecure
Highly Food Insecure
Extremely Food Insecure
Famine
No Data

Favorable Conditions
Somewhat Favorable Conditions
Short Term Dryness
Drought
Severe Drought
Humanitarian Concern

Extreme Event
Heavy Snow
Heavy Rain
Flooding
Blowing Dust
Extreme Cold
Extreme Heat

The FEWS NET Food Insecurity Severity Scale Read Descriptions
Geographic data are partly derived from the UN/FAO GAUL system. Read Disclaimer

West Africa

Nigeria

10/23/2009

The performance of the 2009 season is mixed with regard to rainfall amount and temporal and spatial distribution. Rainfall declined in the north in early Oct ... more
- The performance of the 2009 season is mixed with regard to rainfall amount and temporal and spatial distribution. Rainfall declined in the north in early October, following normal trends. Current dryness and abrupt cessation of rains in some localized areas of the extreme north could result in localized damages to crops at maturing stages of development and jeopardize harvest expectations. In the North-Central, significant rice and maize crop failures were reported, and maize yield reductions are expected in the extreme south of Gombe. The South continues to experience normal to above-normal rains, and heavy rains persist in the coastal areas.
- Food security conditions have improved significantly nationwide, however, with respect to previous months as the growing season concludes. Farming households and traders are using the newly harvested long-cycle crops to replenish their food stocks and for sale in local markets. Significant production shortages are expected in areas of the extreme north and, to a lesser extent in the North-Central areas. The combined impact of limited own production and high food and non-food prices could constrain poor household food access by March/April, one to two months in advance of the normal hunger season in the extreme north along the border with Niger.
- After having reached seasonal peaks in August, prices of all staple foods in urban and rural markets are showing a downward trend, which is normal at this time of the year, when harvest peaks. However, most food prices are higher than their five-year average as traders adjust their prices upward to recoup for their investment in production. Prices are likely to rise sooner this year than usual as domestic food demand peaks in October, November and December and high fuel prices as the government withdraw its subsidies to the oil industry, thus increasing the cost of living.
Nigeria Country Center
Burkina Faso | Chad | Mali | Mauritania | Niger | Regional Center

Southern Africa

Mozambique

10/30/2009

Although the country is in the midst of the hunger period, the majority of households still have reasonable food access as the food supply and market prices ... more
- Although the country is in the midst of the hunger period, the majority of households still have reasonable food access as the food supply and market prices remain generally stable and following seasonal patterns.
- Preliminary results from the annual vulnerability assessment by the Vulnerability Analysis Group (GAV) from the Technical secretariat for Food Security and Nutrition (SESTAN), indicate that the overall food insecurity conditions did not deteriorate compared to the conditions in March, which is recognized as a general improvement.
- The food security situation is expected to remain stable for the whole country until December, except for the arid and semi-arid zones, where food security conditions are expected to be critical as the hunger season sets in and water availability might become problematic. With the forthcoming flood and cyclone season, localized temporary needs may arise if an event takes place.
- Rainfall has not started in most of the south, while some of the central and northern stations have recorded above-normal rains. Maize and other food commodity prices are generally rising according to the normal seasonal trend.
- In the Zambezi basin, due to the forecast of above-normal rains in the neighboring countries upstream, and due to the fact that the soil moisture index is relatively high, there is near-average to high probability of floods.
Mozambique Country Center
Malawi | Zambia | Zimbabwe | Regional Center

Caribbean

Haiti

10/08/2009

The general food security situation in Haiti remains relatively stable due to: i) remaining stocks from the good spring harvest; ii) price stability in gener ... more
- The general food security situation in Haiti remains relatively stable due to: i) remaining stocks from the good spring harvest; ii) price stability in general and particularly for food staples; and iii) the continuation of income-generating activities.
- However, food insecurity has increased in some regions, particularly in the "Far West" of the Northwest department (Bombardopolis, Baie de Henne, Mole Saint-Nicolas), due to the impacts of the prolonged period of drought; and in the Artibonite and Southeast departments (Jacmel Valley), which are dealing with the effects of “Teschen” disease on pigs.
- To improve food security conditions of poor households in Port-au-Prince and other vulnerable areas, it is recommended that the Government and its partners: i) assist poor households unable to pay educational costs in the shantytowns of Port-au-Prince; ii) strengthen and expand school feeding programs in Port-au-Prince; iii) strengthen the child nutrition monitoring system in the North-West, and iv) subsidize "community restaurants" in Port-au-Prince.
Haiti Country Center

East Africa

Djibouti

11/01/2009

The karan/karma rainy season ended poorly in September, and seasonal rainfall totals were below average levels. Pasture and water availability have improved ... more
- The karan/karma rainy season ended poorly in September, and seasonal rainfall totals were below average levels. Pasture and water availability have improved slightly but are likely to be insufficient through the October to March dry season in the Northwest pastoral livelihood zone. LIvestock:cereal terms of trade remain unfavorable for pastoralists as a result of the high and increasing cost of staple foods.
- The October to February coastal rains have started poorly with a delay of around two weeks. If El Niño conditions develop further, seasonal rainfall will likely be above normal, which will positively affect pastoral conditions in coastal areas. Livestock may then migrate to coastal grazing areas, increasing the competition for limited resources in those areas.
- The price of staple foods increased again in September, and the cost of the minimum expenditure basket remains unaffordable for poor households. These households in urban and rural areas are struggling to consume the minimum caloric requirements, and many may become extremely food insecure. Cash- or food-for-work programs or direct food distributions need to continue for the coming six months in urban areas.
Djibouti Country Center
Ethiopia | Kenya | Somalia | Sudan | Tanzania | Uganda | Regional Center

Central America

Guatemala

09/21/2009

The government of Guatemala has declared a state of emergency throughout the country, as a means to secure funds from foreign governments and the internation ... more
- The government of Guatemala has declared a state of emergency throughout the country, as a means to secure funds from foreign governments and the international community, to address the country’s deepening food security problems.
- Increases in morbidity, especially dengue (classic and hemorrhagic) in Izabal and Petén, and acute respiratory infections in the east, have increased the vulnerability of the population.
- If these conditions are not addressed appropriately, the poor food security situation could spread into other areas and could last, at least, until August/September of 2010.
- Due to the irregular rains, as a result of El Niño, subsistence crops in the dry corridor and the Pacific coast have been damaged. However, large producers have not been affected. Rains in September should fall within the normal range.
- The prices of basic grains could be affected by trader speculation, due to crop losses.
Guatemala Country Center

Central Asia

Afghanistan

10/29/2009

The bumper main wheat harvest in 2009, decrease in cereal prices, and good food aid coverage are encouraging signs for the current food security situation in ... more
- The bumper main wheat harvest in 2009, decrease in cereal prices, and good food aid coverage are encouraging signs for the current food security situation in Afghanistan.
- In Afghanistan, winter is a tough time for the majority of the population. Heavy snow typically blocks the main access roads between the provinces and main food markets, and also creates problems for humanitarian actors to access certain areas for food aid and other humanitarian assistance. Usually in the areas where access is a problem, food prices increase. In addition, food and fuel prices begin to rise, affecting access to food and markets.
- Adding to the access problems, the currently vague political future of the country, insurgency and military operations, war-induced migration, high numbers of deportations from Iran and Pakistan, and decreasing employment opportunities during winter contribute to ongoing food insecurity in many parts of the country.
Afghanistan Country Center