- Title: [SW Country] Food Security Highlights - Northeast/Puntland Region- February 2000
- From:[]
- Date :[10 Mar 2000]
Food Security Highlights
Northeast/Puntland Region
February 2000
This is the first monthly Food Security Highlight from the
northeast/Puntland following the establishment of the FSAU Sub-unit (in partnership with
UNCU/UNDP and UNA).
General Situation
Pastoral communities in Bari, Nugal, and parts of Mudug
have benefited from good deyr rains, improved livestock condition, and peak
livestock export sales to last until mid-month due to the Haj season. In
areas of Mudug, pastoral communities already affected by poor deyr rains are
supporting destitute pastoral families.
Rainfall (Overview of the Past Deyr Season)
The deyr rainfall was average or above average with even
coverage in Bari and Nugal, but with progressively less rain southwards (Mudug).
There were poor rains in Jariban and eastwards to the coast (Mudug),
and some villages in the Haud (Mudug and south Nugal) and also a small area east of
Iskushuban (Bari). All of these areas suffered from the severe water shortage in 98/99,
with Jariban as the epicentre. In these areas, vegetation has not had a chance to recover
and is below average and scarce. However, in Balibusle and westwards, good deyr
rains have enabled good regeneration of pasture.
Vegetation and Livestock Migration
Below average deyr rains in large areas of Zone 5
(Ethiopia) are resulting in increased livestock migration into the Haud area of Mudug,
Nugal and Sool regions. This is increasing pressure on grazing areas during the jilaal
season and contributing to the deterioration of vegetation to below normal levels for the
time of year. In Zone 5, deyr rainfall was good in the Warder district, resulting
in livestock migration into this area, particularly as other areas of Zone 5 received
below average rainfall. However, livestock from Zone 5 have now migrated to the Haud
border area resulting in above average livestock concentrations and over grazing.
Food Security
If the gu rains are late or fail, there is a likelihood
of food insecurity in areas of Mudug and Nugal, given the depleted reserves of the
communities (gu rains expected by mid-April). Pastoral communities in Jariban,
eastwards to the coast, S. Mudug, and Galgadud - which were all affected by water
shortages in 98/99 - received poor deyr rains at the end of '99. Food security
conditions are likely to be deteriorating, particularly where communities are supporting
destitute pastoralist families.
Market Prices and Supply
The exchange rate of the Somali shilling/US dollar has decreased to
Ssh8,500/$ from the previous December rate of Ssh10,000/$ in December, due to high
livestock export in the current Haj peak. Imported food is available. The price of
diesel is down to Ssh250,000/drum 200 lt. from over Ssh700,000 in December, due to an
increased supply. Livestock prices remain good. The peak livestock export period will end
by mid-March.
Health and Nutrition
The suspected cases of cholera in the Jariban district
(near Garacad) were not confirmed. The SRC health officer and the local fishing companies
have improved community sanitation and hygiene in the village concerned.
There are reports of an increase in cases of
malnourished children at the Gaalkayo hospital. The place of origin of the cases of
malnutrition is not well recorded at present, but the suggestion is that they are
primarily IDP families.
Displacement/Migration
It is suggested that an increase in the dependent population is having
a negative impact on food security in Gaalkayo town. IDPs include those supported by
relatives, such as destitute pastoralists and returnees from Kismaio and other IDPs from
Bay, Bakol and elsewhere in the south. Some of the latter are en route via Bossaso to
Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Urban Gaalkayo families are reported to be supporting up to double
the normal number of relatives and eating less (once a day). The implication is that there
is an increase in unemployment and poverty in Gaalkayo town, this is of particular concern
as this is the peak economic season from the increased Haj livestock exports, which
is to end by mid-March.
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