HIGHLIGHTS

• FAO’s first forecast for world wheat production in 2013 stands at 690 million tonnes, about 28 million tonnes up from 2012 and the second largest crop on record. The increase is expected mostly in Europe, driven by an expansion in area in response to high prices, and in some countries due to an expected recovery in yields from last year’s below-average levels.

• The international cereal prices in recent months have followed mixed trends with rice prices rising and wheat declining, while maize prices remaining generally steady.

The Global Overview is a weekly update that provides a snapshot of current humanitarian priorities and recent events. Its primary objective is to rapidly inform humanitarian decision makers by presenting a summary of major humanitarian crises, both recent and protracted.

Tropical cyclone Evan hit Samoa and Fiji on 13 and 16 December. As a category 4 storm, Evan caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure on both islands.

An earthquake with magnitude 5.6 has hit South Khorasan province in Iran, killing at least eight people and injuring 12. As of 6 December, no further information available

This report covers the period 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011.

In brief Examples of the CBF impact (more in annex):

Red Cross society of China, Hennan Province

After only two years of implementation of Intensified Capacity Building (ICB) in Hennan Province, the branch has recorded impressive achievements:

• The new structure benefitted 7,000 people through sustainable services

• Grassroots Red Cross organisations have increased from 90 to 3,100

• The number of volunteers increased from 10,000 to 30,000, and staff from 100 to 8,000

Highlights

Funding Situation

The CERF raised a record amount of US$465 million through the contributions of Member States, Observers, regional governments and the private sector. 2011 marks only the second time in the history of the Fund that it exceeded the $450 million target established for it by the General Assembly.

Additionally, $46.4 million was transferred from the CERF loan window to the grant window with the reduction of the loan element by the General Assembly.

INTRODUCTION

Summary

The Desert Locust situation continued developing in western Mauritania in early to mid-November. The national locust control center (CNLA) treated close to 9,560 during this month (close to 13,770 ha since 11 September, 2009). CNLA staff and three survey specialists - two from Morocco and one from Libya continued operations in Mauritania in November. Treatable targets declined towards the end of the month as large numbers of hoppers were controlled and those that escaped fledged and adults continued migrating further north into southern Morocco and northern Mauritania.