1.1 Summary of Key findings

Significant improvements in pastoral and marginal agricultural livelihoods

Sustained deterioration in food security after a succession of poor or failed seasons that began in 2007 has been reversed significantly, after improved short rains in many parts of the severely droughtaffected pastoral and marginal agricultural areas. In addition, the October – December 2009 short rains extended into January and February 2010 in some drought?affected areas in the northwest and southeast. Generally,

Humanitarian Emergency (Phase 4 according to the food security Integrated Phase Cladsification - IPC) is declared in Bugabira and Busoni Provinces and parts of Kirundo Commune Northern Burundi Burundi. According to a joint mission (Gov, UN, NGOs) carried out on 16-18 February 2010, it is estimated that 35 710 households (i.e. about 178 50 people) are in Humanitarian Emergency and another 15 0 households (i.e. 75 0 Acute Food and Livelihood Crisis (Phase 3) in the same region.

In the past two weeks there have been ethno-religious clashes in Northern Nigeria and mud slide in Uganda. The socio-political political tensions in Côte d'Ivoire and Togo have eased. Protracted crises in Eastern DRC as well as several disease outbreaks are still ongoing. There is also high alert in Mozambique regarding the flood situation. Member states are receiving support from WHO for response mainly through the Health Clusters.

I. HIGHLIGHTS

- Floods affect an approximately 8,360 people in nine districts and cause 11 deaths

- An estimated 4,350 households displaced in Mandera

- Roads and bridges washed away, cutting

Cereal prices are still above average levels and hence deteriorating food access for low-income households.

The country suffers from internal tribal conflicts and natural hazards such as drought and floods.

There is consensus among agencies that the country is facing a serious problem of food insecurity with 3.8 million people in need of food assistance.

The government is implementing trade policy and consumer oriented measures to support people during the hunger season.

PRESS RELEASE

1. HIGHLIGHTS

- Near-normal rainfall is expected over most parts of the country during March-May 2010 "Long-Rains" Season.

- However, rainfall over the western and central districts is likely to be slightly enhanced while a few areas in the eastern sector are likely to experience slightly depressed rainfall.

- The highest rainfall amounts over most parts of the country are likely to be recorded during the peak month of April.

- Weak El- Niño conditions (warm sea

This week the international disaster relief charity is sending another 1,200 ShelterBoxes to Port au Prince, providing emergency shelter for up to 12,000 people. It will bring the total number of boxes deployed in Haiti to more than 8,000.

At the same time, 224 boxes of aid are being sent to Egypt where flash floods have destroyed hundreds of homes. Torrential rains in the Sinai Peninsula have washed away mud brick houses