October , 2012 Food Security highlights…

• The number of vulnerable population is projected to increase from 1,630,007 to 1,972,993 people, representing a 21% increase (about 342,986 people). The new total maize equivalent now stands at 84,811 MT (up from 75,394).

• Prices are higher in the southern parts of Malawi and on average they range from MK65 to MK85 per kg followed by the central region ranging from MK60 to MK80 per kg. The northern region has the lowest average price range of MK50 to 60 per kg.

Food security conditions to deteriorate as the lean season begins

KEY MESSAGES

Although food insecurity conditions in most parts of the region have remained Minimal (IPC Phase 1) since the beginning of the consumption period, conditions are expected to deteriorate over the next six months with the start of the lean season in October.

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. The Price Watch provides an update on trends in selected urban centers. Prices for key markets and commodities monitored are made available in the Price Watch Annex.

This bulletin examines trends in staple food and fuel prices, the cost of the basic food basket, terms of trade and consumer price indices for 70 countries in the third quarter of 2012 (July to September, Q3-2012). The issue contains also a special focus on countries most vulnerable to the tightening of the global grain markets.

Highlights

“Top of mind right now is the food crisis,” said Helen Clark after her meeting with President Joyce Banda. “We discussed the work that can be done with the UN and other development partners to support Malawians through this crisis. We talked about the need for the response to the food crisis to build in greater resilience for the future. More can be done, for example, to build water infrastructure and on reforestation.”

Food security has become a significant issue in Malawi. It is estimated that some 1.8 million people will need relief support until the next rainy season.

This week, armed violence continued to escalate in Syria with heavy fighting occurring in Homs, Daraa, Deir Ezzor, Idlib, Latakia, Aleppo and Damascus. The Government has been accused of using cluster munitions in populated areas. There is an increasing risk of regional spill over, the most recent event being the assassination of a senior intelligence official leading to unrest in Lebanon. Recent reports indicate that more than 900,000 people have been affected by conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile state in Sudan.

In focus

• Some 3 million people require food and livelihoods assistance in Syria. A surge in displacement took place between June and September;

• In September, flooding in Pakistan affected 4.5 million people; seven flood affected districts are in IPC phase 3 (crisis) or phase 4 (emergency);

• In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 5.4 million people require humanitarian assistance. Since June 2012, conflict has displaced 550,000 people in the East;

(Harare / New York, 19 October 2012): United Nations Deputy Humanitarian Chief Catherine Bragg wrapped up her five-day visit to southern Africa today, calling on countries and partners in the region to strengthen their efforts to work together to promote disaster preparedness and tackle food insecurity.

Emergency appeal n° MDRMW008
GLIDE n° OT-2012-000156-MWI
17 October 2012

This Emergency Appeal seeks CHF 1,025,310 in cash, kind or services to support the Malawi Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance to 3,500 households (17,500 beneficiaries) for 9 months, and will be completed by the end of June 2013. A Final Report will be made available by the end of September 2013 (three months after the end of the operation).