• Abnormal dryness has settled in across western Mali.
• A slight reduction in rainfall observed over Ethiopia.

1) The delayed onset of the March-May rainfall has negatively impacted ground conditions over the Belg-producing areas of northern Ethiopia. Despite an increase in rain since mid-April, the accumulated rainfall has remained below-average. Limited rain is forecast over the area during the next outlook period, likely maintaining rainfall deficits.

2012 proves to have been the most successful in recent times as far as the opening of negotiations and peace processes. 46.3% of the 54 analyzed negotiations were resolved favorably.

Aaron Buchsbaum, Knowledge Management Coordinator, USAID SPRING Project | Feed the Future | Blog

One kilometer outside of Ourossogui, in the Matam Region of Senegal, Sambo’s 4-year old daughter walks towards her father, crossing a field planted with a wide variety of nutritious crops. Her skirt is turned up into a makeshift basket and stuffed with white beans—a reliable source of protein for childhood growth and micronutrients that promote brain development.

The new funds will provide food assistance, clean water and access to basic health services to women and children suffering from hunger and food insecurity.

By Katie Robinson, Canadian Red Cross

As in other countries across the Sahel, the lack of rainfall during 2011 left parts of Senegal facing food insecurity. This was particularly detrimental for livestock in the lean period just before the rains. In this West African country, it is estimated that some 850,000 people were directly affected by the lack of food, and 2.5 million people were affected indirectly.

DAKAR, SENEGAL — As the rainy season begins in West and Central Africa, meteorological experts are warning of above average rainfall, flash floods and overflowing rivers in the western Sahel. Aid agencies say that early preparation is key to reducing the risks associated with such natural disasters, as well as building up people’s resilience to deal with the aftermath.

Experts from the African Center of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) say that rainfall in West and Central Africa could exceed 130 percent of normal precipitation this year.

Despite better rains and harvest projections for 2013, over 11 million people are affected by food insecurity. The humanitarian appeal is only 36 per cent funded.

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Above-average precipitation expected in 2013

• Cereal production recovered significantly in 2012 from previous year’s low level

• Coarse grain prices show mixed trends, while imported rice prices remain mostly stable