FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Improved “kremti” season rains favour planting operations and regeneration of pasture

Poor Azmera season rains were followed by improved main season “kremti” rains

Cumulative rainfall in the 2012 short “azmera” rainy season (March to May) were well below average, especially in Anseba, Gash Barka and western parts of Debub regions. By contrast, average rainfall amounts were reported in Maekel and parts of North Red Sea regions. The “azmera” rains are important in providing soil moisture for planting long cycle crops, such as sorghum, maize and finger millet, typically for harvest by November.

The situation has recently improved in inland areas as “kremti” rains (June to September) started by mid-June, favouring planting operations in mechanized agricultural areas of western Gash Barka region and in traditional small farms of central highlands. According to satellite based monitoring, pasture conditions have also improved since the onset of “kremti” rains. However, a close monitoring of the remaining of the “kremti” rainy season is needed in order to assess the overall impact on agricultural performance in 2012.