Editorial

The monsoon created havoc in many of the Terai districts and caused landslides in numerous Hill and Mountain areas, severely impacting the food security status of poor households, many of whom lost their houses, food stocks, and assets. The monsoon rainfall had an overall positive affect on the food security situation due to good cropping conditions in most areas of the country.

This bulletin provides an update on the current food security situation in Nepal and identifies areas that require assistance and/or need close monitoring.

From 14-25 August an inter-agency (WFP, UNICEF, SC Alliance) flood assessment took place covering 13 flood affected districts in the Terai. A summary of the results of the assessment is provided on page 6 and 7.

Page 8 provides an explanation of WFP's drought response in the Far-and Mid-West in communities affected by consecutive years of drought.

The last section presents selected indicators providing an overview of some broad trends in household food security.

Food Security Hot Spots

FOOD SECURITY PHASE MAP

The food security phase classification map for the period July – September 2007, is presented on page 4 and 5. It is based on the latest information collected by WFP field monitors in 41 districts (during July-August), and in 36 districts, including Rautahat and Sarlahi (during September). Classification of the food security status is based upon a set of reference characteristics. A description of these characteristics and the alert level definitions are provided on the last page of this bulletin. Classifications are made by WFP field monitors who have been trained to ensure consistency in data recording. Verification is done through consultation with district government officials local and international NGOs and triangulation with other data sources.