Issued weekly by the United Nations
World Food Programme
This report includes:
(A) Global Resourcing status for EMOPs,
PRROs and SOs
(B) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Tajikistan,
(4) Iran
(C) Balkans (1) Kosovo, (2) Serbia, (3) Montenegro, (4) FYROM, (5) Albania
(D) Burundi
(E) Angola
(F) Chad
(G) Sierra Leone
(H) Djibouti
(I) Laos
From Francesco Strippoli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser; available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org. For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2009. Media queries should be directed to Trevor.Rowe@wfp.org, telephone 39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.
(A) Global Resourcing status for EMOPs, PRROs and SOs
a) Highest needs, 47 percent of the total WFP requirements are found in Sub-Saharan Africa. However only 27 percent of the 2001 donor contributions have been directed to this region, leaving a shortfall of 86 percent.
b) Asia and Eastern Europe needs are 40 percent of the global 2001 requirement, while over 66 percent of the 2001 donor contributions have been directed to Asia, leaving a shortfall of 55 percent.
c) Although requirements for the Middle East, Northern Africa and Western Asia are relatively low, 12 percent of the overall 2001 requirements, over 88 percent of the net needs are not met as only five percent of the 2001 contributions have been directed to this region.
d) Only 20 percent of the net 2001 needs have been resourced for the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
e) Over 74 percent of 2001 requirements are for the EMOPs, and 84 percent of the overall 2001 donor contributions have been directed to this programme category, leaving a shortfall of 70 percent. \
f) Although the requirements for PRROs are 26 percent of all requirements, given the low level of contributions, the shortfall remains high at 86 percent of the total requirements.
(B) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Pakistan, (3) Tajikistan, (4) Iran
(1) Afghanistan
a) A Planting Survey for 2001 conducted by the VAM Unit showed results indicating an exceptionally low level of planting. The survey included winter planting results and projections of the spring planting, as the latter had not yet taken place at the time of the survey. This survey was a result of the extraordinary conditions in Afghanistan over the past year, to guide planning during the transition from the drought phase into the post-harvest phase. More information is needed on whether households were in a recovery situation, where are they located and where obstacles to recovery exist, to make better projections.
b) The survey showed that the reduction in planting of all crops has been widespread and dramatic. Farmers in 8 out of the 24 provinces surveyed reported cultivating less than half of the land they normally use. Only 2 of the 24 provinces planted more than 75 percent of the normally cultivated land. The most affected provinces were Nimroz, Jawzjan, Zabul, Ghor, Kandahar (where less than 25 percent of the normally used land was cultivated), and Herat, Badgis, Kabul and Faryab (where less than 50 percent of the normally cultivated land was utilised). Sever out of eight provinces surveyed are presently considered crisis areas by WFP, to be aided through the Emergency Operation.
c) An unexpected aspect of the survey was that it indicated that farmers were overall more concerned with weather conditions than with access of seed. Seeds are widely purchased and local varieties appear to be available. Lack of seed was cited only in 34 percent of the cases as a factor reducing the planting.
d) While lack of rains appeared to preoccupy all farmers except those in the north-east, in Herat and Mazar, at the time of the survey the precipitation was well within normal ranges. Farmers reported perceived levels of rainfall that differed radically from the actual levels. Given the rationale farmers have reported for reduced planting, their trend of moving towards drought-resistant crops and pessimistic view of climatic conditions, it is clear that farmers everywhere except in the east and north-east are preparing themselves for another year of drought.
e) The role of livestock on coping and recovery is second in importance only to agricultural production. Rapid depletion of livestock to compensate for production losses was noticeable through trends in the livestock market (as early as last July). At the end of February no single region appeared to be comparably worse off than the rest. The farmers in all regions except the east and the north-east were unable to retain even 30 percent of their sheep and goat herds. The provinces worst affected are Ghazni, Badgis, Kandahar, Saripul, Jawzjan and Kabul, where only 20 percent of sheep and goat herds are intact.
f) Eight provinces are amongst the worst affected by reduced planting and depleted livestock: Jawzjan, Kandahar, Zabul, Badgis, Herat, Kabul Ghazni and Faryab.
(2) Pakistan
a) Drought conditions persist in 31 districts of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. It is estimated that about 70 percent of the wheat crop have been damaged in the drought- affected areas.
b) The Federal Government is considering the provision of a special package for the revival of drought-affected areas to save farmers and livestock. This includes deferring of agriculture loans and land revenue and the provision of fodder to give immediate relief to the affected farmers.
(3) Tajikistan
a) Precipitation levels in February were higher than last year at the same time and above the monthly average precipitation norms, with the exception of Khorog (Gorni Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast). The precipitation levels in March, however, have been below those of last year and under the average monthly levels.
b) WFP received a note from the Head of the Gorni Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast Agricultural Department, indicating that because of the low precipitation levels throughout the mountainous areas, the winter cereal crops have suffered.
c) WFP finalised the pre-crop assessment in Khatlon and will continue assessing Leninabad and the Gorni Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast.
d) EMOP food distributions to 15,356 beneficiaries in Aini district (Sughd province) are expected to start in mid-April, in cooperation with the local authorities. Food distributions are ongoing in all other drought-affected areas in Tajikistan.
(4) Iran
a) A BAFIA official was quoted by the local media, stating that the second phase of identifying aliens in Iran has begun throughout the country on 10 April. The first phase lasted from 19 February to 16 March 2001 and one million and thirty thousand aliens were registered in 266 centres throughout the country.
b) The above report is in line with the overall policy of the government to identify the refugee population in order to expel undocumented aliens and gradually place the documented ones in selected sites (camps/settlements), before embarking on a campaign for international assistance to aid these refugees.
(C) Balkans (1) Kosovo, (2) Serbia, (3) Montenegro, (4) FYR of Macedonia, (5) Albania
(1) Kosovo (FR Yugoslavia)
a) The transition to a cash-based Social Assistance Scheme (SAS) continues as food assistance is being phased down. The WFP/FAO Food Security Surveillance Unit has conducted a food economy assessment in majority population areas, to establish eligibility criteria for the SAS. The objectives and preliminary results of this study, which follows a similar one carried out earlier in minority areas, were shared with WFP partners. The results confirm that the situation in Kosovo has improved greatly since the last study, and that the food aid programming approach has been appropriate, with continued phasing-down of beneficiary numbers and support to a social welfare mechanism.
b) WFP conducted a campaign with local media to inform beneficiaries and local distribution partners on the phasing down of the food distribution programme.
c) WFP distributed high-protein biscuits and humanitarian daily rations to 7,000 persons displaced by the recent conflict in Macedonia.
(2) Serbia (FR Yugoslavia)
a) WFP assisted a total of 653,000 beneficiaries in March. Of these, refugees represented 35 percent. The remaining 65 percent were social cases.
b) As a consequence of the recent problems in Macedonia, Serbia has experienced an influx of approximately 900 people in transit to third countries. According to UNHCR estimates, an additional 700 people plan to remain in Serbia.
c) A total of 7,500 tons of WFP-supplied food commodities was delivered through the Yugoslav Red Cross. In keeping with plans to shift distribution responsibilities to NGOs, WFP also delivered 3,100 tons of food to CARE, IISA, ACF, CRS, HELP and IRD.
(3) Montenegro (FR Yugoslavia)
a) During March, WFP distributed 417 tons of food to IDPs, 160 tons of food to refugees and 267 tons to social cases, located in collective centres and private accommodation - a total of 844 tons.
b) WFP continued the information campaign on new criteria for relief food assistance. The campaign involved distribution of an information note to all beneficiaries, its publishing in the main newspapers, and broadcasting announcements on TV stations
(4) Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYRoM)
a) During March, WFP provided food assistance to an estimated targeted 7,600 refugees. Excluding the Radusha collective centre located in the north-west of the country, the delivery of food commodities to refugees residing in collective centres was completed according to plans.
b) The situation in the Tetovo region is returning to normal. A significant number of people who had been registered by the Macedonian Red Cross in the aftermath of the fighting as displaced, have subsequently returned to their homes.
(5) Albania
a) WFP continues to distribute food to unassisted-unemployed beneficiaries. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has provided a list of 8,000 vulnerable households in four prefectures eligible for WFP assistance.
b) Regular consultations and information-sharing meetings are held with partners and Government authorities to monitor the situation of displaced Macedonian Albanians, whose number at the end of March was estimated at 4,250. Of these, 1,735 are reported to have transited into Kosovo.
(D) Burundi
a) During the past two weeks, the security situation remained worrying in many provinces. Fighting was reported in the south, the centre and the west of the country. Most fierce fighting was reported in Rutana, Ruyigi, Bururi and Gitega provinces, between the government troops and the FDD (Forces for the Defence of Democracy) rebels. Clashes were also reported between the Burundian army and FNL (Forces for the National Liberation ) rebels in Bujumbura Rural province. Incursions from Tanzania also continued.
b) On 2 April, a WFP convoy of trucks carrying food assistance to Ruyigi and Cankuzo provinces was ambushed and four people were injured. The life of those injured is not in danger. WFP food was not looted due to a prompt intervention of the army.
c) The last phase of the Seeds Protection Rations operation was terminated in Ruyigi province. Of the 327,500 households planned for assistance, 224,917 in accessible areas were actually reached. Families living in Mwaro, Muramvya, Karuzi, Kayanza and Muyinga provinces benefited from five-member family rations, while single rations were distributed in other provinces. A total of 1,124,586 persons benefited from this operation countrywide. Of the 6,188 tons of food allocated, 4,728 tons were distributed. Security constraints in some areas, and local coordination and beneficiary registration problems in others, hampered the operation.
d) WFP implementing partner, CARE, started food distribution to people returning in Kinama zone, Bujumbura Mairie. Following an outbreak of insecurity in this area, at the end of February, the people left their homes. Upon their return, they found improved security situation, but all their belongings looted. Of the 7,456 households planned for assistance, WFP reached 5,856 households, with a fifteen-day package of food, to help them recover their usual coping mechanisms.
e) WFP authorised dispatch of 180 tons of food to 38 projects benefiting 13,757 people including orphans, street children, elders and chronically ill persons. In addition, WFP also authorised dispatch of more than 800 tons of food commodities to different partners operating in nutrition programmes in Burundi. This delivery represents the first part of the 3,761 tons requested for a period of three months.
f) OCHA, CRS and IMC carried out an inter-agency rapid assessment in Rutana province, to evaluate the immediate needs for people displaced by hostilities in that province. The number of IDPs varies from day to day due to ongoing movements due to fighting. An estimated 5,000 people was dispersed in Rutana, Gitanga and Musongati communes.
(E) Angola
a) The security situation remained unstable in most provinces. Arrival of new IDPs was reported in the provinces of Bie, Cunene, Huambo, Kuando Kubango, Lunda Sul, Malange and Moxico.
b) IDPs at the Cambambe II camp in Bengo expressed their disagreement to participate in the resettlement project planned by the provincial Government's, because they considering the re-settlement area still insecure.
c) Due to recent heavy rainfall in Benguela Province, road access to IDP camps of Senje and Luacho has become impossible. Local authorities and media report that the situation has become critical for the people living in these areas. The Provincial Government of Benguela has requested the Central Government and Private Sector to assist in providing a helicopter, so that relief assistance can be delivered to the IDP camps, or the population evacuated to safer areas.
d) Although a nutritional survey carried out in Cubal by CRS in February reported reduced malnutrition rates, it is believed that the socio-economic situation and ongoing political instability in the region have been maintaining a precarious nutritional status of the population.
e) There was a large increase in the number of admissions at the Therapeutic and Supplementary Feeding Centres in Bie province, during March. At the end of the month, the number of children and adults assisted enrolled in the centres was 5,065.
f) WFP visited the village of Calomanda in the municipality of Kahala to assess the possibility of providing hand-mills to women's groups in the area, to help them start income generating activities with corn milling.
g) The continuing heavy rains in the southern regions are affecting the movement of people, commodities and vehicles. Transit between Namibe and Huila has become inhibited, due to the destruction of the bridge between the two provinces. The situation is greatly affecting WFP operations in the southern regions, particularly the shortages of fuel. NCR will use contingency food stocks in Matala for distributions to recent IDP arrivals, vulnerable group kitchens and FFW projects. WFP is closely monitoring the situation.
h) During the week, LWF has been holding seminars at the re-settlement areas of Samulondo, Luhemba, Luari and Caluambo on the conservation of food items, with the participation of WFP.
i) Despite two recent contributions towards the WFP PRRO, major breaks in the cereals pipeline are envisaged for the months of May and June. Very limited quantities of pulses will be available for distribution also. WFP is currently looking into urgent procurement of pulses and distribution of dried fish as an alternative.
(F) Chad
a) Both, WFP assessment reports and nutritional surveys undertaken by UNICEF and some NGOs show deterioration in the nutritional and food security situation in the sahelian region, particularly in Ouaddaï, Biltine, Guéra, Batha and Kanem departments. A joint nutritional survey will be undertaken in the drought affected provinces of the country.
b) To address the deteriorating nutritional situation, WFP is considering the inclusion of CSB in the food basket of the current EMOP.
c) Since the beginning of March, WFP has distributed 1,663 tons of food to the population affected by drought. Some 194,976 vulnerable persons in the most affected provinces of Biltine, Ouaddaï, Guéra were assisted. Food commodities were borrowed from the on-going country programme.
d) No major food distribution took place last week due to pipeline constraints.
(G) Sierra Leone
a) UNAMSIL troops have been deployed in the RUF-held Tongofields town, in the Eastern Province. However RUF still does not allow government officials in the areas under their control.
b) WFP and FAO undertook a joint assessment mission in Lunsar and observed a significant need for combined food, seeds and tools distribution before the planting season. During the week, WFP distributed a total of 1,038 tons of food to 75,162 beneficiaries in the country.
c) Resettlement of IDPs to their places of origin or places where they wish to resettle has started. As part of this process, WFP distributed food to about 12,800 IDPs in Port Loko camp, while non-food items were supplied by partner agencies. IDPs will be transported to the ressetlement areas. Over 60 percent of FFW activities in roads and shelter construction, linked to the IDP resettlement project, have been completed.
d) Despite loan arrangements made locally with NGOs, WFP expects significant food pipeline problems for all commodities after April (CSB), or August (cereals, oil and pulses). Salt and sugar stocks have already been exhausted.
(H) Djibouti
a) The 2001 UN Donor Alert document in favour of the drought-affected population in Djibouti was presented to the donor community on 18 March. The total requirement for food and non food items was estimated at USD 12.2 million.
b) Under the drought-response EMOP, WFP has so far distributed 1,216 tons of food to 87,000 vulnerable drought victims in Dikhil, Ali-Sabieh, Obock districts and Djibouti Periphery. The distribution in Tadjoura district was postponed due to inadequate storage capacity and lack of transportation means at the district level. This issue has been addressed with the Ministry of Interior and WFP implementing partner.
c) Under the refugee-feeding PRRO, WFP continued to assist an estimated number of 23,185 refugees in Ali-Adde and Holl-Holl.
d) Results from a recent survey undertaken by UNICEF reveal worrying malnutrition rates in Djibouti. Of the 1,497 children less than five years old that were surveyed, 14 percent suffered from severe acute malnutrition and 31.1 percent from chronic malnutrition. WFP together with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health has put in place a nutritional programme targeting the MCH (mother-child healthcare) centres located in densely populated areas of Djibouti City and in rural areas, through the supply of CSB. WFP continues to support the AMDA therapeutic feeding programme in the refugee camps, supplying a 2,100 Kcal daily ration to severely malnourished persons.
e) With the exception of some rainfall during the first week of February in the eastern highlands, the weather situation in Djibouti is not very promising The vegetation cover has been exhausted and livestock continues to be lost due to lack of fodder. As a result, nomadic population from within the country and from Ethiopia has been moving towards the few water points and has concentrated in the already densely populated areas of Djibouti-City.
f) Constraints are foreseen for the next two distribution cycles, since the ferry linking Djibouti is damaged. Access by road is still restricted for security reasons. WFP is liasing with the French authorities to address this issue.
g) Whilst the signing of the second peace accord, if achieved, may eventually improve security in the districts, increasing poverty and the non-payment of salaries to government employees have lead to the deterioration of the security situation in the city of Djibouti. The situation has been further exacerbated by the presence of many demobilised soldiers, awaiting payment of their demobilisation package.
(I) Laos
a) During the phase II of the flood-response EMOP, WFP distributed a total of 1,460 tons of food to 45,757 beneficiaries, a two month ration, to cover serious food shortages during the lean season.
b) The shift from general distributions through Food for Rehabilitation activities to more structured Food for Work is well underway. A total of 43 FFW Projects are implemented in 26 districts seriously hit by the floods, which have experienced a rice deficit of more than 8 months. Most of the FFW activities are aimed at reducing the vulnerability in the longer term and construction of dikes, dams, earth weirs, water reservoirs irrigation canals, rural earth roads, hand-dug wells and fish ponds. WFP has conducted a special FFW training and hired engineers on a short-term basis to assist in the survey and design of the projects.
c) In Phase II of the EMOP, additional 710 tonnes of glutinous rice is being distributed to 69 villages in three most affected provinces and in 19 Districts through the Food for Rehabilitation activities. Due to their inaccessibility and remoteness and consequently lack of sufficient baseline information, those villages haven't been included during the first phase.
Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons
(End WFP Emergency Report No 15)