Attachments
Below-average rainfall worsens pastoral conditions in the south
KEY MESSAGES
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Even though there was improvement in rainfall frequency, the cumulative rainfall in the central and south-central region is still below average. Additionally, in much of the southern region vegetation appears to be deteriorating and water for animals is decreasing. This might prove to be detrimental to pastoralists that choose not to move their animals earlier this season.
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Train services from Namibe to Cuando-Cubango Provinces have restarted and this is helping restore the supply of goods to Lubango. The normalization of train services coupled with governmental price restrictions for selected food commodities and transport are expected to help improve food access to poor households by reducing price increases for basic food.
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The scarcity of foreign currency in local markets and the gradual devaluation of the Kwanza are further complicating the process of importing goods during the lean season. Although train services have resumed, there is still a scarcity of cereal supplies and this combined with the current macroeconomic environment is pushing up prices in most of the country. This situation might constrain access to food for poor households.
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Current acute food insecurity outcomes among the majority of poor households is Stressed (IPC Phase 2) and these outcomes are expected to continue through March. However, we expect these outcomes to improve from April to June and to become Minimal (IPC Phase 1).