Regional food security situation and outlook
Drought conditions severely impacting food security in the eastern part of the region
The very poor rainfall performance and temporal distribution registered in March and April has caused serious dry conditions over several areas of the eastern part of the region, negatively affecting cropping and pastoral seasons.
Overall food security conditions have worsened, particularly in areas already affected by drought. Staple food prices are increasing and the situation has worsened owing to high fuel prices. In Somalia, prices for cereals and water reached extremely high levels (e.g. Lower Shabelle and Bay registered the highest increase in cereal prices in 12 months). Prices are expected to increase at least till August.