ReliefWeb

The food security situation in all livelihood zones of Somalia remains as classified following the post-Deyr 2012/13 assessment with slightly over one million people across the country expected to remain in food security Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) through June 2013. Humanitarian assistance, geared towards treatment of malnourished children, improved food access, social safety nets and livelihood support is needed until the next Gu harvest in July-August.

The January to March Jilaal dry season’s impact on livelihoods was milder than usual due to the overall, good October to December Deyr rains as well as the early start of the April to June Gu long rainy season.

Intense Gu rains resulted in flooding in Shabelle regions, parts of Gedo and Bay regions and in the Northwest of Somalia causing temporary population displacements, damage to crops and infrastructure (roads) and household asset losses in localised areas.

Early (mid-March) Gu planting started in most agricultural livelihood zones of Somalia. Gu rains have alleviated water shortages and supported pasture regeneration in most pastoral livelihoods. Recent climate forecasts suggest a mostly average long rainy season, which will facilitate normal proceeding of the farming season.

In the first quarter of 2013, the minimum cost of living remained relatively stable when measured in local currency terms.

Between January to March 2013, data from health facilities indicate fluctuating trends in the number of acutely malnourished children admitted to health facilities in southern Somalia. The highest percent (>45%) of acutely malnourished children under-five admitted in the monitored health facilities is recorded in Bakool region. The admission rates remained stable or decreased in the North and Central. FSNAU will undertake country-wide nutrition surveys between end May and mid July.