Highlights
The food security situation following the onset of the Gu rains is mixed, deteriorating in the drought-affected and rain deficit areas in the central regions (Mudug, Galgadud and Hiran) and in the north (part of Nugal Valley and Sool Plateau. However, there are some signs of improvement in Bay, Bakool, Middle Juba, Lower Juba, Middle Shabelle and parts of Lower Shabelle in the south, as well as in the north in Awdal, and Bari (See Integrated Food Security Analysis Section).
Climate: The progress of the season in terms of rainfall intensity and spatial distribution has been mixed, with some regions receiving normal rains, while others extremely poor rains. It is still too early to determine the overall performance of the season, since there are still several weeks till the end of the Gu (See Climate section).
Civil Insecurity: The civil security situation in many areas of southern and central Somalia is, as several factions continue to fight for control of the country. This is leading to new population displacement, market disruptions, and resource based conflicts (See Civil Insecurity Section).
Agriculture: Crop establishment is average in Bay, Juba, as well as some areas of Bakool, and Shabelle regions, however, crops are not established well in some areas of Gedo and Hiran. Where there is average to good rainfall and crop establishment, income opportunities for poor households have improved. Local cereal prices are 10% to 60% lower than prices during the same period last year, but they are still at an all time high (See Agriculture Section).
Livestock: Rangeland conditions continue to deteriorate in the some areas of the north and in the central region, however, are improving in much of the south. Livestock body conditions and production remain poor in most of the central and northern regions. Livestock prices in April '09 remain at record high levels (See Livestock Section).
Markets: The Somali shilling depreciated between March and April 2009, in most of Somalia's southern main markets. Although, there were decreases in imported commodity prices in a few major markets, they are still significantly higher than normal (compared to the five-year average) (See Market Section).
Nutrition: Recently completed nutrition surveys indicate a Very Critical nutrition situation for Hiran Agropastoral, Beletweyne District and Burao IDPs (GAM rate of 25.5%, 21.2%, and 20.8%, respectively), while results indicate a Critical nutrition situation for Hiran riverine livelihood zones and Berbera IDPs (GAM 16.9% and 18.3%, respectively (See Nutrition Section).