Mogadishu (RBC) Humanitarians are looking at contingency plans to ensure preparedness and response for the possibility of increased food insecurity in Somalia. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network on 27 November warned that the food security in parts of Somalia is likely to deteriorate in the coming months due to recent climactic shocks, including river flooding and flash floods induced by the tropical storm.
In a preliminary forecast for the post-harvest season up to June, The Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) expects food security to deteriorate in parts of the Shabelles – the “breadbasket” of Somalia, Middle Juba, parts of Hiraan agropastoral areas and storm affected areas in northern Somalia.
No crisis is expected in Gedo, but there could be a short-term deterioration in Lower Juba (one month).
The recent climatic shocks come on top of a country-wide harvest season that was already expected to be potentially below average.
While the number of Somalis in crisis has reduced to 870,000 – the first time it has been below 1 million since 2008 – there are 2.3 million people who are teetering on the margins of food insecurity. Any reduction in the harvest and the national supply of cereals and grains could lead to increased food insecurity for people who are already vulnerable.
The Food Security Cluster has called on members to extend the “lean season” programming through April. The cluster estimates that 630,000 people could be affected by the food security alert and is working on responses geared towards improving access to food and livelihood investments.
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