Ethiopia NICS/RNIS Acticles

Despite record 2007 meher harvests in many parts of the country, nearly 9 million people are still expected to require food or cash assistance in 2008 (FEWS, 02/08). Eight million of those are being targeted by the GoE's Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP), an assistance program for chronically food insecure people. However, due to limited capacity, some of the most vulnerable regions, including Somali, Benshangul and Gambella, are not currently covered under the program.

The food security situation in the Somali region continues to be critical (FEWS, 02/08). Suffering from a series of shocks over the past few years, including poor rains and inadequate water and pasture for livestock, had led to reduced food access for many households. While formal nutrition surveys have yet to be completed, field reports point to an increase in acute malnutrition in several zones. The situation is said to be most worrisome in Afder and Liban zones, where food distributions have not taken place since October 2007. In addition, the region has been affected by outbreaks of both acute watery diarrhea and measles.

Preliminary forecasts are predicting that the March to May 2008 rains will be below normal in the eastern Ethiopia (FEWS, 02/08). This could have a serious impact on upcoming harvests, especially in those regions for which this is the main rainy season.

Nutrition situation good to serious

The Enset livelihood zone survey (SNNPR), carried out at the beginning of the hunger gap in July 2007 by ACF-F, revealed the prevalence of acute malnutrition to be 13.7% (C.I. 10.2-17.1), including 2.3% (C.I. 1.0-3.6) severe malnutrition (ENCU, 09/07) (figure 1). Mortality rates were acceptable. 67% of respondents stated they experienced food shortages in the months prior to the survey. Another 57% considered themselves as food insecure the day of the survey, despite the fact that many of them benefited from food distributions during the months of May-June.

A second survey in Sankura woreda, Silte zone (SNNPR), done by SC-UK in August 2007, showed a much better situation. Acute malnutrition was only 3.0% (C.I. 1.8-4.1), and severe malnutrition a mere 0.3% (C.I. 0.1-0.8) (ENCU, 09/07). This survey took place just after the Belg harvest, considered to be the best in 5 years. Nearly 90% of participants relied on their own production for food. A high percentage (83%) also reported they had access to piped water and pit latrines. In addition, 14.9% said they benefited from the PSNP, which includes cash-for-work and direct cash support.

Goal conducted two surveys in the Oromia region. The first, in the Dillo and Megado settlement areas (Borena zone, July 2007), showed a serious situation. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 13.5% (exhaustive survey), although there were no cases of severe malnutrition and mortality rates were average (ENCU, 09/07). 73.6% of families reported consuming only one meal per day, with priority given to young children, and over half said they were heavily dependent on food aid.

The second survey occurred in Daro Lebu woreda (West Hararghe zone, August 2007) and found a prevalence of acute malnutrition of 8.6% (C.I. 6.1-11.2) (ENCU, 09/07). Mortality rates were well within the acceptable range. Vaccination rates were low and water and sanitation facilities inadequate. The nutrition situation was described as normal and the food security situation typical within the Ethiopian context.

Figure 1 Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, Ethiopia, July-August 2007 (ENCU, 09/07)

NICS 15, December 2007

Despite better than average rains in many parts of the country and predictions for an overall improved food security situation, 8 million people face chronic food insecurity and are dependent on food and cash assistance from the GoE, while an additional 1.3 million people are in need of emergency food assistance (FEWS, 10/07).

In the Somali region, restrictions to trade and movement, coupled with recent flooding, have complicated humanitarian efforts to reach the most vulnerable. UN partners were coordinating activities, and at last count, 5,000 tonnes of food had been distributed to nearly 1 million people living in the 5 zones affected by military operations (OCHA, 19/11/07). It is anticipated that restrictions will soon be at least partially lifted, which in turn should improve access to markets and stimulate commerce.

A series of surveys conducted in the Wolayta region of SNNPR by Concern in June 2007 revealed very low rates of acute malnutrition (figure 1), consistent with survey results from the same time last year (Concern, 06/07). Most of those interviewed described the December 2006 meher harvest as good and many reported that they still had reserve food stocks.

Two other surveys by Concern in October 2007 in the South Wollo zone, Amhara region, show a more serious nutrition situation (figure 1). Over 1/3 of those included in the studies benefited from some type of food security initiative (Concern, 10/07).

A UNHCR/joint survey of all refugee camps in May/June 2007 indicates that the nutrition situation, on the whole, has either improved or stayed the same as compared to this time last year. The prevalence of acute malnutrition ranged from 4%-13.5% in the 6 camps surveyed (UNHCR, 06/07) (table 1). The prevalence of anemia was found to be high among children under 5 and pregnant women and it was recommended that iron-fortified food be included in either the general ration or as a special supplement (table I).

TABLE I Prevalence of acute malnutrition and anemia, Ethiopian Refugee Camps, May-June 2007 (UNHCR, 07/07)

NICS 14, September 2007

Food security has improved overall following a very good Meher (June to September) rainy season (Fews, 09/07). However, the low lands of Oromiya did not benefit from this generally good rain and the provision of food aid will be needed until the end of 2007.

The number of people requiring assistance in Ethiopia towards the end of 2007 was revised in August and is estimated to be 263,700 in districts not included in the Productive Safety Net Programme. As the amount of emergency food required can be covered through existing DPPA stock, no appeal has been issued this year.

Floods have been reported throughout Somalia, and Acute Watery Diarrhoea has continued to be reported in Amhara, SNNPP, Oromiya, Tigray, Afar and Somali (OCHA, 24/09/07).

The situation has been causing concern in part of Somali region since the intensification in counter-insurgency operations by the Ethiopian National Defence Force, following the attack on Chinese and Ethiopian oil workers and security personnel, in April 2007 (UN, 09/07). Since June, a strict control on border crossing with Somalia has also been established. These have resulted in a decrease in livestock and livestock products sales, on which people from the Somali region rely heavily to procure cereals and other imported items. Prices of these products have also increased dramatically because of the reduced flow. A UN mission conducted at the end of August 2007 reported that coping strategies seem to get exhausted rapidly, access to remittance was more difficult, there were problems with food distributions and feeding patterns were disrupted. There is a fear that the situation is deteriorating rapidly. Among the recommendations of the UN mission is the need for urgent food aid to 600,000 people, relaxation of trade and commercial restrictions, and an independent investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses. In response, the government of Ethiopia made commitments to ensure the improvement of the humanitarian situation in collaboration with UN and humanitarian partners (GoE, 19/09/07). MSF has claimed that they had been denied access to Somali region (MSF, 04/09/07), but this was refuted by the government of Ethiopia (IRIN, 04/09/07).

The nutrition situation was average in the predominantly cropping areas of Oromiya, SNNPR and Tigray regions, according to the surveys conducted between April and June 2007 (table 1), except in Bona district, Sidama zone (ENCU, 30/06/07). The food security situation was reported to have deteriorated and this district had not benefited from the Productive Safety Net or from food distributions in 2007. As a result of the survey, community-based management of severe acute malnutrition was implemented and it was recommended that supplementary feeding programmes be strengthened. Two surveys conducted in Afar and Somali regions also showed worrying situations (figure 1).

Figure 1 Results of nutrition surveys, Afar and Somali regions, 2007 (ENCU, 30/06/07)

NICS 13, May 2007

In spite of the good 2006/2007 Meher harvest and a general improvement in the food security situation, constraints are still affecting poor households: pastoralists have not yet recovered from the previous drought; cereal prices have remained at record highs; and official border closures with Somalia have disrupted market activities and supplies in south-eastern Somalia (FEWS, 10/05/07). The prospect of the Belg season is uncertain due to a dry spell that affected cropping areas of Oromia, Tigray, Amhara and SNNPR regions in February/early March 2007.

Cases of acute watery diarrhoea were still reported in 62 of the 192 districts affected, mostly from Bale, Borena and East Hararge zone, Oromia; Gedeo zone, SNNPR; zone 1 and 3 of Afar and in Harare and Somali regions. However, the case fatality rate has remained relatively low at 1.2% (OCHA, 14/05/07).

It has been reported that about 50,000 refugees recently flew from Somalia to Ethiopia (FEWS, 04/07), although only some 1,500 were registered in Kebrikebeyah and Hartisheik camps (WHO, 16/05/07).

The government and humanitarian partners have agreed to implement the IASC cluster approach to respond to emergencies (DPPA, 15/03/07). The cluster approach aims to improve coordination and accountability of international and national humanitarian actors in several sectors such as nutrition, health, and water and sanitation.

General improvement of the nutrition situation in the post-harvest season, but pockets remain at risk - A nutrition survey conducted in Dolo Bay and Dolo Ado districts, Afder and Liben zones, in February 2007, showed a critical nutrition situation (ENCU, 31/03/07), which was comparable to January 2006 and worse than in September 2006, despite an improvement in the food security situation at macro level. The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 22.5% (19.1-25.8), including 2.7 % (1.4-4.1) severe malnutrition in February 2007 compared to 14.5% (11.8-17.2), including 0.7 % (0.1-1.3) severe malnutrition in September 2006. Measles vaccination and vitamin A distribution coverage were far below expected levels, but mortality rates were below alert thresholds. It does not seem that the population of these districts benefited from the Productive Safety Net (PSN) or food aid in 2007.

In SNNPR, the situation differed depending on the district, with Boreda Abaya and Miab Abaya districts, Gamo Gufa zone, Duna in Hadiaya zone, and Humbo and Sodo Zurie districts, Wolayita zone, revealing a prevalence of acute malnutrition under control or typical of a post harvest period (figure 1). In Sidama zone, the prevalence of acute malnutrition was average in Hulla and Boricha districts. It has significantly decreased in Hulla, compared to the prevalence recorded during the hunger-gap period in April 2006. In Hulla and Boricha, 7% and 16% of the population was entitled to the PSN, respectively, and none to food aid distribution between January and June 2007.

Figure 1 Prevalence of acute malnutrition, SNNPR, Ethiopia, December 2006-February 2007 (ENCU, 31/03/07)

Surveys in Amahara, Harare and Oromia also showed the nutrition situation was under control to average with the exception of Dessie Zuria, South Wollo zone, Amhara where the prevalence of acute malnutrition was of concern (table 1). The survey was conducted after a poor Meher harvest in the area, and the food security situation was also of concern. About 30% of the population was benefiting from the PSN and no food distribution was planned in the area between January and June 2007.

Table 1 Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Ethiopia, January-February 2007 (ENCU, 31/03/07)

NICS 12, February 2007

A bumper 2006/2007 meher season has been forecast with an estimated cereal and pulse production of 20.1 million tonnes. This is about 50% above the average of previous five years (FAO/WFP, 23/02/07). The number of people in need of emergency assistance in 2007 is, therefore, lower than in recent years and is estimated at 1.36 million, compared to 2.6 in 2006 (GoE, 12/02/07). About 150,000 MT of food is needed, of which about 90,000 MT will be carry-over pledges and stock from 2006. In addition, US$ 128, 944,676 is required to address the needs in the non-food sector, including flood rehabilitation/recovery gaps. About 70% and 17% of the emergency-affected population are located in Somali and the lowlands of Oromyia regions, respectively (FEWS, 27/02/07). Food distributions will be conducted following more specific area-by-area and case-by-case assessments than in the past (GoE, 12/02/07). Moreover, around 7.3 million chronically food-insecure people will be entitled to the Productive Safety Net Program, which supports a large-scale public works initiative which pays wages to food-insecure but able-bodied people. For those physically unable to work, the programme provides direct grants.

The outbreak of Acute Watery Diarrhoea has continued, affecting Afar, Somali and pockets of SNNP and Oromia regions especially (OCHA, 26/02/06).

Acceptable nutrition situation in cropping areas but situation still of concern in pastoral areas

Nutrition surveys conducted in SNNPR and Oromia regions at the end of 2006 during harvest or post-harvest seasons, showed acceptable situations, which had improved compared to pre-harvest season, when comparison was possible (table 1) (ENCU, 31/12/06).

On the other hand, the nutrition situation was still of concern in Afar and Somali regions (table 1) (ENCU, 31/12/06). Measles vaccination coverage and mortality rates were also generally poorer in these regions.

Ethiopia has seen a general food security improvement. However, there is a significant number of people still in need of assistance, especially in the Somali region.

NICS 11, November 2006

Estimated numbers of the affected populations are changing rapidly because assessments are still on-going, and new flooding is still occurring. The table below gives some of the latest estimates available (table 1). Rains are expected to continue at least through December so the situation might deteriorate further (WFP, 20/11/06). The major impacts of the floods are the destruction of assets, shelter and infrastructure including roads, contamination of water, destruction of farmlands and deaths of animals. This leads to a disrupted food supply, increase food insecurity, and risk to disease for both humans and animals. In most of the affected areas, road accessibility remains one of the biggest constraints for humanitarian intervention.

Table 1 Estimates of affected population, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia floods, November 2006

A new wave of floods hit the Somali region in October 2006 and especially Gode, Afder, Liben and Korahe zones, where around 122,500 people have been displaced, 362,000 affected and 80 killed (GoE, 23/11/06) (table 4).Floods have also washed away livestock and damaged already poor infrastructure. Prices of non-staple food items have increased considerably. Access to the population is very difficult. A joint appeal for US$ 7 M to cover non-food requirements was launched in November. The food requirements will be partly covered by the DPPA.

Acute Watery Diarrhoea continues to spread, with a total of 40,341 cases and 435 deaths reported in Oromia, SNNP, Tigray, Afar, Amhara and Somali regions (OCHA, 27/11/06).

Aerial transportation has been put in place, and a response in term of food and non-food needs is taking place (OCHA, 01/12/06).

Most of the areas affected by floods were chronically high food-insecure and, in addition, had been recently affected by drought.

Table 5 shows the data on nutrition situations available for 2006 in some of the areas affected. Prevalence of malnutrition was generally very high.

Table 5 Prevalence of acute malnutrition in some of the flood-affected areas in 2006*

A new wave of floods hit the Somali region in October 2006 and especially Gode, Afder, Liben and Korahe zones, where around 122,500 people have been displaced, 362,000 affected and 80 killed (GoE, 23/11/06). Floods have also washed away livestock and damaged already poor infrastructure. Access to the population is very difficult. A joint appeal for US$ 7 M to cover non-food requirements was launched in November. The food need, estimated at 19,820 MT, will be covered by the DPPA.

Acute Watery Diarrhoea continues to spread, with a total of 40,341 cases and 435 deaths reported in Oromia, SNNP, Tigray, Afar, Amhara and Somali regions (OCHA, 27/11/06).

Results of nutrition surveys in SNNPR showed contrasting situations (figure 1) (ENCU, 30/09/06). The nutrition and food security situation was acceptable in Offa and Damot Woyde districts in Wolayita zone shortly after the first green crop, and was typical for this time of the year. On the other hand, the situation was critical in the coffee livelihood zone of Dale and Aleta Wondo districts, Sidama zone, according to a survey conducted during the hunger gap. Last year’s Meher harvest was reported as poor and the area has received little food aid within the past years. The situation was expected to improve following the beginning of the harvest in July. A nutrition survey carried out in the maize livelihood zone of the same districts, just after the beginning of the green harvest, showed a better situation, considered typical for this time of the year.

Nutrition situations were average in Shashego district, Hadiya zone and Dalocha district, Silti zone, and considered typical for the end of the hunger gap period. Mortality rates were below alert thresholds in all of the surveys.

Three nutrition surveys, conducted in Deder and Meta districts of East Hararghe zone and Daro Lebu district, West Haraghe zone, showed situations considered as typical for food-insecure populations at this time of the year (figure 2) (ENCU, 30/09/06). The nutrition situation in Daro Lebu was comparable to that of last year at the same period. All the surveys showed mortality rates below alert threshold.

Figure II Results of nutrition surveys in Oromia and Amhara, 2006 (ENCU, 30/09/06)

In Kalu and Dessi Zuria districts, South Wollo zone, the nutrition situation was poor and considered worse than in normal times (figure 2) (ENCU, 30/09/06). In Dessi Zuria, the food security situation was also reported as poor, while Kalu experienced a bad Meher season harvest in 2005. Around 30% of the population in these districts were entitled to productive safety net programme or food aid. Mortality rates seemed under control.

In the mostly pastoral districts of Dolo Ado, Dolo Bay and Bare, Liben and Afder zones, a precarious nutrition and food security situation was reported (table 6) (ENCU, 30/09/06). Early depletion of water and pasture was noticed, and further deterioration was expected until the start of the next rainy season in October 2006. The ongoing programmes, such as food distribution, did not seem to have improved the situation significantly.

The nutrition situation was also poor in Elekere and Hargelle districts, Afder zone (table 6) (ENCU, 30/09/06). Food security was unfavourable due to poor crop production in the agro-pastoral and riverine areas because of early cessation of rains. While livestock condition was good, reproduction levels were below normal.

Table 6 Results of surveys in Somali region, Ethiopia, August-September 2006 (ENCU, 30/09/06)

Nutrition surveys were conducted in five Sudanese refugee camps, one Eritrean refugee camp and one Somali refugee camp between May and August 2006 (UNHCR/joint, 10/06). The results showed average to precarious nutrition situations (figure 3) while mortality rates appeared below alert thresholds.

According to interviews of women with a child aged less than two years, child feeding practices varied according to the camp, but were

generally poor (table 7). From the information available in the survey reports, the general food distribution met minimum daily needs in all the camps, except Yarenja, but no micro-nutrient enriched blended food was distributed (table 8). Although some of the refugees were able to cultivate small plots, crops did not play a significant role in the food ration. Some income-generating activities were available for some refugees but seemed to remain limited. Regular distribution of non-food items appeared inadequate, obliging people to sell part of their food rations for essential non-food items. The water and sanitation environment varied depending on the camp.

Bonga and Pugnido camps showed a sharp decrease in the prevalence of acute malnutrition, compared to 2005. This might be partly explained by an improvement in the quantity and regularity of the general food distribution as well as the implementation of a blanket feeding programme for all children aged 6-59 months since the last survey. Due to the improvement of the nutrition situation, it was recommended that blanket supplementary feeding be stopped.

Table 7 Child's feeding practices, refugee camps, Ethiopia, May-August 2006 (UNHCR/joint, 10/06)

Table 8 Food security and sanitation environment, refugee camps, Ethiopia, 2006 (UNHCR, 10/06)

Figure III Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, Refugee camps in Ethiopia, September 2006 (UNHCR/joint, 10/06)

NICS 10, August 2006

More than 100,000 people have been affected by floods in most regions of Ethiopia due to unusually intense and continued rainfall since late July 2006 (OCHA, 21/08/06) (see map). Relief operations are underway. An outbreak of violence in Guji and Borena zones, Oromya region at the end of May 2006 has displaced at least 100,000 people (OXFAM, 06/07/06).

The Belg harvest has improved the food security situation in most parts of Somalia, while poor rains in Somali region continue to limit food security prospects towards the end of the year (FEWS, 08/06). About 1.6 m people are estimated to require assistance in the region throughout 2006, representing the major part of the 2 million people in need of assistance nationwide.

Contrasted situation in SNPPR

Several nutrition surveys were conducted in SNPPR following early warnings of a deteriorating food security (ENCU, 30/06/06). While the situation was found to be under control in Boricha and Shebedino districts, Silti, Sankura, Hulla, Mareko, Meskan and Kedida Gamela districts showed poor nutrition and food security conditions (figure 1). However, mortality rates were below emergency thresholds.

Acceptable situation in Oromya region

Nutrition surveys conducted in Bosset district, East Shewa zone and Kombolcha district, East Haraghe zone showed a prevalence of malnutrition considered "typical", with 6.3% (4.4-9.0) acute malnutrition including 0.4% (0.2-1.6) severe and 4.8% (3.4-6.2) acute malnutrition including 1.2% (0.5-1.9) severe in Kombolcha and Bosset, respectively (ENCU, 30/06/06).

NICS 9, May 2006

Alarming situation in Somali region and Zone 2 and 4 of Afar region

Nutrition surveys conducted early this year confirmed the serious situation in parts of the pastoral areas (table 1). This is partly due to the poor last deyr rainy season (see NICS 8). Under-five mortality rates were also high in most of the areas surveyed. About 1.5 m people, representing more than one third of the population, are in need of emergency food and non-food aid. The situation is likely to further deteriorate during the forthcoming dry season. Liben, Gode and Afder zones of Somali region and Zones 2 and 4 of Afar region are especially at risk of famine if interventions are not scaled up (FEWS, 03/06). So far, humanitarian aid does not seem to have been sufficient to avoid a crisis, and still remains short in terms of food distributions. Furthermore, crucial nutrition and non-food interventions seem to be lacking (FEWS, 03/06).

Table 1 Results of surveys in Somali and Afar regions, Ethiopia (ENCU, 30/03/06; GOAL, 10/05)

Improved harvest

At national level, the 2005/06 harvest is estimated to be 14% above last year and 46% above the average of the previous years, mainly because of improved rainfall and increased use of fertiliser and improved seeds (FAO/WFP, 24/02/06). However, 2.6 m people will still be in need of food aid, at least until June 2006, of whom 1.5 m are in Somali region (see above). On top of this, 7.2 m chronically food-insecure people will benefit from the Productive Safety Net Programme. Nutrition surveys showed average to poor nutrition situations in different areas of Ethiopia (figure 1). In Borena zone, Oromya region, the situation was not critical, despite the failure of last rainfall.

Recommendations

Somali region, from ENCU bulletin (ENCU, 30/03/06) Carry out measles vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation campaign Support exiting health care system Provide timely general food ration in adequate quantity and quality targeted to the most affected areas and population groups Implement targeted supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes Provide animal feed and veterinary services Dispense emergency sanitation campaign, water tankering and rehabilitation of dysfunctional water points.

NICS 8, January 2006

Protests over the results of the May presidential elections erupted in June and continued in November (IRIN, 29/12/05). About 100 people were killed during the disturbances and more were arrested. Concerned by the government attitude, donors have put US $375 million in budget support to the government on hold. Funds will be disbursed in other ways in the country.

Extreme food insecurity in Somali region

The Deyr rainy season (October-December) was very poor in Somali region, badly affecting the livelihoods of one million people (FEWS, 26/12/05). The situation is alarming and will further deteriorate during the dry season from January to March. The worst affected areas are those which also experienced poor rains during the preceding Gu season, i.e. Liban, Afder and parts of Gode zones. Somali region has been experiencing adverse conditions over the few years, including droughts, high cereal prices, a livestock import ban from the Gulf states, and conflicts.

Sufficient food aid resources are available but interventions to protect animals are also imperative and need funding.

Random-sampled nutrition surveys conducted in Fik zone in June 2005 showed a worrying nutrition situation (table 1) and a deterioration compared to the same period in 2004 (SC-UK, 05/05). Measles immunisation coverage was low and health delivery system is overall very poor. However, mortality rates were not critical.

Improved prospects for 2006

In the rest of Ethiopia, although the situation remains fragile, the harvest was good according to preliminary results of assessments and the number of people in need of assistance in 2006 is expected to be the lowest in recent years (FEWS, 11/05).

Several surveys conducted within the last months showed contrasting results, ranging from critical to acceptable nutrition situations (table 2).

Table 2 Results of surveys in Ethiopia (SC-UK, 06/05; GOAL, 06/05; GOAL, 09/05; GOAL, 10/05; Concern, 12/05)

NICS 7, August 2005

Dire situations in some displaced and refugee camps

Hartisheik and Fanfen camps, Somali region, have hosted displaced populations for years. The IDPs have received erratic assistance. A nutrition survey conducted in March 2005 (SC-UK, 03/05) showed a poor nutrition situation (table 1), although it had improved compared to previous years (figure 1). Vaccination and vitamin A distribution coverage were low and the under-five mortality rate was near or above emergency threshold. At the time of the surveys, the IDPs had not received food aid since November 2004 and free access to health care provided by UNICEF had stopped as well as supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes. They had received non-food items only once at their arrival at the camp in 2000. Access to clean water was reported as being poor, as were the sanitary condition.

The IDPs have few income opportunities. Some rely only on begging (OXFAM, 06/05). The opportunity of including the IDPs in the general food distribution programme was still being debated as of July 2005, but the selective feeding programmes had restarted (OXFAM, 06/05).

A joint UN Country Team mission is currently working towards the permanent re-integration of the IDPs in their home communities. However, the project is still not fully funded (UNCT, 31/07/05).

The camp of Hartisheik is located in an area which is highly vulnerable as a result of recurrent years of drought, and subsequent depletion in livestock numbers. Livelihood strategies have been eroded, resulting in wide-ranging vulnerability to food insecurity, an inability to cope with shock and the adoption of damaging coping strategies (OXFAM, 06/05).OXFAM recommends that actions on the longer-term than food distributions are implemented to strengthen people’s livelihoods (OXFAM, 06/05).

Nutrition surveys carried out in two Sudanese refugee camps and a refugee settlement in Gambella region also showed a precarious situation (UNHCR/WFP/ARRA, 05/05) (table 1). The general food distribution had been scaled down and had experienced several delays. When the food distribution is delayed, people rely on borrowing food from merchants and must pay interests which range from 3 to 5 kg of food. It seems that the refugees are able in normal times to supplement the general rations with their own crops. However, the recent weather conditions have been bad and refugees are lacking seeds. Moreover, there seemed to have been problems with refugee registrations: some of them do not have a card and, in the settlement, children born after 2002 have not been registered. It also seemed that supply of water was inadequate and sanitary conditions were poor. Targeted nutrition programmes were provided in the camps.

In response to the situation showed by the survey, food distributions have been increased and a blanket supplementary food distribution has been implemented for children under-five (UNNews, 21/06/05).

Table 1 Results of surveys in IDP camps in Somali region (SC-UK, 03/05) and in refugee camps in Gambella region (UNHCR/joint, 05/05)

Recommendations:

NICS 6, May 2005

A flash appeal, released at the beginning of May 2005, reconsidered the number of affected people from the estimated 3.1 m at the beginning of the year to 3.8 m (OCHA, 04/05/05). This increase is due to new evidence gathered through assessments and to a delay in the delivery of food assistance. The affected populations are those who have not benefited from the bumper harvest of 2004, estimated 24% above the 2003 harvest (FAO, 28/01/05). These comprise the populations of agricultural areas which have received little rain, and of pastoral areas (see map). Another concern is that the safety net, which should cater for 5m chronically food-insecure people, who were therefore removed from the emergency relief programme, was not yet implemented as of February 2005, leaving them without assistance (OCHA, 21/02/05).

Somali region, which has been hard-hit by the drought, has recently suffered from severe flooding. An estimated 150 people have been killed and 250,000 displaced (AFP, 03/05/05). Affected populations are difficult to reach (IRIN, 10/05/05).

Critical to precarious prevalence of acute malnutrition have been reported in Hartishek and Fanfan IDP camps, Jijiga area, Somali region. The under-five mortality rates were also well above emergency thresholds (OCHA, 11/04/05). The situation has been dire in those camps for years (see NICS 2).

According to two random-sampled nutrition surveys conducted in Afar region at the beginning of the year, the nutrition situation was precarious (table 1) (GOAL, 02/05; WV, 01/05). While the mortality rates were below the alert threshold in Abala district, zone 2, they were of concern in Assayita district, zone 1 (table 1). Measles vaccination and vitamin A distribution coverage was low (table 1). In Abala, almost all the families interviewed reported a fall in livestock-holding size compared to last year, and poor condition of livestock. Households were reliant on coping strategies such as reduced food consumption, unusual migration and sale of livestock. In Assayita, the food security was also precarious and the nutrition situation has not improved compared to November 2003, despite the distribution of food to targeted families.

Table 1 Results of surveys in Zones 1 and 2 , Afar region, Ethiopia (GOAL, 02/05; WV, 01/05)

NICS 5, February 2005

While production prospects are good for 2005 in the west of the country, which is the grain basket of Ethiopia, the eastern agricultural and the eastern and north-eastern pastoral areas will experience food deficits as a result of poor rainfall (FEWS, 13/01/05). It is estimated that, in addition to the more than five million chronically food insecure who are included in the productive safety net programme, 2.2 million people will require emergency food assistance in 2005 (see maps).

Population requiring assistance under the productive safety net programme (FEWS, 13/01/05)

387,000 MTs of food aid will be required. It is to be noted that this number includes around 900,000 people from Somali and Afar regions, who will benefit from emergency food assistance in the first semester of 2004 and will thereafter be included in the productive safety net programme.

The government announced that certificates guaranteeing land rights will be delivered to ten million within the next three years in an attempt to boost agricultural productivity by creating greater security for farmers (IRIN, 11/01/04). However, analysts said that farmers will still be reluctant to invest in their land, because of lack of actual ownership; the land remaining the property of the state.

Despite some rains at the end of 2004, which somewhat mitigated the situation, pastoral areas continue to be highly affected, and especially, zones 2, 4 and parts of zone 1 and 3 of Afar region and parts of Degehabour, Fik, Warder, Afder and Gode zones of Somali region (FEWS, 13/01/05) (see map).

Several random-sampled nutrition surveys and nutrition rapid assessments showed a precarious nutrition situation in parts of Somali region.

Two random-sampled surveys were conducted in pastoral and agro-pastoral food-economy zones of Cherati, Doloo-Ado, Dollo-Bay and West-Emey districts, Afder and Liban zones, Somali region, in October 2004 (SC-UK, 10/04). The results revealed a precarious nutrition situation and an under-five mortality of concern (table 4).

A measles vaccination and vitamin A distribution campaign was conducted in September 2004, which explains the relatively high proportion of children having received measles vaccination and vitamin A (table 4). However, food security was precarious as well as public health and child-feeding practices (box 1).

Table 4 Results of surveys in pastoral and agro-pastoral areas of Cherati, Dollo-Ado, Dollo-Bay and West-Emey districts, Afder and Liban zones, Somali region, Ethiopia, October 2004 (SC-UK, 10/04)

Box 1 Food security, public health and child feeding practices, pastoral and agro-pastoral food economy zones, Cherati, Dollo-Ado, Dollo-Bay and West-Emey districts, Afder and Liban zones, Somali region, Ethiopia, October 2004 (SC-UK, 10/04)

While the SC's household economy assessment carried out in December 2003 recommended that 30% of the population received a monthly food distribution, only one distribution was carried out in six months.

Two rapid nutrition assessments conducted in two of the worst affected sub-districts of Geladi district and Boh district, Warder zone, Somali region, in November 2004 revealed that about one out of five children measured (weight-height index) were acutely malnourished (ACF, 11/04).

SCF-USA's rapid assessments, measuring all children in two of the worst affected sub-districts of Gode, Adadle, and Ferfer districts of Gode zone and of Hargelle district of Afder zone, Somali region, in November 2004, showed that between 15% and 28% of the children measured (weight-height index and presence of oedema) were acutely malnourished (SC-USA, 11/04). The highest proportion of malnourished children was found in Gode district.

In August 2004, two random-sampled nutrition surveys were conducted in pastoral and agro-pastoral food economy groups in Shinile, Dambal and Erre districts of Shinile zone, Somali region (SC-UK, 08/04). The surveys showed an average nutrition situation with a prevalence of acute malnutrition of 8.1% (6.2-10.0) including 0.3% (0.0-0.7) severe malnutrition and of 9.8% (7.5-12.0) including 0.5% severe acute malnutrition (0.1-1.0) in agro-pastoral and pastoral food economy groups, respectively. The mortality rates were under-control to average: CMR=0.29 deaths/10,000/day and 0.09 deaths/10,000/day and under-five MR=1.19 deaths/10,000/day and 0.37/deaths/10,000/day in agro-pastoral and pastoral areas, respectively.

Measles vaccination was low, around 50%. According to periodical nutrition surveys undertaken by SC-UK in the same area, the nutrition situation has remained stable since September 2003. Shinile zone is not considered as one of the most affected area in Somali region (see above).

Acceptable to average nutrition situation in parts of East Hararghe and West Hararghe zones, Oromia region

According to seven random-sampled nutrition surveys conducted by Care in three districts of East-Hararghe and four districts of West Hararghe in October/November 2004, the nutrition situation was acceptable to average while mortality rates were under control (table 5) (Care, 11/04). These surveys were done during harvest time and seemed to show improvement in the nutrition situation compared to June 2004 (Care, 11/04).

Table 5 Prevalence of acute malnutrition and Mortality rates, East Hararghe and West Hararghe zones, Oromia region, Ethiopia, Oct-Nov 2004, (Care, 11/04)

NICS 4, November 2004

The prospect of food security in Ethiopia in 2005 is poor owing to below average rainfall and structural factors. The Belg/Gu season (March-May) was bad in most part of eastern Ethiopia and the Meher/Karma (June-September) rainy season was below average in the eastern crop-dependent areas, and late and erratic in pastoral areas (FEWS, 26/10/04). The Somali region is especially affected and the evolution of the situation will depend on the performance of the Deyr/Hagaya rains (October-December) (FEWS, 29/10/04).

There is a 22% shortfall in pledges towards current cereal needs through October to December 2004. The needs may further increase if the situation deteriorates in pastoral areas (FEWS, 29/10/04). Only 44% of the non-food sector needs have been met so far (FEWS, 29/10/04).

A Productive Safety Net Programme has been designed to respond to the needs of 5.1 million people chronically food insecure and to differentiate them from people requiring emergency assistance. The programme will be cash-oriented rather than food-oriented (DFID, 04/10/04).

NICS 3, August 2004

A multi-agency assessment estimated that the performance of the Belg/Gu season was poor generally, in both pastoral and agricultural areas (EWS, 07/04). The most severely affected areas are Somali region; Borena, Bale, West and East Haraghe zones of Oromya; and South Omo, Gamu Gofa, Wlayia, Hadiya Konso and Derashe zones of SNNPR.

The coverage of the food distribution was 100% over the last six months. However, a break in cereal stocks is anticipated from September 2004, when it will be the lean season in Ethiopia (figure 1; FEWS, 22/07/04): more food pledges are needed.

Hartisheik refugee camp, eastern Ethiopia, closed at the end of June 2004, after about 250,000 Somali refugees were repatriated or returned on their own to Somaliland (UNHCR, 01/07/04). There are still two Somali refugee camps in Eastern Ethiopia hosting 24,400 refugees.

Worsening situation in Somali region

Although rainfall was good in March-April and mitigated the bad situation due to poor rains at the end of 2003, the rainy season stopped earlier than usual, with no rains in May. The lack of water and pasture will increase and then the food security situation will probably deteriorate until the last rains expected only in October (FEWS, 22/07/04). Fik, Degehabur and Warder zones are considered especially affected. Earlier than normal migration of livestock towards the north of the region has been registered. Around 1.3 million people are in need of food aid, more than was previously considered in the 2004 Inter-Agency Appeal (Addis Tribune, 06/08/04). However, insecurity, such as tensions over resources, hampers the delivery of aid. Eleven food trucks have been attacked and burnt in the last months (IRIN, 13/07/04).

Persistence of malnutrition in parts of Oromya region

According to several nutrition surveys conducted in Oromya region in March/April 2004, the prevalence of acute malnutrition was between 9% and 13%, depending on the area (DPPC).

Situation still of concern in some resettlement sites

Following assessments which showed poor conditions in some resettlement areas (see RNIS 43 and NICS 2), where families are resettled as part of a plan of the government to move families to high-potential agricultural areas (IRIN, 08/06/04), emergency assistance such as supplementary food distribution and therapeutic feeding centres have been established.

A nutrition survey conducted in Chewaka resettlement area in Bedele woreda, Ilibabur zone, Oromya region, showed a precarious nutrition situation: 9.8% (7.1-12.5) of the children surveyed were acutely malnourished, including 1.9% (0.7-3.2) severely malnourished (DPPC, 05/04). The resettlement area counted around 67,000 people who were almost totally dependent on food aid: 99.7% of the families said their main source of food was food distribution and none of the families had been engaged in income-generating activities over the three months previous to the survey. The lands people have been allocated were under preparation for planting, that is cleaned and ploughed, but were not yet ready for cultivation. Mortality rates were of concern: CMR = 0.73 deaths/10,000/day and < 5 MR = 2.65/10,000/day but measles vaccination coverage, according to mothers’ statements, was above 90%.

Overall

The situation is still precarious in Ethiopia. Households in Somali region and families in some resettlement areas are especially at risk (category I/II).

NICS 2, May 2004

Despite an improvement in the food security situation owing to better harvests and rains in 2003 than in 2002, the situation remains precarious. About 7 million people are still in need of food aid in 2004. However, as of April 2004, food aid needs were only 43% funded (ENFS, 04/04). Nutrition programmes have been scaled down and NGOs have handed some facilities over to the Ministry of Health (USAID, 08/04/04).

Worrying situation in some resettlement sites

The Government of Ethiopia started a resettlement programme in 2003, with the aim of addressing food insecurity. In 2003 and 2004, approximately 350,000 people were resettled in Amhara, Oromya, SNNPR and Tigray regions (USAID, 08/04/04). A joint evaluation in some resettlement areas showed that the sites, especially in Oromya region, lacked adequate food, access to water, shelter, health care and agriculture inputs (USAID, 08/04/04). In addition to the cereal ration, a supplementary food distribution of blended food has been started for vulnerable groups (WFP, 21/05/04). A very high number of malnourished children was recorded in October 2003 in resettlement sites in Tigray (see RNIS 43).

Improved but still average nutrition situation in South Wollo zone, Amhara region

Three random-sampled nutrition surveys were conducted during the harvest in November-December in South Wollo (table 4) (Concern, 11/03; DSA, 12/03). The surveys showed average rates of acute malnutrition.

Whilst it was the first survey which was conducted in Tedhudere district, comparison with previous survey results was possible in Dessie Zuria and Kalu districts. In both districts, trends in prevalence of malnutrition showed that the situation in November 2003 was comparable to that in 2000, 2001 and the beginning of 2002. On the other hand, the situation has improved when compared to the second semester of 2002 (which corresponded to the period of drought) when the rates of malnutrition were the highest recorded since 2000.

In the three districts, 50% to 60% of the families received food through the Employment Generation Scheme (EGS) in 2003.

In Dessie Zuria and Kalu districts about 15% of the children also received food through supplementary feeding programmes. In these districts, the current harvest was better than in 2002. The main sources of income were sale of livestock, cash crops and petty trading. EGS was interrupted in September-October 2003 and was intended to restart in April/May 2004 (when the poorest may have exhausted their harvest), targeting a lower proportion of the population than in 2003.

Young children feeding practices seemed poor, with about half of the mothers not being given colostrom within the first three days of their children’s lives. Food was introduced into the children’s diet between 4-6 months of age by only 60% of the mothers.

Table 4 Acute malnutrition and measles vaccination coverage, South Wollo, Amhara region, Ethiopia, Nov-Dec 2003 (Concern, 11/03; DSA, 12/03)

High food insecurity in Somali region

Poor rains at the end of last year have significantly affected food security in some parts of Somali region. However, rainfall improved in March and April 2004, mitigating the poor situation (ENFS, 04/04).

Precarious nutrition situation in Ayshia, Shinile, Dembel & Erer districts, Shinile zone

Two random-sampled nutrition surveys were conducted in September 2003, within the agro-pastoral and pastoral population (SC-UK, 09/03). The surveys showed an improvement in the nutrition situation compared to 2002 (figure 1), but the situation remains precarious (table 5). The surveys were conducted during the rainy season but before the harvest. The condition of livestock was reported as being good by almost all the households interviewed. Relief food had been received by most of the population within the month prior to the survey and represented the major source of staple food. The population was using coping mechanisms to get incomes.

Access to health care and safe drinking water was poor as well as the measles vaccination coverage.

Table 5 Acute malnutrition, measles vaccination coverage and mortality rates, Somali region, Ethiopia

Figure 1 Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Pastoral and agro-pastoral population, Shinile zone, Ethiopia (SC-UK, 09/03)

The nutrition situation was poor in Gode district in February 2004 (table 5) and within the same range as in November 2000, according to a random-sampled nutrition survey conducted by SC-US (SC-US, 02/04); the mortality rates were also very high (table 5). The food security situation appeared poor, partly due to the insufficient rains over the end of 2003 (see NICS 1); the general food distribution did not significantly improve the food security level of the population.

There are several displaced persons camps in Somali region. Fafen and Hartishiek displaced persons camps, situated in Jijiga zone, host between 10,700 to 14,700 people (depending on the estimation) who have been displaced for some years because of drought. Recent dispute on land ownership in Bordode/Mieso areas has led to the displacement of about 14,900 people in Shinille zone (OCHA, 03/2004).

An assessment conducted in March 2004 showed dire conditions in the camps (OCHA, 03/04). Food delivery has been prevented in Fafen since the beginning of the year, because of rivalries between the local population and the IDPs. At the time of the assessment, no general food distribution was implemented in Bordode/Mieso but food had been distributed to vulnerable groups.

Access to safe drinking water was not guaranteed in the camps and cooking and shelter materials were greatly needed.

Nutrition surveys carried out in Fafen and Hartisheikh IDP camps in December 2003 showed appalling rates of malnutrition: 31.8% (27.7-35.9) and 28.5% (24.6-32.7) acute malnutrition, respectively (FSAU-N, 03/04). The malnutrition rates were within the same range as in March 2002 in both camps (see RNIS 38).

Nutrition situation under control in parts of Oromya region

According to two random-sampled nutrition surveys carried out in December 2003 and January 2004 (CRS, 01/04; SC-UK, 12/03), the nutrition situation in Meta, Kersa and Golo Oda districts is under control (table 6). These surveys were carried out just after the main harvest and so reflect an optimal situation.

Malnutrition rates have dramatically decreased in Golo Oda compared to the rates in 2001 and 2002 (figure 2). However, in 2001 and 2002, the surveys were performed at a less favourable period in regard to the food security situation (not at the harvest time).

The indicators of the food security situation showed an improvement at the time of the survey, compared to 2001 and 2002; the health situation has also improved, although it was still average (box 1). Mortality rates have decreased over the past years and were average (table 6).

Box 1 Improved food security and health care in Gola Oda district, East Hararghe zone, Oromya, Ethiopia, December 2003 (SC-UK, 12/03)

Similarly, the food security in these districts was reported as being satisfactory, with a good harvest and animals in a good condition. However under-five mortality rate was high (table 6), particularly due to malaria and relapsing fever epidemics.

The nutrition situation was average to precarious according to several surveys conducted in SNNPR (table 7); mortality rates were under-control.

At the end of 2003, the nutrition situation had not improved in Meskan and Mareko districts, Gurahe zone compared to March 2003 (SC-US, 11/03). The food security situation was still precarious owing to an only average rainy season.

In Lanfuro and Darecha district, the malnutrition rates have remained stable since March 2003 (SC-US, 12/03). Most of the households thought they will rely primarily on their crop production within the next three months.

In Offa woreda, Wolaita zone, although the nutrition and food security situation has significantly improved compared to September 2003, it remained precarious in December 2003, despite the harvest (Concern, 12/03). The crop was reported as being worse than in previous years and most of the households were relying on coping mechanisms.

In Shebedino woreda, Sidama zone, the nutrition situation was average in February 2004 and the food security situation was reported as having improved compared to the previous six to 12 months (GOAL/SC-US/ACF, 02/04).

Overall

The nutrition and food security situation has improved in most parts of Ethiopia compared to 2002 and 2003. This may be attributed to better weather conditions and to the humanitarian aid which have probably mitigated the situation. Whilst in some areas (such as some districts in Oromya zone), the nutrition situation seems under-control (category III), it is still average to precarious in most parts of Ethiopia (category II). The Somali region is especially at risk (category I), due to poor rainfall and the presence of IDPs.Urgent action is needed in the IDP camps in Somali region where dire living conditions have been reported as well as appalling rates of malnutrition (category I).

NICS 1, February 2004

Worrying situation in some resettlement sites

Improved but still average nutrition situation in South Wollo zone, Amhara region

In the three districts, 50% to 60% of the families received food through the Employment Generation Scheme (EGS) in 2003.

Table 4 Acute malnutrition and measles vaccination coverage, South Wollo, Amhara region, Ethiopia, Nov-Dec 2003 (Concern, 11/03; DSA, 12/03)

High food insecurity in Somali region

Precarious nutrition situation in Ayshia, Shinile, Dembel & Erer districts, Shinile zone

Access to health care and safe drinking water was poor as well as the measles vaccination coverage.

Table 5 Acute malnutrition, measles vaccination coverage and mortality rates, Somali region, Ethiopia

Figure 1 Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Pastoral and agro-pastoral population, Shinile zone, Ethiopia (SC-UK, 09/03)

Access to safe drinking water was not guaranteed in the camps and cooking and shelter materials were greatly needed.

Nutrition situation under control in parts of Oromya region

Box 1 Improved food security and health care in Gola Oda district, East Hararghe zone, Oromya, Ethiopia, December 2003 (SC-UK, 12/03)

The nutrition situation was average to precarious according to several surveys conducted in SNNPR (table 7); mortality rates were under-control.

Overall

NICS 1, February 2004

Better prospects for 2004

The 2003/2004 Meher cereal harvest (the main crop season) is estimated at 13.05 million MTs, which is 46% higher than the 2002/2003 season and 11% above the last five-year average (FAO/WFP, 12/01/04). This good crop performance may partly be attributed to good rainfalls during both crop seasons (the Belg season, from January/February to April/May and the Meher season from June/July to September/October) and higher incentives to invest, because of the rise in cereal prices.

The pastoral areas, such as Somali region, lowland Bale in Oromya and South Omo, are however, facing a severe drought (see below).

At country level, the estimated number of food aid beneficiaries has dropped by 50% in 2004, compared to 2003; at regional level, the number of people in need of food aid has sharply decreased in all regions except Gambella and Somali regions (see map).

Estimated Needy Population Requiring Food Assistance 2004 by Region Compared to 2003 Beneficiaries

Nevertheless, 7.2 million people will still be in need of food aid in 2004; relief food requirements are estimated at about 980,000 MTs.

Among the needy people, 5 million are considered chronically food insecure, as a result of asset erosion due to successive bad years. Among the 300 woreda requiring food assistance, 45% have been receiving food assistance for the past seven-ten years consecutively.

Improvement in the situation in SSPR

Following the harvest, the situation seemed to have improved in the Southern Nation and Nationalities People's Region (SNPPR). The number of children admitted to TFCs is reported as decreasing in most of the TFCs (OCHA, 09/01/04) and some TFCs have been closed (OCHA, 04/11/03).

Two random -sampled nutrition surveys were carried out in Boricha woreda and Dale woreda, Sidama zone, in October 2003 (ACF-F/ADRA, 10/03; GOAL, 10/03). The surveys showed under control to average nutrition situations and mortality rates (see table 3).

The main cause of deaths in both woreda was fever/malaria.

Table 3 Results of nutrition surveys, Sidama zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia, October 2003 (ACF-F/ADRA, 10/03; GOAL, 10/03)

In Boricha woreda, the nutrition situation seemed to have greatly improved compared to April 2003, when a DPPC/DPPB's survey showed a malnutrition rate above 15%. The number of admissions to therapeutic feeding centres dropped significantly from 143 in July 2003 to 58 in September 2003. The improvement in the situation may be partly explained by the harvest and by humanitarian interventions, especially in terms of food distribution and nutrition.
In Dale woreda, people were mainly relying on their harvest as their sources of food and income (see box 1). At the time of the survey, people's source of food was comparable to the situation in a non-drought year.

Box 1 Food security and public health, Dale woreda, Sidama zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia, October 2003 (GOAL, 10/03)

Food security
54% of the families were eating 3 meals a day;
45% were eating 2 meals a day

Main source of food
Own production : 61%;
purchase: 23%;
food distribution: 6%

Food distribution
In the 4 months prior to the survey,
62% of the households did not receive general ration,
35% received two distributions

Source of income
36% of the population were not earning money
18% were selling agricultural products
18% were selling coffee
15% were engaged in waged labour

Public health
Morbidity
malaria: 7.4%, diarrhoea: 3.1%

Source of water
Unprotected water sources: 72%
Travel less than 30 mins (one way) to get water: 86%

Drought in Somali region

The last Deyr rains (October-November) were erratic and were concentrated in very limited areas to which a lot of pastoralists from other parts of Somali region, and even from northern Somalia have migrated. This has resulted in high pressure on pasture and water points (UNCT, 13/01/04). However, unexpected rains in January in six of the nine zones of Somali region have mitigated the situation by improving availability of water and pasture (OCHA, 30/01/03). It is, however, estimated that 1.1 million people will be in need of emergency food aid in 2004, especially until June 2004.

Fik is one of the most affected area (FEWS, 14/01/04). The nutrition situation has gradually deteriorated in Fik zone due to successive droughts, and appalling rates of acute malnutrition (around 30%) were reported in March 2003 (see RNIS 42).

Overall

Although the situation has improved in most parts of Ethiopia following a good harvest, several million people are still highly vulnerable due to successive bad years and lack of socio-economic development.

RNIS 43, November 2003

Food assistance has improved over the last months, with close to 100% of requirements delivered in July, August and September (FEWS, 16/10/03). The Meher agricultural production is expected to be average when compared to the years 1994-2001, and 20% higher than in 2002 (FEWS, 06/10/03). Livestock is reported to be in good condition because of the improved access to water and pasture during the rainy season (FEWS, 16/10/03). These good prospects are expected to mitigate the current food security crisis, but food distributions will still be necessary in 2004.

A survey carried out in Wollo, Amhara Region, showed that destitution has increased over the past ten years, according to the communities and households (IDS/SCF, 04/03). They estimated that destitute and vulnerable households have increased from 5.5% to 14.6% and from 17.4% to 54.9%, respectively, over the past ten years. Most of the households are highly dependent on rain-fed agriculture and the poorest face many resource constraints such as land, livestock, labour, inputs or credits. They are highly vulnerable to shocks such as poor rainfall or loss of work force and recover from them with difficulty.

FEWS estimates that food shortage will increase over the next few years, because of slowly decreasing rainfall and steadily increasing food requirements (FEWS, 06/10/03).

Both reports recommend the development of nonagricultural livelihood activities, and the IDS/SCF report also recommends investment in physical infrastructure and public services and in social protection.

Nutrition situation A nutrition survey carried out in the rural area of Admitulo district, East Shoa, Oromia region, in October 2003, showed an average nutrition situation (MSF-H, 10/03). The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 7.1% (4.9-9.2), including 1% severe malnutrition (0.3-1.3), and had steadily decreased since the last survey done in June 2003 (see figure). Under-five and crude mortality rates were under control (0.48/10,000/ day and 0.83/10,000/day, respectively). Food distributions have been carried out since February 2003, blanket supplementary feeding since May 2003 and therapeutic and supplementary feeding programmes have been intensified since June 2003. Food distributions were, however, irregular, with oil and Famix irregularly distributed. Food distributions stopped in September 2003. The Meher crop was estimated to be generally good in the area and, at the time of the survey, food availability had already improved.

Following appalling rates of malnutrition and mortality found in April 2003 (see RNIS 42) in Fik zone, Somali region, food distributions have been increased both in terms of number of beneficiaries and of ration scale; a blanket feeding programme has been implemented for under-five year olds; and supplementary and therapeutic feeding programmes have been put in place.

Exhaustive nutrition assessments were carried out in two settlements (Abrihijira and Abdurafi) of the resettlement programme of the Ethiopian government in Western Tigray, in October 2003 (MSF-H, 10/03). The prevalence of acute malnutrition was dramatically high: 36.4% acute malnutrition, including 13.2% severe malnutrition in Abrihijira; 24.7% acute malnutrition, including 6.8% severe malnutrition in Abdurafi.

A nutrition survey was conducted in Offa Woreda, Wolayita zone, Southern Nation and Nationalities People's Region (SNNPR), in September 2003 (Concern, 09/03). The nutrition situation was of concern (see table) and had remained stable since May 2003. The underfive and crude mortality rates were average (see table) and measles immunisation coverage was low.

Prevalence of malnutrition, Offa woreda, Wolayita zone, SNNPR, Ethiopia, September 2003 (Concern, 09/03)

Most of the households interviewed were eating three meals a day (64.4%), whilst 31.1% were eating two meals and 2.2% were eating one meal. The number of meals eaten was reported to have increased when compared to May 2003, especially because of the availability of "temporary food", such as sweet potatoes, green maize and vegetables, during the rainy season. The main source of staple food was own production (82.2% of the families interviewed), followed by purchase (13.3%); 25.3% of the households had received food aid.

Overall - The nutrition situation seemed mixed, with reported improvement in some areas, but still critical rates in some others. The meher agricultural season is expected to improve food security in Ethiopia. However, long-term destitution and heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture in some areas are key factors of vulnerability. Only long-term strategies will be able to reverse the impoverishment of the population.

RNIS 41, April 2003

As of the beginning of March 2003, pledges covered 56% of cereal food aid needs of 11.3 m drought affected people for 2003. Despite on-going food distributions, it seems that the nutritional status has not improved significantly (FEWS, 14/03/04).

Les promesses de contribution couvrent environ 55% des besoins en aide alimentaire destinée aux populations affectées par la sécheresse.

RNIS 40, Dec 2002

It becomes more and more apparent that the current drought will have a major impact on some populations. The FAO/WFP crop and food supply assessment, carried out in November 2002, estimated that national cereal and pulse production would be about 25% down from 2001 and 21% down from the average of the previous five years. Some 11.3 m people will be in need of food aid, which will amount to 1.44 m MTs.

Whilst grain prices were very low in the first semester of 2002, they increased sharply thereafter and were 25% to 85% higher (depending on the cereal type) in October 2002 than at the same time the previous year (FAO/WFP, 30/12/02).

In previously identified crisis areas (Afar, eastern parts of Oromoya, several areas of Southern Nations and Nationalities People's Region, and part of Somali region), food aid delivery and harvest have increased food availability. However, other areas of concern have been further identified, such as parts of Arsi zone, Oromoya region (FEWS, 11/11/02). Migrations have already been registered as a result of the drought. Some 20,000 people from East and West Hararghe and Arsi zones have settled in Bale National Park. Their living conditions seem far from adequate (UNDP, 01/11/02). Drought also stimulated ethnic clashes over scarce water resources, particularly in Afar region (OCHA, 08/11/02).

However, unseasonable rains fell in central Ethiopia in December 2002. It seems that the rains were not largely used for cultivation but that they certainly had a positive impact on pasture and water availability (WFP, 03/01/02).

Food aid availability and delivery were inadequate during the first half of 2002; distributions ranged from 12% to 54% of monthly requirements. However, distributions have improved over the past months: 67% of the requirements were covered in June, 97% in August and about 80% in September (FEWS, 11/11/02). Food aid pledges to WFP have been received from several donors and NGOs also received resources for food aid programmes (WFP, 22/11/02).

The current Ethiopian humanitarian crisis appears to be a consequence of structural weaknesses exacerbated by drought. According to some agencies, drought could be better coped with if farming methods were improved, food distribution freed from governmental control and stocks built up during good harvests (Alertnet, 15/11/02).

Land tenure is a highly controversial issue. The current policy is that government-owned lands are allocated to farmers. Plot sizes are too small to enable minimum food production. According to the Ethiopian Economic Association, efforts to increase productivity have largely failed. They advocate a mixture of state, private and communal land holdings, and for increase in plot sizes (OCHA, 07/11/02).

Moreover, the UN's Emergencies Unit for Ethiopia has called for the abolition of collective punishment imposed on farmers who can not repay seed or fertiliser debts. This practice is detrimental to production (OCHA, 30/10/02).

In addition, the two last years grain prices were highly depressed, which led to low producer incentives and therefore reduced the farmers' ability to purchase agricultural inputs (FAO/WFP, 30/12/02). Livestock deaths, poor performance of cash crops such as coffee and khat and low employment opportunities further compound the situation in some areas (FEWS, 13/12/02).

SCF-UK carried out a nutrition survey in Golo Oda and Meyu Muluke woreda, East Harerghe zone, in October 2002 (SCF-UK, 10/02). The survey showed that 15.0 % of the children were acutely malnourished, including 1.1% with severe malnutrition. The households surveyed were from agro-pastoralist groups (49.3%), agriculturalist groups (43%) and pastoralist groups (7.7%). The region has suffered a four-year rain failure. It is expected that the actual drought will further aggravate the food security situation. At the time of the survey, 70% of the villages were expecting a complete harvest failure. Condition of livestock was reported to be good/medium by 58% of the households and poor/very poor by 42% of the households. Crude Mortality Rate and under-five mortality rate were respectively 0.62/10000/day and 1.81/10000/day.

Measles vaccination coverage, according to mother's statements, was only 4.6%. Health care facilities were also reported to be very limited. Measles vaccination and vitamin A supplementation campaign were implemented in West and East Harerghe in December 2002 (EUE, 27/12/02).

Two surveys were conducted by Concern in Kalu woreda and Dessie Zuria woreda, Sooth Wollo, Amhara region, in November and December 2002 (Concern, 11/02; Concern, 12/02). Belg and Meher rainy seasons have been erratic and led to poor harvests. The results of the surveys are of concern (see table); the percentage of oedematous children was significant in both surveys. The nutrition situation seems to have deteriorated since mid 2002 in both areas (see graph). The current surveys were conducted at the beginning of the Meher harvest but did not show any impact of the harvest on the children's nutritional status.

Malnutrition and mortality rates, South Wollo, Ethiopia, Nov-Dec 2002 (Concern, 11-12/02)

Both woreda have difficult topography, which hampers access to markets and services. In Kalu woreda, the majority of farmers are Meher dependent ( Meher harvest is due in November- December). Although 50,100 out of the 232,000 woreda population should have been receiving food aid from DPPC from March 2002 until October 2002, distribution was interrupted in May and June because of logistical problems. It was planned that only 3,180 beneficiaries were to receive food distribution in the last quarter of 2002. Only 40% of the population reported to have got food from their own production for the previous month, compared to 80% in November 2000. About 25% of the households interviewed reported eating only two meals per day, instead of the normal three, compared to only 7% in January 2002.

The population of Dessie Zuria is chronically food insecure because of long-term problems of degraded grazing and cultivation areas. Most of the farmers are either Belg dependent or Belg Meher mixed dependent. Some 100,000 people have been identified as beneficiaries for food distribution in 2003. At the time of the survey, half of the population relied on their own production for food sources, compared to 70% in August 2002. As a consequence of livestock feed shortage, farmers were selling livestock, which represents one of the farmers' most important assets, at a low price.

Following a nutrition assessment, which showed a very precarious situation in seven villages considered as particularly vulnerable in Ayssaita and Afambo woreda in Afar, zone 1, in July 2002, ACF undertook a larger assessment in the area. Some 604 children (75 to 110 cm tall) were screened in five kebele in Ayssaita woreda, two Kebele in Assambo woreda and eight kebele in Dubti area in October 2002 (ACF, 10/02).

The results showed that few children presented a low MUAC (see table); presence of oedema was not assessed. However, the survey also revealed that household food security was precarious, especially because of livestock losses as a consequence of poor rains. In addition health care and water sources were inadequate. Implementation of food distribution and supplementary feeding programmes is planned.

Repatriation of Somali refugees continues from the camps in Somali region to Somaliland. Six of eight refugee camps have been closed and nearly 30,000 refugees have been repatriated since the beginning of 2002, halving the Somali refugee caseload in Ethiopia (UNHCR, 25/10/02; UNHCR, 05/11/02).

In Western Ethiopia, where 85,000 Sudanese refugees are settled in camps, ethnic clashes erupted between refugee communities in Fugnido camp. Forty-one refugees were killed and several houses were looted (OCHA, 12/12/02).

Overall - The nutrition situation in the areas currently affected by drought is of concern (category II). The food security will not improved in these areas at least until the next belg season which will start in March 2003.

United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition

Nutrition Information in Crisis Situations - Ethiopia

NICS 16, March 2008

Nutrition situation good to serious

NICS 15, December 2007

NICS 14, September 2007

NICS 13, May 2007

NICS 12, February 2007

NICS 11, November 2006

NICS 10, August 2006

Contrasted situation in SNPPR

Acceptable situation in Oromya region

NICS 9, May 2006

Alarming situation in Somali region and Zone 2 and 4 of Afar region

Improved harvest

Recommendations

NICS 8, January 2006

Extreme food insecurity in Somali region

Improved prospects for 2006

NICS 7, August 2005

Dire situations in some displaced and refugee camps

Recommendations:

NICS 6, May 2005

NICS 5, February 2005

NICS 4, November 2004

NICS 3, August 2004

Worsening situation in Somali region

Persistence of malnutrition in parts of Oromya region

Situation still of concern in some resettlement sites

Overall

NICS 2, May 2004

Worrying situation in some resettlement sites

Improved but still average nutrition situation in South Wollo zone, Amhara region

High food insecurity in Somali region

Nutrition situation under control in parts of Oromya region

Overall

NICS 1, February 2004

Worrying situation in some resettlement sites

Improved but still average nutrition situation in South Wollo zone, Amhara region

High food insecurity in Somali region

Nutrition situation under control in parts of Oromya region

Overall

NICS 1, February 2004

Better prospects for 2004

Improvement in the situation in SSPR

Drought in Somali region

Overall

RNIS 43, November 2003

RNIS 41, April 2003

RNIS 40, Dec 2002

United Nations System
Standing Committee on Nutrition