United Nations System
Standing Committee on Nutrition

Ethiopia— Food security improvement—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. 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. Moreover, around 7.3 million chronically food-insecure people will be entitled to the Productive Safety Net Program.

Kenya—Food insecurity persists— Most parts of eastern Kenya remain extremely food-insecure after the floods that affected the area at the end of 2006. Moreover, as a consequence of the floods, these districts have also been hit by an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever, a disease that affects livestock and is transmitted to humans.

Somalia—Improved food security, but increasing insecurity— Somalia has experienced an upsurge in violence over the last few months, which resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and the flight of an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 people. Despite these adverse effects, the overall humanitarian situation has generally improved, following the deyr season.

Sudan—Good food security prospects, except in conflict-affected areas— A record cereal harvest of 6.64 m MT is forecast this year in Sudan. This represents an increase of about 22% compared to last year and is 36% above the average of the previous five years. However, 4.6 m people will need emergency food assistance during 2007, mainly due to civil unrest in Darfur, but also because of structural factors such as poor infrastructure, weak marketing systems, and economic isolation.

Burundi—Increasing concerns — Floods at the end of last year have affected at least 7 of the 17 provinces of Burundi. The majority of the November and January crops have been affected. This phenomenon has compounded an already fragile food security situation caused by the previous prolonged dry season, and structural weaknesses. An estimated 2 m people, representing 25% of Burundi's population, have been affected.

Mozambique—Hit by several natural disasters—Mozambique has been hit by several natural disasters in the last few months. The major impacts of these disasters are the destruction of shelter, infrastructure, farmlands, water sources and assets, as well as the lost of economic activities. Funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund and several donors were rapidly made available. Food and non-food items have been distributed to the affected population. Seed and tool distributions were also planned. The government of Mozambique has launched an appeal of US$ 71 m for recovery and reconstruction. The United Nations and humanitarian partners have also launched an appeal of US$ 17.7 m to provide relief and assistance to 435,000 affected people for six months.

Lebanon—Food insecurity persists in the South—A food security assessment conducted in 20 villages in Marjaayoun, Hasbaya and Bint Jbeil Cazas, South Lebanon showed that farmers' households have been badly affected by last summer's war. Farmers lack investment capacity, having lost most of last year’s crop. This will impact negatively on the upcoming agricultural season. These areas were already some of the poorest before the war. There are very few programmes and organisations aimed at improving food security in the area.

Risk Factors affecting Nutrition in Selected Situations

Situations in the table below are classed into five categories relating to prevalence and or risk of malnutrition (I—very high risk/prevalence, II—high risk/prevalence, III—moderate risk/prevalence, IV—not at elevated risk/prevalence, V-unknown risk/prevalence; for further explanation see section "Indicators and classification" at the end of the report).

The prevalence/risk is indirectly affected by both the underlying causes of malnutrition, relating to food security, public health environment and social environment, and the constraints limiting humanitarian response.

These categories are summations of the causes of malnutrition and the humanitarian response, but should not be used in isolation to prescribe the necessary response.

J Adequate K Mixed L Inadequate

Greater Horn of Africa

Ethiopia

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.

Table 1 Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Ethiopia, 2006 (ENCU, 31/12/06)

Overall

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.

Kenya

Rift Valley Fever outbreak

Most parts of eastern Kenya remain extremely food-insecure after the floods that affected the area at the end of 2006 (see map) (FEWS, 02/07). Moreover, as a consequence of the floods, these districts have also been hit by an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever, a disease that affects livestock and is transmitted to humans (see map). As of February 2007, 150 people had died from the disease. Market, movement and slaughter restrictions were imposed and a livestock vaccination campaign launched. As of end February, the situation seemed to have improved in Garissa, Ijara, Mandera and Wajir districts, where the ban was lifted (OCHA, 28/02/07). A range of interventions, including health and nutrition have been implemented in the highly food-insecure areas (FEWS, 22/01/07).

Improved nutrition situation in Isiolo district

The nutrition situation had significantly improved in Isiolo district in November 2006 compared to May the same year (figure 1) (see NICS 10). This follows the same pattern as that observed in Mandera district (see NICS 11) and might be explained partly by seasonal variation, November being a more favourable season than May. Moreover, about 60% of the population received a full general food ration and blanket feeding was provided to pregnant and lactating women as well as children under-five. Selective feeding programmes were also in

place. However, the situation was still highly precarious, 80% of the people interviewed being highly reliant on food distribution, and access to meat and milk remaining limited.

Nutrition situation still precarious in Kakuma refugee camp

According to a nutrition survey conducted in Kakuma refugee camp in November 2006, the nutrition situation remains precarious, although it was significantly better than in December 2003 (figure 2) (IRC, 11/06). The general food distribution was regular in 2006, but about three quarters of the population sold part of their food ration, mainly to buy charcoal, soap, sugar, vegetables, milk and meat. Infant feeding practices were poor with only 25% of exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers introduced mostly plain or sugared water. Bottle feeding was used by 30% of the mothers. Frequency of feeding, and dietary diversity score were low for complementary feeding.

Anaemia among children was very high (81.7% of the 6-59 month-olds had haemoglobin < 11 g/dl) and was similar to the level found in 2004.

Areas affected by floods and Rift Valley fever (FEWS, 02/07)

Figure I Prevalence of acute malnutrition and mortality rates, Isiolo district, Kenya

Figure II Prevalence of acute malnutrition, Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya

Recommendations from the survey in Sericho and Merti divisions, Isiolo district:

Continue food distribution and blanket supplementary feeding
Continue selective feeding programmes and nutrition surveillance
Reinforce MCH antenatal care
Increase access to health facilities through mobile clinics

Somalia

Somalia has experienced an upsurge in violence over the last few months. The military forces of the Transitional Federal Government and Ethiopia has dislodged the Union of Islamic Court from the eight administrative regions they were controlling (UNSC, 24/02/07). The Security Council adopted a resolution authorising the deployment of an African Union/Intergovernmental Authority on Development force to protect the Transitional Federal Government, based in Baidoa at the time of the resolution, but which subsequently moved to Mogadishu at the beginning of March (IRIN, 13/03/07).

Increasing violence in Mogadishu in February 2007 resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and the flight of an estimated 20,000 to 40,000 people (OCHA, 28/02/07; UNHCR, 02/03/07). They moved mainly to Lower and Middle Shabelle, Bay, Gedo, Hiran, Somaliland and North Mogadishu.

Access to the population has remained hampered by insecurity (OCHA, 28/02/07). Cross-border movement of humanitarian supplies, however, has increased between Kenya and Somalia, while cross-border movement of asylum-seekers has remained impossible.

Following the end of last year's floods, acute watery diarrhea has spread in Hiran, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle and Lower Juba regions, with 3,633 cases reported as of 2 March 2007, and 143 deaths (OCHA, 28/02/07). The response was on-going and new cases were declining. On the other hand, cases were on the rise in Mogadishu. Suspected cases of Rift Valley Fever have also been reported in the south (WHO, 31/01/07).

General improvement of the humanitarian situation

Despite these adverse effects, the overall humanitarian situation has generally improved, following the deyr season (FSAU, 14/02/07).

About 990,000 people, compared to 1.8 M in 2006, are estimated to require humanitarian assistance and livelihood support from January to July 2007, including 400,000 IDPs and 590,000 people in the south of the country. The most affected regions are Middle and Lower Juba, Gedo and Bakool (table 2) (see map). Moreover, the humanitarian situation of the riverine populations in Juba, Gedo and Hiran is critical and deteriorating due to the compounding impact of the previous drought and severe flooding. On the other hand, the most notable improvements have been recorded in the northern and central parts of the country which have been all downgraded to the phase of chronicle food-insecurity, and among pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in Bay and Bakool regions.

Table 2 Estimated rural population by region in humanitarian emergency and acute food and livelihood crisis (FSAU, 14/02/07)

Somalia food security situation analysis: Post-Deyr 06-07 projection, January through June 2007 (FSAU, 01/07)

The nutrition situation also showed a significant improvement in the north, but was critical in riverine areas of Hiran and Bakool (see map).

Somalia nutrition situation January 2007 (FSAU/N, 01/07)

Several nutrition surveys conducted at the end of last years showed average to poor situations in the North and Central regions while situations of concern were recorded in the south and among IDPs (figure 3).

Figure III Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, Somalia, September-December 2006 (FSAU, 10/06; FSAU 12/06)

In the hawd of Hargeisa, Somaliland, the nutrition situation was average (FSAU/joint, 11/06). People had access to a diversified diet due to improved access to livestock products and income. On the other hand, child-feeding practices were below recommended, and access to safe water and sanitation facilities was poor.

In Bari region, the nutrition situation was poor in October 2006, before the onset of deyr season (FSAU/joint, 10/06) and similar to that in 2002 and 2004.

In Goldogob district, Mudug region, the situation was of concern (FSAU, 12/06). About 70% of the population had access to a diversified diet. Children feeding practices were poor, as was access to safe water and sanitation.

In Lower Nugal Valley, the nutrition situation was average and about 90% of the population had access to a diversified diet (FSAU, 12/06).

Poorer situations were recorded among IDPs in Bossasso and El Barde district, Bakool region (FSAU, 12/06; FSAU/joint, 10/06). A rapid assessment conducted in Qansah Dere among displaced children in February 2007 also showed a critical situation with more than 20% acute malnutrition (FSAU, 02/07).

Overall

Following a good Deyr season, the food-security situation has improved in most parts of the country. However, the southern areas and especially the riverine areas continue facing dire conditions partly due to the consequences of last year floods. Moreover, the security situation will play a major role in the development of the situation in the forthcoming months.

Sudan

A record cereal harvest of 6.64 m MT is forecast this year in Sudan (FAO/WFP, 01/02/07). This represents an increase of about 22% compared to last year and is 36% above the average of the previous five years. However, 4.6 m people will need emergency food assistance during 2007, mainly due to civil unrest, but also because of structural factors such as poor infrastructure, weak marketing systems, and economic isolation.

Darfur

Continuing violence in Darfur has led to a new wave of displacement of about 80,000 people since the beginning of the year (OCHA, 28/02/06). These displacements were due to the Government of Sudan, militia and rebel attacks as well as to inter-tribal fighting. The majority of displacements was recorded in South Darfur (54,450 people) while about 10,000 people were displaced in both North and West Darfur. IDP camps were approaching capacity, especially around El Fasher town. Because of the insecurity, 23% of the affected population could not be reached in January/February.

A food security assessment conducted in Gereida town and IDP camps, South Darfur, at the end of last year showed a precarious situation (ACF-F, 12/06). Almost no IDPs were able to cultivate in 2006, mainly because of insecurity. Moreover, it was estimated that only 11% had a source of income. Only about half of the general food distribution was consumed, with the rest used for essential milling costs, education costs and buying of food and necessary non-food items. Nutrition surveys conducted in the camps in January 2005 and June 2006 showed a worrying situation (see NICS 10). Residents in Gereida town have also been significantly affected by the conflict. Loss of livestock has been widespread and access to land has been significantly reduced. Food availability through normal sources has, therefore, decreased significantly and depletion of assets has increased. The assessment recommended that interventions to improve food security of the residents be urgently undertaken as no humanitarian aid was directed towards them.

The nutrition situation was precarious in Otash camp, Nyala town, South Darfur, in December 2006 (ACF-F, 12/06) (table 3). Moreover, mortality rates were above alert thresholds. A nutrition survey conducted in Abu Shok and As Salaam camps, North Darfur in November 2006 showed a critical nutrition situation (table 3) that has remained stable for the past 2 years (ACF-F, 11/06). A survey conducted in Umshalaya among residents, displaced people and refugees from Chad in October 2006 revealed 13.1% acute malnutrition and an under-five mortality rate of 2.09 deaths/10,000/day, which might have been due in part to a recent hepatitis E outbreak (UNICEF, 11/06).

Table 3 Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, Darfur Sudan, 2006 (ACF-F, 11/06; ACF-F, 12/06)

South Sudan

As of February 2007, the food security situation was stable, after a normal harvest and good environmental conditions for livestock (FEWS, 16/02/07). However, 350,000 to 450,000 people were estimated as being food insecure, including returnees and residents affected by localised conflict or poor food production. The situation is expected to worsen during the traditional hunger-gap period between May and August with a moderate deterioration in the food security. About 1.7 m people will be food insecure, including 500,000 returnees. However, if there are high levels of population return, combined with persistent localised conflict, the situation could worsen.

Returns of displaced people and refugees continue. It is estimated that about one million people have returned since the signing of the peace agreement (IOM, 27/02/07). Facilitated repatriations of IDPs are on-going (IOM, 27/02/07; IOM, 16/03/07). In addition, assisted repatriation of refugees from Central African Republic, DRC, Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia has reached more than 30,000 refugees (UNHCR, 30/01/07). About 340,000 Sudanese refugees remain in exile. Returnees face considerable challenges and many host communities are struggling to absorb them, due to, among other things, poor infrastructure and insufficient basic services (UNHCR, 06/03/07). UNHCR has launched an appeal of US$ 56.1 m to rehabilitate boreholes, health clinics and schools.

A meningitis outbreak has spread over South Sudan with about 1,800 cases identified in January-February. A vaccination campaign targeting 800,000 people is on-going (Reuters, 24/02/07).

Nutrition surveys conducted in Unity state showed an average nutrition situation in Wudier district (figure 4) that might be explained by the acceptable food security situation at this time of the year (AAH-US, 09/06). On the other hand, the situation was precarious in Mankien and Tam districts at the same period (figure 4) (AAH-US, 11/06). In Bentiu, Rob Kona and Nhialdiu, a high prevalence of acute malnutrition was recorded at the beginning of the year (ACF-F, 02/07). The situation has not improved for the last five years.

Figure IV Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, Unity state, Sudan (AAH-US, 09/06; AAH-US, 11/06; ACF-F, 02/07)

Overall

Good food security prospects are anticipated for 2007 in Sudan. However, more than four million people are still at high risk due to conflict, especially in Darfur.

West Africa

Niger

The food security situation has remained stable for the beginning of the year with good grain availability and access (FEWS, 15/03/07). Millet prices have declined in major markets and stabilised in other markets. Water availability was also good in most parts of the country. However, pastoralists in the north of Tahoua, Zinder and Diffa regions were facing food insecurity, which is usual for this time of the year, due to food stock depletion and decrease in water availability.

Improved nutrition situation compared to 2005 but still poor

The preliminary results of a nationwide nutrition survey conducted in October and November last year seemed to show an improvement in the nutrition situation (FEWS, 15/03/07). Similarly, results of nutrition surveys conducted in three districts of Tahoua region in November 2006 (MSF-S, 11/06) showed average nutrition situations (table 4) that were similar to April 2006 and better than in October 2005 in the entire Tahoua region. Mortality rates were also average (table 4).

Table 4 Acute malnutrition and mortality, Tahoua district, Niger (MSF-S, 11/06)

Central Africa

Burundi

Floods at the end of last year have affected at least 7 of the 17 provinces of Burundi (IRIN, 09/02/07). The majority of the November and January crops have been affected. This phenomenon has compounded an already fragile food security situation caused by the previous prolonged dry season, the "cassava mosaic virus" and structural weaknesses (FAO-CAUR, 02/07). As of the beginning of 2007, food prices were on the rise and people were relying on coping mechanisms such as the consumption of "hunger foods", reduction in the quantity and number of meals, selling of animals and assets, and migration. An estimated 2 m people, representing 25% of Burundi's population, have been affected (WFP, 06/02/07). WFP has requested US$ 12 m to cover food aid requirements until July. Due to pipeline breaks, reduced rations were delivered at the beginning of the year. The Government of Burundi has put in place a solidarity fund to help flood-affected families (IRIN, 09/02/07).

The last rebel group in Burundi signed a peace agreement in September 2006 (AFP, 19/02/07).

In 2006, about 43,000 refugees returned to Burundi (OCHA, 10/12/06).

Nutrition surveys showed acceptable situations in Ngozi and Ruygi provinces while the situation was average in Kayanza province (ACF-F, 11/06; ACF-F, 01/07) (figure 5). Mortality rates were below alert thresholds. However, floods might have a negative impact on the nutrition situation.

Figure V Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, Burundi (ACF-F, 11/06; ACF-F, 11/06; ACF-F, 02/07)

Central African Republic

The country has been affected by civil insecurity for years. An upsurge in violence erupted over the last few months, especially in the north of the country. In the northeast, recent fighting has displaced thousands of people (OCHA, 16/11/06). In the northwest, civil populations have been trapped and targeted by the different parties (MMCAR, 11/06). It is estimated that the number of IDPs has tripled since the beginning of the year (MMCAR, 11/06). Several villages have recently been attacked and their inhabitants have deserted them (WFP, 05/12/06). An estimated 150,000 people are believed to be living in the bush with a very poor diet and difficult access to health care, some of them for more than one year. As the northwest is the breadbasket of CAR, the disruption of production in these regions has also had an impact on the rest of the country (WFP, 05/12/06)

There are few humanitarian agencies currently on the ground and their access to the population is increasingly difficult (MSF, 11/06). However, there is more and more interest in CAR with US OFDA having recently placed CAR on its list of emergencies and ECHO having sent an assessment mission (MMCAR, 11/06). Although the displaced people have received some food, health and non-food items assistance, there are urgent needs for further assistance. A CAP requiring US$ 49.5 m for 2007 has been launched recently (CAP, 2007). United Nations Humanitarian Air Services were set up in November 2006 to run daily flights to destination across the country (OCHA, 16/11/06).

According to the Multidisciplinary Mission to CAR, the crisis has multiple facets (MMCAR, 11/06). The state is weak and almost absent outside the capital, Bangui. The country is also acutely underdeveloped and social indicators, including life expectancy, have dropped for years. This together with insecurity has led to a humanitarian crisis with one million people, a quarter of the population, affected. However, the lack of reliable data makes a thorough assessment of the humanitarian situation difficult.

Despite this bleak picture, a nutrition survey conducted in Bangui in January 2006 showed an acceptable nutrition situation: acute malnutrition was 4.7% (2.9-7.2), including 0.7% (0.1-2.1) severe malnutrition (ACF-F, 01/06). Mortality rates were also under control: U5MR = 0.98 deaths/10,000/day and CMR = 0.52 deaths/10,000/day.

There are also 50,000 refugees from CAR in Chad and a further 20,000 who have fled recently to Cameroon (MMCAR, 11/06; Reuters, 07/12/06).

Recommendations

Some of the recommendations from the Multidisciplinary Mission in CAR:

Improve in-country coordination and inclusiveness
Increase UN agencies' in-country emergency programming skills/response capacity
Increase the UN's presence in the most affected areas
Increase the presence of NGOs
Ensure adequate linkages between emergency, recovery and development

Chad

Violence has continued in Eastern Chad, leading to new displacements. As of January, there were an estimated 112,000 displaced people (USAID, 30/01/07). Most of the displaced have lost their food stocks and their herds (ACF, 13/03/07). Food distributions have been planned but insecurity hampers delivery (USAID, 30/01/07). Food prices have increased abnormally, due to the difficulty of transportation caused by insecurity prevailing in the region (FEWS, 01/07). The government of Chad is not ready to accept the deployment of a peace-keeping force on its border with Sudan, but will accept forces composed of gendarmes and police (IRIN, 01/03/07).

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Nutrition surveys conducted in South Kivu and North Kivu at the end of last year showed acceptable situations (figure 6) and an overall improvement in the situation when comparisons with previous surveys were possible (AAH-US/UNICEF, 10/06-12/06, SC/PRONANUT, 11/06). Mortality rates were average.

On the other hand, the nutrition situations were poor in Vanga and Mosango health zones, Bandudu province and under-five mortality rates were near alert threshold (figure 6) (AAH-US/UNICEF, 10/06). No information on possible explanations of the poor nutrition status was available in the draft survey reports

Figure VI Results of nutrition and mortality surveys, DRC (AAH-US, 10/06, AAH-US, 11/06; AAH-US, 12/06; SC, 11/06)

Southern Africa

Mozambique

Mozambique has been hit by several natural disasters in the last few months. Between October 2006 and January 2007 heavy rains flooded the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala, Manica Tete, Zambeze Nampula and Niassa, affecting 46,5000 people (UNRC, 05/07). In January and February, the Zambezi valley was flooded leading to the displacement of 107,000 people. They are sheltered in accommodation and resettlement centres. About 56,000 people were also affected but not displaced. In late February, the Buzi river basin was also inundated and 13,000 people affected. Furthermore, in late February, a tropical cyclone hit Inhambanhe, Sofala and Manica provinces, affecting approximately 150,000 people. The major impacts of these disasters are the destruction of shelter, infrastructure, farmlands, water sources and assets, as well as the lost of economic activities.

The National Disaster Management Institute (INGC) has implemented a contingency plan, and response to the disaster is on-going (UNRC, 05/07). The IASC cluster approach that aims at coordinating humanitarian response has also been implemented (OCHA, 16/03/07). Funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund and several donors were rapidly made available. Food and non-food items have been distributed to the affected population. Seed and tool distributions were also planned. The government of Mozambique has launched an appeal of US$ 71 m for recovery and reconstruction (OCHA, 13/03/07). The United Nations and humanitarian partners have also launched an appeal of US$ 17.7 m to provide relief and assistance to 435,000 affected people for six months.

As of beginning of March, the floods subsided but some camps reported continuous arrivals (OCHA, 16/02/07). This was attributed to food shortages in rural areas while food was available at the centres. On the other hand, some people were returning to their villages. The government of Mozambique was planning the distribution of take-home kits to promote resettlement.

Some 6,913 children have been screened in four flood-affected provinces. Among them about 600 children were found moderately malnourished and provided with high energy biscuits, and 35 severely malnourished children were referred to hospital for treatment (OCHA, 16/03/07).

Asia

Afghanistan

Following last year’s drought, above normal precipitation took place from October to December 2006 (FEWS, 01/07). However, high temperatures in January caused an early snow melt that might have a negative impact on the availability of irrigation water for the upcoming growing season. Moreover, avalanches and floods have affected Uruzgan, Helmand, Badghis and Ghor provinces (IRIN, 20/03/07). Delivery of assistance were planned but might be hampered by bad road conditions.

A nutrition survey conducted in November 2006 in Miramor, Sharestan and Nili districts, Day Kundi province showed an acceptable nutrition situation (ACF-F, 11/06). The prevalence of acute malnutrition was 3.0% (1.4-4.5), including 0.8% (0.2-1.7) severe acute malnutrition. Death rates were average: CMR=0.19 (0.12-0.27) and U5MR=0.70 (0.39-1.02). The nutrition situation was under control despite the food insecurity in the area that followed several years of drought.

Middle East

Lebanon

A food security assessment conducted in 20 villages in Marjaayoun, Hasbaya and Bint Jbeil Cazas, South Lebanon showed that farmers' households have been badly affected by last summer's war (ACH-S, 02/07). As the conflict occurred during the harvest season and farmers were not able to access their fields, it is estimated that about 80% of their crops were lost. Moreover, about 50% of fruit trees were damaged, including olive trees. More than half of the livestock was also lost during the war. Some of the irrigation systems, tractors and refrigerators were destroyed. About 25% of agricultural land remains unexploited due to the presence of unexploded ordnance. Market prices of food stuffs have increased by an average 36% with an increase of more than 100% for vegetables. Farmers lack investment capacity, having lost most of last year’s crop. This will impact negatively on the upcoming agricultural season. These areas were already some of the poorest before the war. There are very few programmes and organisations aimed at improving food security in the area.

Abbreviations and acronyms

AAH-US	Action Against Hunger USA
ACF-F	Action Contre la Faim France
ACH-S	Action Contra El Hambre Spain
AFP	Agence France Presse
CMR	Crude Mortality Rate
< 5 MR	Under-five Mortality Rate
ENCU	Emergency Nutrition Coordination Unit
FAO	Food & Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
FEWS	Famine Early Warning System
FSAU	Food Security Analysis Unit for Somalia
GoE	Government of Ethiopia
IOM	International Organisation on Migration
IRC	International Rescue Committee
IRIN	International Regional Information Network
MOH	Ministry of Health
MSF-S	Médecins sans frontières - Spain
MUAC	Mid-upper arm circumference
OCHA	Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Assistance
SC-UK	Save the Children-United Kingdom
UNHCR	United Nations High Commission on Refugees
UNICEF	United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund
UNRC	United Nations Resident Coordinator
UNSC	United Nations Security Council
USAID	US Agency for International Development
WFP	World Food Programme
WHO	World Health Organization

References