Improved food supply situation, but Somalia faces crisis

A special report by the FAO predicts a generally improved food supply situation for sub-Saharan Africa, with notable exceptions such as Somalia. A press release on the report, received today by IRIN, notes “substantial increases” in food production in several areas. Above-average to record harvests were anticipated and therefore the sub-region’s cereal imports were expected to be lower than last year, the report said. However, Somalia was among 13 countries listed in the report which were facing “exceptional” food emergencies. The report warned that a major food crisis was developing in Somalia, due to five consecutive reduced harvests caused by drought, civil strife, the worst floods in decades and pest infestations. Cases of malnutrition were high and on the increase. While food difficulties persisted in Somalia and to some extent in south Sudan, the overall outlook in east Africa was more favourable than in recent years, the report said. In Ethiopia, cereal and pulse production was forecast at 36 percent higher than last year. Food production in the Great Lakes region was said to have recovered significantly, except in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where civil strike was hampering agricultural activities.