WFP deliveries in southern Somalia to resume

With the recent lull in clan fighting in southern Somalia, WFP is resuming its activities in lower Shabelle, Bay, Bakool and Gedo. It will transfer 400 mt to lower Shabelle to support food-for-work projects, another 400 mt to Bardera and over 1000 mt to Bay region from the port town of Merca. Reports indicate that crop production is very poor, with cereal production likely to be reduced in the rain-fed areas. Livestock is also in "below normal condition", WFP said. It noted that although the lifting of the livestock export ban had encouraged the export of animals, it had also resulted in a significant increase in prices.