Distributions completed in worst-hit areas

WFP, CARE and partner agencies have completed distributions of food and seeds in the worst-affected province of Kirundo and in Cibitoke, Kayanza, Gitega and Rutana as part of a large-scale FAO-coordinated assistance programme. Record distribution levels were achieved between 15-28 February, providing a total of 3,725 mt of food to some 543,000 beneficiaries. By mid-March WFP will have provided 6,500 mt of food to more than 822,000 persons, with CARE handling distributions under the seeds protection rations (SPRs) programme. “Given the gravity of the situation in Kirundo, WFP is considering a follow-up food intervention in the months prior to the June harvest,” WFP’s latest weekly emergency report said. The campaign was launched in response to unfavourable rainfall conditions in late 1998, which affected the 1999 A season bean harvest. Beans are the main staple food in Burundi and this harvest provides the seeds for the main B season harvest in June.