Food security concerns remain in south-central zone

The main humanitarian concern in Somalia continues to be the situation of agro-pastoralist families in rain-fed areas in the south and centre of the country, particularly in the regions of Bakool and Gedo, IRIN was informed this week. One million people from a population of an estimated four million in the south-central area are ‘at risk’ of food insecurity, while 600,000 of this number - mostly in Bay, Bakool and Gedo - remain in need of food aid. Relief agencies are keeping a close eye on both insecurity and the harvest obtained in rain-fed areas, which are considered critical in a very fragile situation, but - whatever the change in those - substantial food aid will be required, at least until June, humanitarian sources said. The situation in the north of Somalia was not considered immediately threatening, especially since recent rains had improved pastures somewhat, they added.