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- Food security outcomes from February to June 2014 in Afghanistan are anticipated to be Minimal (IPC Phase 1) throughout much of the country, given the above-normal 2013 harvest, livestock prices above the five-year average, and adequate labor opportunities during the main agricultural season in 2013.
- In contrast, the 2013 harvest in Afghanistan’s West-Central Highlands Agropastoral livelihood zone was significantly below normal, enough to cause a current and potential food consumption gap for poor households there. External assistance though is likely to offset food shortages from February to March 2014, resulting in Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) food security outcomes. From April to June, food security outcomes are anticipated to return to Minimal if normal livelihood opportunities resume.
- Newly displaced IDPs (within the last 6 months) in Afghanistan continue to have difficulty meeting their basic survival needs as they are unable to rely on their usual sources of food and income, as labor opportunities are especially limited during wintertime while expenses reach their seasonal peak. These IDPs, particularly those who did not receive winterization packages, typically including firewood, food, and blankets, could see Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food security outcomes from February to March 2014. Food security outcomes are expected to shift back to Stressed when daily labor opportunities resume at the end of March.
- From February to June 2014, Tajikistan food security outcomes are expected to remain Minimal (IPC Phase 1). The 2013 above-normal wheat harvest (15 percent more than in 2012) has enabled rural households to have ample staple food stocks during winter, while potato harvest was normal to above normal and remittances were at record high levels.
- Compared to the long-term average, the wet season performance from October 1, 2013 to February 28, 2014 according to remote sensing was significantly below normal in northern Afghanistan as well as in southern Tajikistan. However, given that the critical period of time for rainfed crops is from March to June, FEWS NET will be closely following precipitation in the upcoming months in order to anticipate any potential impact on the regional harvests.
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This Food Security Outlook Update provides an analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography over the next six months. Learn more here.