Livestock body conditions improve ahead of the lean season

March to May Diraac/Sougum rainfall has been average throughout Djibouti, including in southern areas where rainfall deficits were only about 10 millimeters below average. This has regenerated pasture and recharged water resources, which has led to improved livestock body conditions. However, many pastoralists have lower than normal access to milk given poor livestock productivity. They are expected to remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) through September. 

Staple food prices remain stable and below the five-years average due to ample international supply. Most households have normal food access due to stable and low food prices, except for poor households in the Southeastern Pastoral Border area. These households have below-average herd sizes and are only able to sell one goat per month, which is insufficient to purchase all basic food and non-food needs. It is expected some are currently facing food consumption gaps and are expected to remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) through the end of the lean season in September. 

Food assistance is typically provided by WFP to vulnerable households in Southeastern Pastoral Border areas. Due to funding shortfalls, assistance was temporarily suspended in January, but resumed in March at lower quantities. Vulnerable households are now receiving 100 grams of cereal, 80 grams of pulses, and 20 grams of oil per day, half of the cereal and oil quantity previously received.