As conflict continues to drive food insecurity, rains improve production prospects in other regions

The formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan reinforces the expectation of improving security.Protracted conflict and high staple food prices, however, have limited access to food and income sources, with Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes expected to continue through at least September in Greater Upper Nile and Northern Bahr El Ghazal.

More than 10 million people by September in Ethiopia will be in need of emergency food assistance as the 2015 El Niño led to severe drought across central and eastern Ethiopia. Substantial livestock deaths and crop losses were recorded, with worst-affected households facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes as they experience larger gaps in their basic food needs.

Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity is likely to persist through at least September in rebel-held areas in Central and South Darfur, and South Kordofan, exacerbated by an early start to the lean season in March instead of May. The newly displaced households in particular have limited access to food, income, and humanitarian assistance, amidst rising staple food prices.

Emergency (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity is likely to persist through at least September in rebel-held areas in Central and South Darfur, and South Kordofan, exacerbated by an early start to the lean season in March instead of May. The newly displaced households in particular have limited access to food, income, and humanitarian assistance, amidst rising staple food prices.

Conflict in Yemen continues to lead to Emergency (IPC Phase 4) and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food insecurity for much of the country. Household purchasing power is eroded and livelihoods remain disrupted severely since 2015. High levels of inflation and the depreciation of the Yemeni Rial are also contributing to limited food access.

Following a slow onset of the season, April to early May rainfall has improved prospects in broad agricultural areas in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi.Improved access to food and income resulting from favourable production during the first half of 2016 is likely to be sustained through September, following generally normal to above normal rains.