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Food insecurity increases in parts of Eastern Province due to prolonged dryness

Food insecurity increases in parts of Eastern Province due to prolonged dryness

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  • Key Messages
  • Key Messages
    • Food security remains stable across Rwanda supported by the June Season B harvest, except in three drought-prone districts in Eastern Province, Kayonza, Nyagatare, and Kirehe, where some poor households are Stressed (IPC Phase 2), and there could be some isolated, vulnerable households in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) if they have not received assistance. Crop production, especially for maize, was negatively impacted by the late start in March and premature cessation of the rains in early May. There have been media reports of increasing needs in these districts, but additional information is needed to confirm the extent and severity of food insecurity. 

    • The Government of Rwanda is responding with food-for-work programs in Eastern Province, but some pastoralists, especially in Nyagatare, have chosen to temporarily migrate to Uganda, which is not atypical, but may have occurred earlier than normal. In Kirehe District, located in southeastern Rwanda, migration to Uganda is not practical, but the increase in job opportunities in irrigation schemes is helping to supplement incomes. 

    • As of July 25, Rwanda hosted nearly 79,900 Burundian refugees, which already represents about 80 percent of the total annual number UNHCR budgeted. In June, there were about 26 daily arrivals. In addition, many Burundians, who were sustaining themselves previously, are reportedly depleting their resources and applying for refugee status. The Burundi Regional Refugee Response Plan for Rwanda is only 22 percent funded, leaving a gap of nearly USD 50 million. Refugees are facing Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) food insecurity despite the presence of humanitarian assistance.  

    This Key Message Update provides a high-level 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. Learn more here.

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