Stable food security outcomes continue despite landslides in northern areas

• On May 7, heavy rains provoked landslides, mainly in the districts of Gakenke in Northern Province and Ngororero in Western Province, claiming 54 lives and destroying 2,317 houses. Hundreds of hectares of cultivated land were also lost or damaged. The Government of Rwanda is leading relief efforts and planning to resettle about 28,000 individuals (6,000 families). With additional resources pledged by various donors, about 50 percent of resettlement needs should be covered for the next six months.

• However, the heavy rains, partially associated with El Niño, were generally favorable to crops, including in the semi-arid districts of Kayonza and Kirehe in Eastern Province. In anticipation of above-average harvests, staple food prices are expected to decline in May. Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity is expected for all areas through September 2016, although some households affected by the landslides and flooding and others in portions of the Eastern Semi-Arid Agropastoral zone may be Stressed (IPC Phase 2).

• From May 4-23, the influx of Burundian refugees has reduced to about 26 people per day, according to the United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR). The main agencies catering for the nearly 78,000 Burundians in Rwanda continue to face serious funding shortfalls for the next six months: about 87 percent for WFP and 79 percent for UNHCR, which could potentially affect food security outcomes for these refugees. 

For more detailed analysis, see the Remote Monitoring Update for February – September 2016.