In parts of South-Central Somalia, food security likely to deteriorate between now and June

• In both pastoral and agropastoral areas in the southern and central regions, food security will likely deteriorate between now and June, especially for the poor in Middle Juba, Hiraan, Gedo, Galgaduud, and Mudug. This will be the result of limited food stock availability, the April to June lean season in agricultural and agropastoral areas, likely near average to below average Gu rains, and the associated decreased livestock production and values.

• Access to food and income will likely continue to decrease in riverine areas in Middle Juba and Lower Shabelle Regions until the Gu harvest starts in July/August. While the off-season harvest in March would have increased food access, pest infestations and some stagnating flood waters have reduced yields and prevented crops from maturing. The remaining maize is being sold for fodder as it has not produced grains.

• If restrictions on remittances come into force in western countries, food security of receiving households will deteriorate, including for the urban poor. Nearly 40 percent of households receive remittances, often as a significant source of income.

• An estimated 731,000 people will be in Crisis and Emergency (IPC Phases 3 and 4) through the middle of 2015, according to the latest findings from a joint assessment by the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit for Somalia (FSNAU), a project managed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), and other partners. The complete findings of the assessment can be found in the Technical Series Report.

The Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit’s (FSNAU) Post-Deyr Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Technical Series Report contains more detailed information about food security and nutrition in Somalia.