Famine subsides following the Deyr harvest

Deyr assessment results indicate that famine conditions no longer exist in southern Somalia, yet nearly a third of the country’s population remain in crisis, unable to fully meet the essential food and non-food needs. Based on the assessment findings, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Mogadishu and Afgoye, and agropastoral households in Middle Shabelle (populations formerly classified as IPC Phase 5 - Famine) have now improved to Emergency-level food insecurity (IPC Phase 4). This is a result of substantial humanitarian assistance provided and the Deyr harvest, which is substantially higher than average. Both factors have mitigated the extreme food deficits and reduced mortality levels. Nonetheless, as of 3rd of February, 2.34 million people remaine in crisis, with 73 percent (1.7 million) residing in the southern regions. In the most-likely scenario, the number of populations in crisis is projected to increase up to 2.51 million people from February-June 2012. The increase is anticipated in the agropastoral areas of Lower Shabelle and Bay regions where populations are likely to embark on accelerated sales of livestock assets to meet the minimum food/non-food needs when the benefit of the current harvest will be reduced. Multi-sectoral response, at scale, is required for all those in crisis and any significant interruption to humanitarian assistance or trade could result in a reversal of the gains made. 

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