Projections Food Security Outcomes remain unchanged after hurricanes Maria and Irma

Floods related to hurricanes Maria and Irma in northwestern parts of the country have led to crop damage in certain areas. A joint report from the Departmental Agricultural Direction of the Nord-Est (DDANE), the Civil Protection Direction (DPC) and FAO states that rice, banana, cassava, maize, pigeon peas and peanuts were among the most affected crops. Am estimate of 1,308 Ha have been totally destroyed. 

Food Insecurity classification phase will be reevaluated after analysis of agricultural losses and livelihood disruptions induced by the hurricanes. Food Insecurity outcomes remain Minimal (IPC Phase 1), except for certain areas that will remain in Stress (IPC Phase 2) until January 2018.

Recent high levels of rainfall are favorable for the sowing period, including for Sorghum in Artibonite, inducing an increase in demand for agricultural labor. Nevertheless, forecasts indicate that the high level of precipitations will remain, which can beneficiate crops in mountain areas but presents a flooding risk in lowlands.

Local and imported products remain available in most markets. Food prices remain in a decreasing or a stable trend, except for certain products as vegetable oil and flour. Maize and black bean prices have respectively decreased by 2.3 and 3.2 percent compared to July 2017, but rice prices have remained stable and at a high level.