Tajikistan

The Tajikistani Somoni has depreciated consistently against major international currencies since the start of 2015, losing nearly one-third of its value against the U.S. dollar (USD). The depreciation has increased the price of many imported foods including vegetable oil, sugar, and wheat flour.

According to the National Bank of Tajikistan, remittances were 33 percent lower in 2015 than in 2014. Lower remittances have contributed to the weakening of the Somoni and deteriorated household purchasing power. As a result, many poor households are classified in Stressed (IPC Phase 2) and are expected to remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) through at least September.

Although El Niño typically drives increased precipitation over much of Central Asia including Tajikistan, cumulative precipitation during the October to April wet season has so far been below average in comparison to the long-term (2002-2011) mean.