Angola
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Even though there was improvement in rainfall frequency, the cumulative rainfall in the central and south-central region is still below average. Additionally, in much of the southern region vegetation appears to be deteriorating and water for animals is decreasing. This might prove to be detrimental to pastoralists that choose not to move their animals earlier this season.
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Train services from Namibe to Cuando-Cubango Provinces have restarted and this is helping restore the supply of goods to Lubango. The normalization of train services coupled with governmental price restrictions for selected food commodities and transport are expected to help improve food access to poor households by reducing price increases for basic food.
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The scarcity of foreign currency in local markets and the gradual devaluation of the Kwanza are further complicating the process of importing goods during the lean season. Although train services have resumed, there is still a scarcity of cereal supplies and this combined with the current macroeconomic environment is pushing up prices in most of the country. This situation might constrain access to food for poor households.
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Current acute food insecurity outcomes among the majority of poor households is Stressed (IPC Phase 2) and these outcomes are expected to continue through March. However, we expect these outcomes to improve from April to June and to become Minimal (IPC Phase 1).
| Zone | Current Anomalies | Projected Anomalies |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Livestock, Millet, Sorghum | Foreign exchange reserves are at a low and this is negatively affecting the acquisition of spare parts for the irrigation pumps thus affecting negatively horticulture production | Lower horticultural production might decrease income earning opportunities for the poorest as well as the availability of vegetables in markets in the near future. |
National
The high-producing provinces of Huambo and Bié (located in the Central Highlands or Planalto) experienced a brief interruption of the rains, but rainfall restarted in late January and it has been raining heavily in both provinces since then. Unfortunately this increase in rain volume has led to the spoilage of most of the bean crop for the 1st season in Huambo and Bié. Most households in these areas are already planning for the next season’s planting, which starts in mid-February. Other types of crops have been negatively affected by the heavy rainfall since late January.
Comparatively, food prices have stayed at the same levels as last month, with the exception of beans that increased by 33 percent since last month in Huila and Huambo Provinces. One of the factors contributing to the abrupt increase in bean prices is the decreased availability due to spoilage in the fields. Although train services have restarted, traders are still preferring to use trucks due to the relatively faster travel times; in an effort to ease population fears about the impact of the higher fuel prices, the government is presetting prices for certain commodities in an attempt to keep prices down in the main urban areas.
Areas of Concern: Southern Livestock, Millet, Sorghum Livelihood zone (parts of Cunene and Namibe Provinces)
In Namibe, the absence of rain continues to be of serious concern and very detrimental for the agricultural season. The alternative practice of cultivating horticultural products under irrigation is starting to gradually face some challenges due to the scarcity of spare parts for irrigation pumps being used in the area. Additionally, the continuous dry spell is contributing to the deterioration of propitious conditions for cattle in the province. Consequently, it is believed that most households will start to consider selling cattle in order to avoid losing animals, which might prove detrimental to their livelihoods in the future.
In Cunene, after a dry spell in December and early January, rains restarted in late January and have been more or less regular, thus helping keep the pasture and water for animals in sufficient amounts. However, it is reported that the poor distribution of rains from mid-December through the 3rd week of January, damaged the crops of many smallholder farmers. As a result, there are reports of the distribution of early ripening seeds to some households that prepared their land again, and planted again in order to take advantage of these late rains. The success of the distribution of early ripening seeds might help to increase the availability of cereal and to improve livelihood conditions for the poorest households in the area.
ABOUT REMOTE MONITORING
In remote monitoring, a coordinator typically works from a nearby regional office. Relying on partners for data, the coordinator uses scenario development to conduct analysis and produce monthly reports. As less data may be available, remote monitoring reports may have less detail than those from countries with FEWS NET offices. For more information click here.
In remote monitoring, a coordinator typically works from a nearby regional office. Relying on partners for data, the coordinator uses scenario development to conduct analysis and produce monthly reports. As less data may be available, remote monitoring reports may have less detail than those from countries with FEWS NET offices. Learn more about our work here.