Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• The agricultural campaign is progressing normally, but yields are likely to be lower than average due to the irregularity of rains at the start of the rainy season throughout the country. Ploughing, manure spreading, and planting are providing income and greater access to food for poor households engaged in these activities.

• The regeneration of pastureland and water points in June and July ended the pastoral lean season throughout the country. Livestock products, such as milk, butter, and cheese, are lower than average, but the improvement in livestock body conditions is favorable for improved incomes and food access for pastoral households.

• Cereal supplies at markets across the country remain near average despite the seasonally normal decrease in supply, which was less noticeable than in an average year due to good agricultural production in 2018. Cereal prices are average to below-average overall, and improved terms of trade for livestock to cereals is favorable for household food access.

• Poor households and displaced people in conflict-affected areas of the north and central regions of the country are experiencing decreased incomes and deteriorating livelihoods, which is making it difficult for them to adequately meet their food and non-food needs. The use of coping strategies such as reducing the quantity of food per meal and the number of meals consumed, and not being able to meet all their non-food needs places these households in Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) with the help of ongoing humanitarian assistance.