Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• Average off season vegetable harvests continue across the country and the off season rice harvest in June and July is expected to be well above average. These harvests in combination with average labor opportunities are improving food availability and income for poor households. Consequently, the majority of the country is experiencing Minimal (IPC Phase 1) food insecurity.

• The cereal supply in markets will remain sufficient during the consumption year across the country due to above average cereal yields in the last harvest season and the resulting below average cereal prices. The price of broken rice, which is the main cereal consumed, is down 6% from the average, thus promoting household access. 

• Breeding conditions are average to above average across the country which suggests an average lean season for pastoralists from March until June. Income from the sale of livestock and animal products will provide average incomes for pastoral households to have market access. 

• Poor households in the north-east of the country who experienced a poor agricultural season in 2015/16 as well as households affected by flooding from July to September 2015 have resorted to atypical coping strategies including migration and labor to maintain livelihoods and food consumption.  These households are working to also replenish lost assets and will be at a Stressed (IPC Phase 2) level of food insecurity from June until the next harvest in October.