Household stocks in most areas become exhausted as the lean season begins

As the lean season begins (mid-May to July), both household and market stocks in rural areas are below average levels compared to a normal year. This reduction in stocks follows a below-average 2015/16 main harvest season and a slightly below-average off-season harvest in March and April. Low stocks contribute to both higher demand and prices, limiting food availability and access particularly for poor populations. Most parts of the country will remain in Stressed (IPC Phase 2) acute food insecurity through September 2016.

In urban areas, there are fewer electricity outages as a result of system updates, which is contributing to improved livelihood opportunities. Additionally, market functioning continues to improve across the country as most EVD restrictions have been lifted. Households that are engaged in off season production and trade have improved incomes and food access, particularly when compared to the crisis period. These factors have contributed to Bo and Western Area Rural and Urban districts remaining in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity.

The rainy season has begun on time with seasonal forecasts from NOAA indicating average to slightly below average rainfall accumulation from May to October. Land preparation for the main cropping season (2016/17) has also begun and is at the land clearing and ploughing stage in most northern districts (Kambia, Bombali, Portloko). Planting of groundnut has started in Kambia, preparation of coffee and cocoa plantations is on-going in Kenema, Kailahun and Kono and planting of upland rice has also started in Kono.