Focus on Ethiopia - Dec 2006

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE:

• REGIONAL OVERVIEW: SUMMARY OF MEHER ASSESSMENT PRELIMINARY FINDINGS
  
• RELIEF FOOD AND NON-FOOD UPDATE
  
• UPCOMING & ONGOING MEETINGS

Focus on Ethiopia is produced by UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in collaboration with other UN agencies and partner NGOs. Focus on Ethiopia provides a monthly overview of humanitarian trends and activities in Ethiopia, as well as focusing on particular issues of interest. Send comments, suggestions and contributions to ocha-eth@un.org

REGIONAL OVERVIEW (1)

SOMALI

A total of 1.3 million beneficiaries have been estimated to be in need of emergency assistance for the coming year despite the good performance of the deyr and gu rains, according to the preliminary findings of the pastoral area assessment mission. The food security prospect of the region for the coming year, therefore, is anticipated to be below normal. The security situation in the region has also exacerbated the fragile food security situation.

Apart from Degehabur zone and Dolo-Odo woreda in Liben zone, the onset of deyr rains was timely in most zones. Torrential rains in Gode, Afder and Liben zones caused catastrophic floods that forced the Shebele, Genale and Dawa rivers to burst their banks. The floods killed 80 people and affected as many as 362,000 people. Many animals were also washed away and properties, including farms, houses, and irrigation pumps were destroyed. Meanwhile, other areas, including northern parts of Fik and Degehabur received near normal rains with uneven distribution.

The rains have improved water availability, and most boreholes, hand dug wells as well as birkads are filled. Thus both human and livestock water needs will be sustained until the next rainy season in most parts of the region except in Ayisaha, Moyale, and Hudet woredas. Pasture and browse are also well replenished.

Crop production is expected to be below normal in most agro pastoral and riverine areas due to the repeated flooding in the main riverine areas. Nevertheless, near normal harvest of long cycle crops, including maize and sorghum are expected in Jijiga and Shinile zones.

The unknown camel disease has continued to kill large number of animals, particularly in Afder, Liben and Gode zones. Consequently, the price of camel has significantly decreased. Other livestock prices, however, have shown significant increase following their physical improvement and high local and external demands. Basic cereal crop prices including maize, sorghum and wheat have also remained high due to poor supply in the market and cross boarder trade restrictions with Somalia.

Although there were no reports of major human disease outbreak, the floods have increased incidences of water borne diseases, including AWD and bloody diarrhoea. AWD has been spreading in the region at an alarming rate. To date, a total of 600 cases are reported in Kelafo, Mustahil, Gode, East and West Imi and Moyale woredas. Incidences of malaria, measles and TB have also increased.

These cumulative effects coupled with low purchasing power of pastoralists made an estimated 1.3 million people to require emergency food assistance in 2007. Additionally, approximately 407,360 people require close monitoring in all zones.

Note:

(1) Kindly note the regional beneficiary figures at this point are preliminary and subject to change. The final figures will be included in the 2007 Joint Government and Humanitarian partners Appeal due to be launched at the end of January.