REGIONAL WATCH:
Hotspots
DR Congo: While conflict in the east is reducing, large areas remain in the control of different factions and with reports of indiscriminate violence against individuals (HRW Feb 13). These threats to personal security restrict movement diminishing household production as well as access to markets
Watch
KENYA: Possibility of localised violence during March/April elections may impede access to employment, commerce, production or interrupt local markets with impacts on food security. In the 2007 election, violence also close
KEY MESSAGES FROM THE FSNWG MEETING February 21, 2013
Consecutive good seasons have transformed food security conditions into some of the best observed in the past few years in this region. Current conditions have benefited from normal to above normal harvests in 2012, stable food prices and generally good conditions for livestock. Reflecting the improving conditions, numbers of people in IPC Crisis or Emergency (Phase 3 & 4) have reduced.
Despite currently good, acute food security conditions, seasonal deterioration is expected over the coming months. Dry season conditions including GAM rates of 15 - 30% and low levels of food consumption can be anticipated until the arrival of the March to May rains. Current stable food prices, labour opportunities and small-scale commercial activities will be increasingly important through this period.
No Regrets responses or interventions that assist short-term crisis coping and reinforce long-term developmental priorities, are receiving increased attention. The ICPALD led Livestock and Pastoralist Working Group used these principles to present response options for the Mandera Triangle pastoral areas predicted to have normal to below normal rainfall this year. Likewise, Nutrition Surge Plans illustrated how government and non-government agencies can enable health facilities to expand basic services during periods of crisis. A one page brief has been prepared to outline No Regrets responses as a different way of working.