Food consumption increased in much of the country following an above-average Meher harvest
Key Messages
Total 2013 Meher cereal, pulse, and oilseed production is forecast to be about 25.4 million metric tons, a 10 percent increase above last year. The increase, mainly attributed to the normal and above normal June to September Kiremt rains, is expected to stabilize food security in most of parts the country to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) through March. During this time, most households will rely on their own production. Some households will continue to purchase food but have improved access due to a slight decline in staple food prices.
However, some areas experienced below average Kiremt rainfall or other localized hazards such as flooding, resulting in a below average Meher harvest. These areas will remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) from January to March and deteriorate to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) from April to June. Affected regions include lowland areas of East and West Hararghe Zone in Oromia, the Tekeze River catchment in northern Amhara and southern Tigray, the northeastern highlands in eastern Tigray and Amhara, and a few areas in Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR).
In pastoral and agropastoral areas, despite normal to above-normal recent rainy seasons in many areas, recovery of herd sizes and purchasing power remains slow. Poor households are expected to remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) in most areas through at least June.
