KEY ISSUES
The food security situation in all livelihoods of Somalia remains as classified during the post Gu 2012 analysis (Aug ‘12) with an estimated 2.12 million people in crisis until the end of the year. The major assumptions made in the food security situation projections in August-December 2012 have materialised. Specifically, lower than normal Gu off-season was harvested in riverine areas of southern Somalia due to poor performance of Hagaa rains. Normal to above normal Deyr rains in September-October 2012 facilitated timely start of the Deyr planting and improved pasture, water and livestock body conditions. Given the normal pace of Deyr planting, labour availability increased in farming communities in the South, benefitting poor farmers who rely on casual labour as a source of income during the lean season. Milk production has also improved in most pastoral areas as a result of calving (camel and cattle) and kidding during Hagaa and Deyr seasons
