Somalia: Over 1 Million Somalis to Remain Food Insecure Until September

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More than 1 million Somalis will remain "food insecure" until September, the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) said in a report released Sunday (May 19th).

According to research by the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit-Somalia (FSNAU), FEWS NET and partners, flooding in agro-pastoral areas of southern Somalia has affected an estimated 6,000 hectares of cropland, which is expected to lead to a below-average crop harvest and increased food prices.

Nonetheless, livestock production has improved in most parts of the country -- with the exception of the central and north-eastern regions -- which FEWS NET anticipates will lead to greater availability of milk and meat.

The rainy season began in late March, slightly earlier than expected, and most of Somalia received moderate to above average rainfall, except for southern, central and north-eastern areas.

However, due to flooding over a large cropped area in Middle and Lower Shabelle areas and insect pest infestations in Bay region, the overall national July crop harvest will likely be below average, the report said.