Afghanistan: WFP Emergency Report No. 24 of 2002

This report includes:
(A) Global resourcing

(B) Asia Region: (1) DPR Korea

(C) East and Southern Africa Region: (1) Southern Africa Region, (2) Ethiopia, (3) Tanzania

(D) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iran, (3) Pakistan

(E) Central Africa Region: (1) Angola, (2) Democratic Republic of Congo

(F) Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Regional overview, (2) Colombia, (3) Dominican Republic, (4) Honduras, (5) Peru, (6) Panama

From Francesco Strippoli, Director of the Office of Humanitarian Affairs; available on the Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org.

For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2009. Media queries should be directed to Trevor.Rowe@wfp.org, telephone 39 06 6513 2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome, Italy.

A) Global resourcing

(a) Since the last World Food Summit in 1996, progress has been made towards eradicating hunger, but, against a backdrop of escalating humanitarian crises, global food aid has actually decreased from a peak of 15 million tons in 1999 to 11 million tons last year - a drop of more than 25 percent.

(b) The WFP Executive Director, James T. Morris, has urged delegates to the World Food Summit (+5) in Rome to turn their attention towards the nearly 13 million people in southern Africa who face critical food shortages. Erratic rainfall, disruptions in commercial farming, government mismanagement and HIV/AIDS have combined to decimate food production in the region. WFP is currently targeting 4.6 million people in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Swaziland - and a regional appeal, to be launched later this month, will dramatically increase that figure.

(c) Dwindling funds in the last few months have also forced WFP to cut rations for a million vulnerable people in DPR Korea; WFP has also had to scale back food aid to displaced Afghans returning home, as well as cope with food riots in West Africa's refugee camps.

B) Asia Region: (1) DPR Korea

1) DPR Korea

(a) A new contribution of 100,000 tons has been confirmed this past week. This will temporarily alleviate the desperate pipeline situation in the DPRK. WFP remains concerned with the pipeline for the remainder of the year. A resource gap of nearly 150,000 tons remains, mainly cereals. Further contributions are still required to cover needs during the latter part of the year. Without such confirmations it will again be necessary to reserve food for the most vulnerable beneficiaries at the expense of other needy groups and to cut back further on food-for work (FFW) initiatives. Starting in May, WFP suspended regular distributions of food to secondary school children as well as lean season distributions for the elderly and caregivers at institutions. Given the confirmed contributions known at that time, this measure enabled food to be prioritized for distribution for the most vulnerable beneficiaries - young children and pregnant and nursing women - well into the third quarter.

(b) Frequent rainfall continued into May in most provinces, confirming predictions for a better early crop than initially projected. However, parts of Chagang, Ryanggang and North Hamgyong provinces experienced drought-like conditions due to inadequate rainfall. Early crops in these provinces, as reported, have thus been affected. Distributions of daily food rations by the government through the Public Distribution Centers were reduced to 250 grams/person/day in May for all provinces. These daily rations are expected to continue at this level until the harvest of the early crops begins in June.

C) East and Southern Africa Region: (1) Southern Africa Region, (2) Ethiopia, (3) Tanzania

1) Regional Overview for the Southern Africa Region

(a) Over 100 persons attended the interagency meeting on humanitarian needs in Southern Africa, chaired by Jean-Jacques Graisse, Deputy WFP Executive Director and Ross Mountain, Assistant Emergency Relief Coordinator and Director of OCHA Geneva, that took place in Johannesburg on 6 and 7 June. The participants included government representatives (donor and recipients), UN agencies, NGOs, SADC, FEWSNET and WFP.

(b) At the meeting, donors indicated that they stand ready to assist. However, it was emphasized that at the same time as short-term assistance is provided, it is important to keep in mind the need to address the long-term rehabilitation of the agricultural sector and promote policy dialogue with national governments to eliminate a number of the causal factors of the crisis. SADC should take a lead role in facilitating this dialogue. There was also acknowledgement that national governments must assume greater responsibility for taking steps to reduce conditions of vulnerability.

(c) The Crop and Food Supply Missions (CFSAM) show that roughly 13 million people will need food aid until the next harvest, with cereal needs estimated at 1.2 million tons. Key findings of the missions are presented in the table below:

* Note that these figures represent cereal food aid only. The actual food aid response will differ, as other commodities will be included.

(d) Staff from WFP's Management Co-ordination Unit, located in Johannesburg, are preparing the Southern Africa Regional Emergency Operation which will begin on 1 July for a duration of 9 months, lasting until March/April 2003. The situation is to be closely monitored and follow-up assessments will be undertaken later this year.

2) Ethiopia

(a) The mid-year assessment of the minor cropping season (following February-May rains), the "belg season" and the major rainfall season in pastoral areas of the south the "gu" seasons (February-March to May) will be undertaken in late-June to early-July. The assessment teams are multi-agency donor, UN agencies and NGOs and the results will update the annual requirements, which have been based on the late-2001 assessment the main cropping season.

(b) Though the belg season is reported to be generally favourable, there are some current areas of concern. Areas of late-planted belg crops in South Wollo (and possibly North Wollo), have been affected by a dry spell. In Southern Tigray, belg crops have failed completely due to poor rainfall forcing extensive re-planting with long-cycle sorghum for harvest during the main meher season. In areas that do not produce belg crops, the rains have been generally satisfactory for land preparation for long forthcoming main (meher) rainfall season. Rainfall has been below-normal in the Bale lowlands, and in East and West Hararghe lowlands. Although not belg-producing, areas that have a high degree of chronic food insecurity, such as Wag Hamra, are also of concern due to poor performance of the last meher harvest.

(c) In Somali region, the main ("gu") rains are nearing the end of season and have been favourable for pasture and livestock in most parts. The region has generally received near normal to good rainfall, with the rainfall intensity and distribution being generally better in the southern zones and worse in the northern zones. Liban, Afder, Gode, Warder, Korahe and Degahbur received near normal to good rains. Jijiga received below normal rains while Fik and Shinile received poor rainfall. The livestock ban largely remains in force though some of the smaller importing countries in the Arabian Gulf have started importing livestock, bringing some improvement in livestock prices.

(d) Relief food distributions for small-scale farmers and drought-affected pastoralists are reaching their peak for the year with a target population of around 4 million people per month. Though food distributions were below target for the January-April period, cereal food requirements for May were largely met, though with reduced rations (12.5 kg/person/month instead of 15 kg/person/month). The relief food currently available can meet cereal requirements for June, July and August. WFP, NGOs and the Government received confirmation of relief food donations in June that have substantially improved the pipeline. Nevertheless, there are outstanding needs to the end of the year.

3) Tanzania

(a) The UNHCR-facilitated voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees continued in Kasulu, Kibondo and Ngara camps. From 20 May to 3 June, approximately 2,900 Burundian refugees were repatriated to Burundi. Registration of Burundian refugees for voluntary repatriation continued with approximately 77,500 refugees registered in Ngara, Kibondo and Kasulu camps.

(b) From 20 May to 3 June, WFP distributed 3,650 tons of food (corresponding to a two-week ration) to over 510,900 refugees in Kigoma, Kibondo, Kasulu and Ngara districts. WFP supplied 100 percent of the standard food ration to all beneficiaries, except for CSB, which were distributed at 60 percent of the full ration. In addition, WFP supported various Supplementary Feeding Centres (SFC), providing 85 tons of food to approximately 20,000 malnourished persons. During the same period, over 110 refugees were assisted in returning to their communities in Rwanda, bringing to almost 1,400 the total number of Rwandese assisted in returning home since early 2002. Almost 600 refugees arrived in Tanzania from Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda from 20 May to 3 June.

D) West and Central Asia: (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iran, (3) Pakistan

1) Afghanistan

(a) During the first week of June, approximately 8,600 tons of food were dispatched to WFP implementing partners. Part of these commodities has been already distributed to 1,354,000 vulnerable people. Food shortages in the pipeline remains a major concern for WFP and has hampered the approval of project proposals as well as the release of food for ongoing projects. A pipeline break for cereals is expected in August. Further donor contributions are urgently needed, in particular to assist 942,200 Afghan refugees registered for the UNHCR-assisted repatriation programme.

(b) The security situation remained generally uncertain in the Eastern Area and parts of the Southern region. Security issues in the Mazar region (Northern area) are becoming a concern with several robberies aimed at NGOs reported in recent weeks.

(c) About 2,800 tons of food were dispatched to WFP partners in different provinces of the Central area. This has made a significant impact after a period of drastic reduction of food dispatches. In the Northeastern area, WFP dispatched 1,060 tons of food to various NGOs. Beneficiaries included 2,100 government civil servants, 2,000 drought-affected families in Ragh district and 1,100 labourers working in a FFW project rehabilitating the main road between Faizabad and Taloqan.

(d) In the Western area, WFP dispatched over 2,350 tons of food through Food for Asset Creation (FOODAC) projects, 15 tons of food for civil servants, 30 tons of food for 2,300 refugees. In addition, distribution of bread is regularly ongoing in Maslakh and Shaidahee IDP camps.

(e) In the Eastern area, WFP supplied 470 tons of food under Food For Education (FFE), Supplementary feeding and civil servants programs. Beneficiaries included 37,100 school children, 1,100 trainees involved in non-formal education projects, 1,270 civil servants in Laghman Province and 1,600 returnee families.

(f) In the Southern Area, WFP supplied over 600 tons of food in support of 11 projects including FFE, FOODAC and teacher training in five provinces. WFP food distribution to civil servants registered in Kandahar province is ongoing. So far, 820 civil servants have received their two-months entitlement.

(g) In the Northern Area, WFP dispatched 2,180 tons of food to its partners, who have already assisted 143,200 vulnerable people. The beneficiary caseload includes 20,000 most vulnerable families living in Mazar City, civil servants and IDPs returning to their place of origin in 7 northern provinces.

2) Iran

(a) As of 9 June, 67,300 refugees had returned to Afghanistan through the UNHCR-assisted Voluntary Repatriation Programme in Iran, corresponding to 17 percent of the target of 400,000 for 2002. However, repatriation of Afghan refugees had to slow down due to the lack of resources. The number of spontaneous returns recorded during the period from 9 April to now, stands at just under 16,000. Food distribution is ongoing in all 28 refugee camps. Approximately 950 tons of food is being distributed to 67,500 refugees.

3) Pakistan

(a) No relocation of refugees took place last week due to the security situation. The total camp population reported by UNHCR stands at 117,400 refugees. Some repatriation is expected from Bagzai camp during the week. After the completion of May distributions, Shamshatu camp reported a decrease of 4,600 beneficiaries attributed to repatriation.

(b) Due to late availability of some commodities, distribution for the month of June has been delayed. However, dispatches of oil, pulses and salt have already been completed to all the camps. Wheat flour deliveries are expected to be completed by the weekend. Food distribution for June has been planned for 117,000 beneficiaries, though sporadic repatriation is expected in some of the camps.

E) Central Africa Region: (1) Angola, (2) Democratic Republic of Congo

1) Angola

(a) WFP expects to face critical food shortages (particularly in maize and pulses) in October without further urgent donor contributions. Requirements are expected to continue to increase as WFP assistance is provided to IDPs in newly accessible areas and in the family reception areas. WFP has already reached over 70,000 new beneficiaries through general food distributions in newly accessible areas since April, and expects to assist around 220,000 family members of UNITA soldiers shortly.

(b) Registration of family members for WFP general food distribution is underway or already completed in 11 family reception areas in Benguela, Bengo, Bié, Lunda Norte, Luanza Sul, Kuando Kubango, Moxico and Uige provinces. Last week, WFP began distributing food to 4,500 family members in Ndele (Bié province). WFP starting registering an estimated 10,000 beneficiaries in the Uamba family reception area in Uige and food distribution is planned for next week.

(c) WFP continues to support life-saving nutritional feeding programmes in Bié, Benguela and Malange provinces. Over 2,000 children were assisted during the week with WFP commodities in Therapeutic and Supplementary Feeding Centres (TFC and SFC) in the Cubal and Benguela municipalities (Benguela province). Following a nutritional screening, which found high malnutrition rates, MSF-B began supplementary feeding to around 500 malnourished children in Ndele (Bie province) with WFP support. WFP continues to provide food to around 1,800 malnourished people in the MSF-B centers in Damba and Ganda Sol (Malange province).

(d) Since April, WFP has reached over 70,000 people in need in newly accessible areas through emergency general food distributions. In many of these areas, beneficiaries will receive a second month of assistance in June. In Ganda city (Benguela province), over 6,200 IDPs arrived from Capupa and received emergency WFP assistance. In Bié province, almost 18,000 returnees are now living in the newly accessible area of Cuemba. Registration and provision of assistance are ongoing. WFP is preparing for registration and assistance to the Munhango commune as soon as it becomes accessible following landmine clearing and road rehabilitation currently underway.

(e) WFP assisted around 9,500 vulnerable people through general food distributions in the newly accessible area of Chipindo (Huila province). In addition, around 1,100 new IDPs arrived in Chipindo during the week and are being registered and provided with food. A second general food distribution to around 11,000 beneficiaries in the newly accessible area of Bunjei (Huambo province) was carried out in collaboration with ADRA International.

2) Democratic Republic of Congo

(a) Due to continuous insecurity in Shabunda, the humanitarian situation reportedly deteriorated and population movements largely increased. 22,000 IDPs were identified recently in Shabunda area as being in great need of food, water and shelter. An additional 800 IDPs were identified along Lulingu axis.

(b) On 2 June, RCD Goma authorities expelled the UN Security Officer and the MONUC political adviser from Goma. This decision is affecting the security of UN Agencies and NGOs' staff members. This is of particular concern given the security situation in North Kivu Province.

(c) The situation remained tense in the South Kivu region with increased reports of attacks and looting by armed groups in Bukavu, Kabare and Uvira areas. Two MSF- H guards were killed. Large population movements were observed in Mwenga following fighting.

(d) From 1 to 9 June, WFP targeted almost 3,000 vulnerable people in Kinshasa region, including malnourished children, orphans, HIV/AIDS patients, as well as people involved in FFW and FFT activities. In addition, WFP distributed 1,280 tons of food to 60,430 beneficiaries, including malnourished children and their families in South Kivu province. During a joint assessment, WFP and World Vision identified 16,700 IDPs and 9,650 returnees in the north of Goma. Besides, 5,600 Congolese refugees were repatriated to Goma.

(e) In Equateur province, WFP and FAO distributed food rations and agricultural tools for seeds protection to 3,000 households in Mbandaka. From 1 to 9 June, WFP supplied 160 tons of food for almost 11,000 beneficiaries in Mbandaka.

F) Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Regional overview, (2) Colombia, (3) Dominican Republic, (4) Honduras, (5) Peru, (6) Panama

1) Regional overview

(a) The National Oceanographic and Atmosphere Administration of the United States (NOAA) indicated in a 6 June report that an increase in ocean temperature, combined with observations of abnormally heavy rainfall in parts of South America, and the lack of it over Indonesia suggests that El Nino continues to develop as originally forecast. The overall trend, together with changes in weather and pressure patterns in key regions of the tropics that are characteristic of El Nino, suggest that the development of a weak to moderate El Nino will continue for the remainder of 2002.

(b) NOAA forecasters indicate that El Nino likely will not be strong enough to affect hurricane activity this year, especially early in the season. If El Nino continues to develop as expected, there is a possibility that fewer hurricanes than normal may form in the Atlantic during August to October, the peak of Atlantic hurricane season.

2) Colombia

(a) Intensive rains caused floods and landslides in several Colombian provinces. The provinces of Antioquia, Bolivar, Cesar, Cundinamarca and Santander were placed on red alert due to the rising water levels. According to local press, floods have affected 80,000 people so far.

(b) A primary school in south of Bogota targeted under PRRO 6139.0, was forced to close affecting 330 children. In the municipality of Soacha, where WFP provides assistance, intensive rains caused landslides.

(c) In the Choco Province, over 5,200 out of the 13,800 IDPs targeted under the PRRO received food during the first week of June. Most IDPs have moved to that province after the Bojaya massacre. Another 4,100 persons in Quidbo will receive relief assistance during this week and next one. Deliveries to communities isolated in the Atrato River area, will resume on 13 June, providing assistance to 4,500 beneficiaries in 13 sites along the river.

3) Dominican Republic

(a) The National Emergency Operations Committee reported that due to heavy rains 1,750 people are living in temporary shelters in the San Pedro de Macoris region. Meteorologists indicate that rains will continue and warned the population to be alert in case rivers overflow. The Dominican Government distributed food to families affected by heavy rains in the region of San Pedro de Macoris.

4) Honduras

(a) According to the National Emergency Committee and the Associated Press, intense rains hit Honduras on 9 June, causing floods that killed at least 8 persons. 1,100 persons have been evacuated, most of which are in shelters. Reports indicate that many houses have been destroyed or damaged and several communities remain isolated.

5) Peru

(a) During the first week of June, 850 water tanks were distributed to families affected by the 2001 earthquake in the southern region of Peru. The EMOP 10102 targeting earthquake victims has now concluded its distributions. Even though the earthquake occurred a year ago, very few affected families are living under appropriate conditions. This situation is particularly affecting children now that the rainy season has begun. Assistance is needed so those families can rebuild their houses.

(b) Under EMOP 10102, WFP faced major resourcing problems with only USD 300,000 funded out of a total budget for USD 1,103,074. 536 tons of food (out of the approved 3,800 tons) were distributed to beneficiaries in the provinces of Arequipa, Moquegua and Tacna. Beneficiaries were food insecure children, mothers and elderly affected by the earthquake.

6) Panama

(a) According to news services, the Governor of the province of Chiriqui, asked the central government to request international assistance for some 3,000 people that have been reported as seriously food-insecure. This situation is due to the falling international prices of cash crops and to administrative problems. According to the report, food shortages are spreading in Panama where local authorities fear possible riots if assistance is delayed.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons

(End WFP Emergency Report No 24)