The April to June gu rains are forecast to be normal to below normal throughout most of Somalia. These rains are crucial for the replenishment of water, regeneration of pasture, and production of crops that are harvested in August in central and southern areas.
As a result, food security may deteriorate beyond the already high levels for pastoralists in these areas, as poor pasture and water availability will weaken livestock body conditions, reducing household income and access to milk. Poor gu rains would also result in a below-normal harvest in August, compounding the effects of a failed crop in January for agropastoral households.
In response, ongoing livelihood-support interventions such as water distribution and veterinary services should be intensified, and contingency planning is necessary for a possible major drought and resultant humanitarian crisis from April through at least the end of 2008.
Prominent Western Sahara independence campaigner Aminatou Haidar (2nd L) speaks with Foreign Ministry cabinet chief Agustin Santos at Guacimeta airport on Spain's Canary island of Lanzarote November 30, 2009. Haidar, on ...
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