NAIROBI, 22 December (IRIN) - The availability of food for pastoralists in Djibouti next year will be adequate despite poor rainfall in the region recently, the
Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS Net) has reported.FEWS Net said the "Heys/Dada" rains - which are essential for the viability of coastal dry season grazing areas - performed poorly in
November."These rains serve a vital function in the migration cycle of pastoralists; by replenishing pasture, browse and water points along the coastal belt, they support the nutritional status of
small ruminants during the important period of early pregnancy," FEWS Net said.The agency noted that the migration of pastoralists to the coastal plains began in October, "earlier than normal". The
pastoralists have reportedly arrived at the Heys/Dada grazing area.However, FEWS Net warned, "With the onset of rains in the coastal belt as well as environmental factors (like open ditch latrines
and standing surface water), conditions are favourable for a spike in the incidence of malaria.""Timely interventions are required to effectively prevent a spike in morbidity rates, including the
application of insecticides to stagnant water sources and open ditch latrines at regular intervals," the agency added.Recovery programmes must take a longer view of the rural Djibouti population,
FEWS Net warned. A February 2006 multi-agency drought impact assessment reported that livestock losses in 2004-2005 ranged from 25 percent to 80 percent."Successful recovery for pastoralist
communities requires prevention of distress livestock sales and continued restocking over several consecutive seasons," it added.The agency also noted that food security for the urban population had
been bolstered by recent economic growth, fuelled by the construction of new port facilities, as well as tourist and banking facilities. However, in order for lower income urban households to gain
access to the resulting employment opportunities, skills training may be necessary."Although food prices are declining, the cost of kerosene is still very high; additionally, the depletion of market
stock of staple foods (especially rice and spaghetti) may trigger food price increases in the next several months," FEWS Net concluded.js/jm
