ERITREA* (2 June)
The 2003 main cropping season has started in some central highland areas. With the exception of some isolated rains in the northern part of the central highlands, spring (azmera) rains from March to May were generally inadequate. These short rains are beneficial for early land preparation and replenishment of pasture.
Serious food shortages caused by last year’s drought remain with as many as two-thirds of the country’s population severely affected. Of these, an estimated 1.4 million need emergency food assistance. In addition, humanitarian assistance continues to be needed for large numbers of people internally displaced by the recent war with neighbouring Ethiopia, returning refugees from Sudan, and children benefiting from WFP’s Emergency School Feeding Programme.
The slow response to appeals for emergency food assistance remains a major concern to both the Government and humanitarian agencies. Overall, the Government of Eritrea appealed for some 476 000 tonnes of emergency food late last year. As of 9 May 2003, only about 195 000 tonnes (41 percent) had been pledged while only 68 000 tonnes had been delivered. With the lean season just beginning, more food aid pledges and faster delivery are needed to mitigate the serious food shortages. FAO and WFP jointly approved in March 2003 an Emergency Operation (EMOP) worth US$ 46.5 million to assist about 900 000 people for a period of ten months (May 2003 – February 2004).