Seasonal rains from April to June brought relief to pastoral areas, affected by severe dry weather conditions in the last rainy season from September to November. As a result, the condition of pastures and animals is improving.
Although the poor vegetative and water conditions resulted in unusual migration patterns of the nomadic population, the drought and lack of adequate pasturage resulted in an increased incidence of diseases and mortality among livestock. As livestock rearing is the main economic activity in the country, the food situation of the affected population is very tight with serious malnutrition reported in the Tadjoura and Obock districts. Out of an estimated nomad population of 100 000 people in the country, emergency food assistance is being provided to some 50 000 farmers and pastoralists for a period six months.