Above-normal rains in November in the south-eastern parts bordering Somalia and Kenya, resulted in extensive flooding causing hundreds of deaths, displacement of a large number of people and severe damage to housing. Over 12 000 domestic animals are reported lost and 30 000 hectares of land inundated. Food and non-food assistance is being distributed by the Government in the affected areas, mainly the communitites around Kelafo, Mustahil and Ferfer which are isolated by the rising water levels. A detailed assessment of the flood damage is underway.
Elsewhere in the country, widespread abundant rains in October and November have affected yield potential of the 1997 main “Meher” season cereal and pulse crops being harvested. An FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission visited Ethiopia from 2 to 26 November 1997 to estimate the production of the 1997 Meher (main) season cereal and pulse crops and estimate import requirements for 1998 including food aid needs. The Mission forecasts a 1997 Meher harvest of 8.786 million tons of cereals and pulses, which is 25.6 percent below last year’s level. The reduction in production is primarily the result of poor Belg rains and late, low and erratic rainfall during the Meher growing season, particularly in lowland areas, exacerbated by unusually heavy rains at harvest time. A 20 percent reduction in fertilizer use in key surplus areas due to the removal of subsidy and credit restrictions on slow repayers was another factor contributing to the decrease. Army-worm, the main migratory pest this year was efficiently controlled by Ministry of Agriculture supported spraying teams. Non-migratory pests and diseases though present were not considered to be beyond the usual levels of tolerance in most zones. Livestock production was threatened by mid-main season droughts in all agro- pastoralist areas, causing a 60-70 percent fall in prices, premature migrations and increased morbidity and mortality. Fortunately, the late rains reversed the situation in all respects in October and November and a normal state pertains despite localized losses.
Prices of all major cereals by October 1997 were above last year’s level reflecting tighter supplies and traders’ expectations of a reduced harvest in comparison to the bumper crop of 1996.