The population of Moba and environs fled before the advancing forces of the rebel army in November 1998, during the planting season. Due to longer, more recent and more intense fighting in the area, only 20 to 30 percent of the once estimated 200,000 residents have returned. These people returned mainly due to threatening situations or assured starvation in their places of asylum. Having returned to pillaged homes and fields, they are currently living below subsistence levels. Their average caloric intake is estimated at between 600 and 800 calories per day.
Malnutrition is high and rising.
The situation is grave and will only worsen if the returnees are not given a means to provide food for themselves. Approximately 8,000 families in Moba and 4,000 families in Kalemie will be immediately targeted in an early December distribution. As word spreads of aid available in Moba, the rate and number of returning families is projected to increase. FHI will meet this additional need by serving 6,000 families in Moba and 2,000 families in Kalemie during an early January distribution. The number of families selected were calculated using estimates of the percentage of the population that has returned, the percentage of returnees who normally farm, and the estimated percentage of farmers needing inputs.