No major crop pests have been reported so far and the overall crop stand is good. Special attention should be given to armyworm infestations this year, given the cyclical tendency of outbreaks. According to the zonal Bureau of Agriculture, a first outbreak has been observed around Darashe special wereda. The zonal MoA has some pesticide in stock to start control measures within the zone. However, it lacks sprayers and transportation to successfully carry out control operations.
Livestock is generally in good condition.
The actual nutritional status is good but will deteriorate if adequate measures are not taken. It would be important to keep relief resources as high as needed to avoid recurrent rehabilitation needs, which regularly annihilate development efforts. Together with inputs from NGOs, however, the 1996 food deficit can be expected to be covered. Until now food distributions have only taken place for special emergencies, whereas regular relief activities are expected to start in April. The late positioning of food during the belg rains implies transportation problems in areas with difficult road access.