Food aid commitments have not been met in recent years so stocks have not been replenished and this year's food pledges have not yet arrived. The need for food aid is more acute and has come earlier this year because of three years of drought. The EC failed to meet its commitment last year providing little more than half the food it promised. It is now more than one year behind on its pledges. The EC is considering a further pledge but is seeking assurances that the food will still be needed after such a long delay in delivery.
Food is needed now.
In addition, the monthly food need traditionally increases from May to August. The Ethiopian government is purchasing 100,000 MT of food for distribution. This is a valuable contribution to the aid effort but the ongoing conflict between Eritrea and Ethiopia will undoubtedly affect the country's ability to respond. With famine threatening Ethiopia and drought and food shortages in Eritrea the value of peace is now higher than ever. Shortage of high-energy food for malnourished people.