He will compile a plan of support interventions, after having assessed the increased numbers of livestock deaths following the belated rains in May, and after having gained a comprehensive picture of current patterns of pastoralists' movements in the border regions of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. This will enable experts to identify disease transmittance patterns and to take action. Many farmers in drought-affected regions have prepared their fields for the meher season but now lack seeds for planting. Agricultural experts from FAO say that although it is too late to plant maize and other grains in some drought affected areas, a small window of opportunity remains to plant certain types of wheat crops. They also say there is still ample time to plant vegetables and root crops, for which contributions are required urgently.
Farmers have neither the seeds to plant, nor the cash to buy seeds from local markets.
According to as yet unconfirmed reports, the food security situation in Bale zone is an issue of major concern, and might be worse than in Borena zone in early April. The May ration has been distributed to 129,856 IDPs. The remaining beneficiaries will receive the May ration before the end of the month. WFP is looking into renting additional warehouse space in Mekelle to accommodate incoming shipments. Transport tendering for June and July distributions is ongoing.