The fall in feed has led to under-nutrition of livestock, which may result in an increase in mortality in the winter months. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia has appealed to the Governments of all nations, international organisations and the international community to assist in the elimination of the dire effects of a prolonged drought and aridity in the country. Direct losses alone are valued at 40 million US Dollars, according to the estimates of the Government. With a projected commercial import of about 357,000 tons and pledged food aid of 70,000 tons, the uncovered wheat and barley deficit amounts to 75,000 tons. Given the country s economical difficulties, this difference, if not addressed by the international community, could severely affect vulnerable groups, particularly in rural areas.
Food prices are relatively stable in most urban markets where imported food is available.
However, access to food by rural households has become exceedingly difficult as they have lost most of their produce and have little to sell or barter. Sales and slaughtering of livestock which, apart from their direct contribution to rural household diets, provide up to a third of household income in rural areas, have already increased thus depressing household incomes further. Beef and pork price decreases have already been reported by the WFP market price survey of basic food items. The effect of the drought has impacted urban population less, due to the comparatively better economic conditions than in rural areas and greater access to imports. After a decade of high levels of unemployment, low wages and depletion of savings, living conditions are already precarious for most of the population, particularly in rural areas.