The October 2004 Food Security Update for Ethiopia from FEWS NET reports that poor seasonal rains from March to September have caused significant crop failure and a weakening of livestock conditions. The situation is unlikely to improve in the short term:

"According to the NMSA [National Meteorological Service Agency], higher probabilities exist for near normal to above normal rainfall conditions over central, eastern, southern, southeastern and northeastern parts of the country. However, the forecast information shows that western portions of the country will have a higher probability of receiving below normal rainfall".

"In the agro-pastoral and pastoral areas of southern, southeastern, and northeastern Ethiopia, normal to above-normal rainfall would bring a long-awaited respite to the dry conditions currently prevailing in these areas. It should be noted that pasture and water availability have been diminishing in these areas due to consecutive poor seasons, seriously affecting livestock and human well-being. Full recovery in these areas will only take place after several good short rainy seasons."

Go to full report on FEWS NET