Trade restrictions in Somali Region worsen already extreme food insecurity

Figure 1. Estimated current food security conditions (July to September 2007) FULL-SIZE IMAGE Graphics by FEWS NET, September, 2007

Continued restrictions on trade and movement in Somali Region are worsening food security among already extremely food insecure pastoral and agropastoral populations in Warder, Koraheand, parts of Fik, Degehabur and Gode zones (Figure 1). These restrictions, which began in mid-June, have prevented livestock trade and impeded the movement of food and other commercial goods to rural areas. To date, food aid dispatches to and distributions within the region have not met the needs of affected populations.

Because most people living in the affected areas of Somali Region are pastoralists or agro pastoralists, they rely heavily on the sale of livestock and livestock products to purchase cereals and other imported food items (Figure 2). But, trade and movement restrictions make it nearly impossible for these populations to access livestock markets to sell their animals. In addition, prices for those cereals and other imported food items that are still available in restricted areas are up to three times their normal levels because of the limited supply and flow of goods. Populations in these areas are reportedly consuming wild foods and, in the most food insecure households, slaughtering livestock – their main source of income – for consumption. If trade restrictions continue, these negative coping strategies will lead to destitution, increasing and further protracting the already extreme food insecurity of affected populations.

Figure 2. Incomes and income sources by wealth group in the Howd pastoral zone FULL-SIZE IMAGE Note: The Howd food economy zone covers the whole of Warder zone and eastern half of Korahe zone                                                                   Source: SC UK Food Economy Profiles

During the second week of August, military convoys began transporting some commercial food to the restricted areas within Somali Region, but the amounts of food dispatched are reported to be insufficient to meet all of the areas’ needs. The Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency has also dispatched relief food aid to these zones, though most actual distributions have not yet taken place. While the movement of some commercial and relief supplies into these areas will alleviate food shortages slightly, the amount of food currently being sent through these channels is much lower than the needs in the zones. In addition, even if commercial food was allowed into these areas without restriction, continued prohibitions on the movement livestock and livestock products for sale in markets outside restricted areas will not allow affected populations to earn sufficient income to buy cereals and other goods. Restrictions, therefore, need to be lifted completely. Until then, the amount of relief food provided should be increased to cover the needs of pastoral and agro pastoral population living in these areas.