CHF-DMA-0489-122 “Protecting pastoral community livelihood assets in South Central Somalia and enhancing the communities capacity to cope with shock through an integrated approach”-1,429,065.25$

FSNAU - FEWSNET reported that the 2011 Gu season will have a major impact on food security. Current forecasts indicate that an average season is likely in many areas of the country, though concerns that the season could be poor remain. The food security situation in most pastoral areas of central and southern Somalia will deteriorate to an extreme level.

The rural population in crisis in pastoral areas is currently estimated at 435,000. The pastoral livelihoods is the most threatened by the water crisis, given the high water and fodder requirement for cattle and sheep and significant deterioration of rangeland and livestock conditions in most pastoral areas of the country. Drying up of water sources called for early start of water trucking thus, significantly increasing water prices. Owing to scarcity of water and pasture and significant deterioration of rangeland in most pastoral areas, cattle and sheep are in poor body condition. Most animals are very weak to trek to water and markets while majority are not salable.

There is an urgent need to protect livelihood assets through provision of cash, rehabilitation of water infrastructure and control of animal diseases. The project aims to contribute to stabilizing food access and nutrition of   people in crisis (including IDPs) through provision of emergency livelihoods support.