In the conflict-affected West, household food security remains a serious concern. The displaced populations who returned after June 2011 missed the planting season. As a result, most of them continue to rely on food aid until the October 2012 harvest. Recent attacks in this region led to the displacement of more than 5,000 persons, underscoring the volatility and the unpredictability of the situation in this region.
Since June 2012, the Government has taken measures to mitigate high food prices, such as the reduction of illegal check-points, signing a memorandum of understanding with traders on the price of imported rice, and the suppression, for three months, of the value added tax for imported rice. As a result of these actions, in July and August 2012, the price of imported rice was more stable than local cereals. Food security conditions are expected to improve from October 2012, as the food and cash crop harvests take place.
October 2012