A WFP review, conducted in July 2012, found that household food consumption has improved compared to 2011. However, food consumption indicators remain poorer than in 2009 and 2010. Currently 57 per cent of households have ‘borderline’ food consumption. Some of these households may be at risk of slipping into the ‘poor’ consumption category in the occurrence of a shock, such as reduced food production or a reduction in food ration levels. Household dietary diversity remains poor with 83 per cent having poor dietary diversity (<4.5 food groups). Some 60 per cent of the households are limiting food portions and/or adding more water to food, which could lead to insufficient nutrient intake. In June 2012, the government reported a significant drop in estimated production of early crops (wheat, barley, potato), which is assessed at 207,000 tons, well below the estimate of 500,000 tons from the 2011 CFSAM. Production from the main harvest will be assessed during the September-October 2012 CFSAM. A national nutrition survey, a joint assessment by the Central Bureau of Statistics, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, is ongoing.
October 2012