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Global Food Security Update - Issue 12, October 2013

Countries
World
+ 38 more
Sources
WFP
Publication date
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The Global Food Security update provides a quarterly overview of key food security trends in vulnerable countries. Information is provided by WFP VAM field teams and partners.

In focus

• In Syria, revised estimates indicate that the number of IDPs has risen to 6.5 million from 4.25 million in July. Vulnerability is increasing due to conflict, reduced economic activity, reduced crop production and high prices. As of October, UNHCR reports that over 2 million Syrians had found refuge in neighboring countries.

• In Sudan, the lifting of food subsidies in September and below-average crop prospects could lead to increased food insecurity in 2013/2014.

• By January 2014 some 2.2 million people in Zimbabwe are forecast to face crisis (IPC phase 3) food insecurity conditions due to two consecutive years of poor production.

• In the Central African Republic, the population in Crisis (IPC phase 3) and Emergency (IPC phase 4) has increased to 1.3 million in July. The security situation has since continued to deteriorate.

• In northern Mali, a July food security and nutrition assessment indicates that half of households used emergency or crisis coping strategies (such as asset sales) during the lean season. In two of three districts, global acute malnutrition rates exceeded the ‘serious’ threshold.

• A dry spell in Karamoja, Uganda, has extended the lean season. Vulnerability levels are forecast to increase at the time of the February-August 2014 lean season.

• According to the Madagascar FAO/WFP Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission (CFSAM), some 3.9 million people will be food insecure until April 2014, following a reduced harvest.

• The Greater Horn of Africa Outlook Forum forecast suggests that below average rainfall is likely from October through December, which might affect crop and livestock in parts of Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya.