Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides) - The rains that began to fall on Somalia are having positive and negative aspects. According to what is stated in the Situation Report sent to Agenzia Fides by Caritas Somalia, the rivers are increasing their flow allowing the resumption of cultivation. The rains were, in some cases, above the seasonal average and floods were reported in some level land areas and consequent destruction of corn crops. Farmers were forced to sow it again, while respiratory diseases and water-borne infections, in particular malaria are on the rise.
Overall, however, the much-needed rain will eventually help to support the crop. However, its earning is below the expected average production with a delay of 1 to 2 months. Despite the rains, food security conditions remain precarious because of the prices of basic foods, which are above average, and also due to the difficulties of access to humanitarian assistance caused by heavy rains and the state of insecurity.
The emergency level of three regions of Somalia (Bay, Bakool and Lower Shabelle) have been reduced from "famine" to "emergency". The populations of these regions are no longer at risk of hunger, but their rates of malnutrition are still very high and if the level of humanitarian assistance were to decrease, these areas could easily return to a state of famine. The displaced people in Mogadishu and parts of Middle Shabelle remain instead in famine conditions.
Caritas partners who support projects in Somalia met in Nairobi for a meeting presided by Bishop Giorgio Bertin, Bishop of Djibouti and Apostolic Administrator of Mogadishu. The meeting focused on current and future projects, as well as on the possible collaboration with the Somali diaspora and Islamic organizations. Caritas Italy has introduced a pilot project to conduct awareness talks with the Somali Diaspora in Italy in order to better understand the concerns of the diaspora and its perception of the current situation of Somalia. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/11/2011)
