Cluster Leads Meeting Minutes
04 June 2014
OCHA Conference Room
Participants: NFI/Shelter (IOM), Food/TSF (WFP), OCHA; WASH (UNICEF); Education
(UNICEF); Agriculture (FAO)
Chair: OCHA Deputy Head of Office
Agenda Items:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Review of matters arising from the last meeting;
Food security outlook by FEWSNET
Follow up on Methodology Subgroup meeting;
Refugee update: Influx from South Sudan;
Desert Locust;
Relief food and TSF;
Nutrition update;
A.O.B
- HNO
________________________________________________________________________
1) Review of matters arising from the last meeting: the minutes from the previous meeting were
endorsed without comments. Follow-up on the action points related to Desert Locust were
discussed under agenda item 5. As to the action point related to advocating for the opening of a
nutrition stabilization centre in Kule 2, it was noted that GOAL and MSF-H are working together
to provide primary health care and nutrition services in Kule 2.
2) Food security outlook: FEWSNET made a presentation on the performance of the 2014
belg/gu rains and likely impact on the food security situation followed by an outlook for the 2014
kiremt rains summarized as follows:
2014 belg/gu/ganna/sugum performance:
- The belg 2014 remained under near-neutral ENSO condition.
- The start of 2014 belg rains were generally timely in most parts of the country but late by
about two-three weeks in central and eastern Oromia. Although the onset of the rains
were timely in most parts of the country, the season was characterized by long dry spells
in between;
o Cumulative below normal in the Southern and central Oromia, Southern half of
Somali, some localized areas of eastern Amhara and Afar
o Cumulative normal to above normal in in most parts of Tigray, Amhara, Afar,
Eastern and Western Oromia, northern Somali and SNNPR.
- Timely land preparation and planting of belg crops – with slight interruption in the
southern part toward the end of February but situation improved later. Therefore, near
normal area covered
- The late start in Eastern Oromia resulted in delay of land preparation and planting but
most farmers able to improve the coverage latter using the rains in April and May;
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2014 kiremt/karma outlook:
-
-
The Season is likely to be under the influence of ENSO Neutral at the beginning and
gradually El Nino Episode strengthened towards its end (August and beyond).
The possibility of El Niño increase during the remainder of 2014, exceeds 65 per cent by
summer (JJA) and peaking near 80 per cent during the late fall/early winter.
FEWSNET identified 2009 to be the best similar analogue year to the upcoming kiremt
season, during which inadequate rains were received during the main rainy months;
Northeast Ethiopia is highly likely to receive near normal, with the possibility of below
normal rainfall at some places.
Kiremt 2014 rains with likelihood of erratic start, below average in amount and early
cessation will negatively affect crop production particularly in the eastern half of the
country, pasture and water shortage in the north eastern pastoral as well;
Normal onset and cessation is anticipated over the western half, whereas cessation of the
season will be erratic across the eastern half of Ethiopia.
On the other hand, Eli Nino will enhance the October –December rains that will favor
southern and southeastern pastoralist of Somali and Oromia towards the end of the year
Food Security Outlook:
About average belg cumulative rainfall is likely to support a near average belg harvest in most of
belg growing areas improving food insecurity from July to September.
Below average seasonal rains in southern pastoral areas of Somali and Oromia regions are likely
to result in early depletion of pasture and water availabilities in June to September, normal long
dry period and hence humanitarian assistance will be required from July to September. It was
noted that pastoral households in the south eastern areas were able to cope up with the shock due
to the cumulative effects of good seasonal performance during the last two to three seasons. It
will, however, sustain them only up to June and humanitarian assistance need to be strengthen
from July until the next rainy season kicks off in October. Furthermore, the poor performance of
rains for consecutive three to four seasons in Northern Afar resulted in further deterioration of
food and water security situation in the already water insecure areas.
Cluster Leads noted that south eastern lowland pastoral areas in Somali and Oromia regions and
northern Afar (Zone 1 and 2) will be critical areas of concern during the coming seasons through
September. In terms of priority sectors, with the reported critical water shortage in most affected
areas, the need to enhance water related interventions, by advocating for enhanced funding was
underscored by the group. Additionally, it was noted that efforts are underway to re-direct JAP
resources to cover emergency needs. Although the overall funding of the HRD
FEWSNET also noted that the drought situation is even worse in Northern Kenya and bordering
areas in Somali. There is, therefore, a likelihood of increased livestock migration to bordering
areas in Ethiopia, likely to further deplete limited resources and poses livestock disease outbreak
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threat. The situation, therefore, requires close monitoring and livestock interventions needs to be
scaled up.
Action point: 1) Southeastern pastoral areas and northern Afar to be priority areas of
concern in the coming months (up to September);
Action point: 2) Advocate for enhanced funding for WASH and Livestock interventions
in the southern pastoral areas to avert adverse impacts of poor seasonal performance;
3. Follow up on Methodology Subgroup meeting: the 2014 annual HRD was developed
based on the projection that the performance of the 2014 belg rains will be normal to above
normal in the South and South Eastern parts; while areas in North eastern parts will receive
below normal rains. The analysis was based on a five-year trends analysis and preliminary NMA
forecast. The performance of the season, however, deviates from the projection, which insinuates
the need to undertake a verification assessment to adjust the requirements accordingly. Other
tools such as LEAP are also to be used as an input for the verification assessment. Additionally,
the 2014 kiremt requirement projection the annual HRD was develop based on a normal 2014
kiremt rains projection (historical trends analysis). The NMA forecast for the season, however,
indicts the probability of El Nino occurring starting from mid kiremt season, likely to affect the
cessation of the season, with an anticipated early cessation.
Action point: 3) Cluster leads, in collaboration with Sector Taskforce members, to identify
sector areas of concern to be assessed and to further re-fine sector assessment
methodology for the rapid assessment;
4.Refugee update: Influx from South Sudan: In the absence of UNHCR, OCHA provided s
South Sudan refugee update. Despite the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement on 23
January 2014, fighting between Government and opposition forces has continued, especially in
Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states, where towns and rural areas have been ravaged by the
violence. Meanwhile, suspected cases of cholera in Juba more than doubled, increasing from 395
cases on 22 May to 892 on 28 May, including 27 cases.
The latest UNHCR report indicates that as of 30 May 2014, over 139,812 asylum seekers arrived
through the Gambella Region, mainly through Burbiey, Pagak and Akobo border entry points.
The daily new arrival rate is approximately 1000 individuals with the majority entering through
Burbiey. Majority of the new arrivals through Pagak come from Matiang, Maban and mawit,
while those entering Burbiey come mainly from Nasir. Flooding poses a threat as the rainy
season progresses and a technical team was deployed to Leitchuor to assess the possibility of
flooding to ensure that the refugees at risk are relocated to higher ground. Meanwhile, efforts are
underway by Government and partners to scale up AWD prevention. The Regional Health
Bureau and UNICEF have continued measles vaccination in camps and entery points, which has
significantly reduced measles cases. On the other hand, provision of shelter (tukuls) remains a
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huge challenge. Meanwhile, to deal with the lack of access by road between Burbiey and Matar,
IOM started moving refugees by boat from Burbiey to Matar.
Preliminary results of nutrition surveys undertaken in Lare and Jikaw woredas – in host
communities surrounding camps/entry points indicate concerning levels – above the emergency
threshold (details of the results were discussed under agenda item 7 below).
OCHA reported that OCHA HoO is currently in Gambella Region to make a follow-up
assessment mission (following an earlier mission in early February and to meet with the
Regional Presidency, ARRA, DPFSA Director and other implementing partners, including
giving assurances that the host communities are an integral part of the humanitarian agencies’
response plan.
5. Desert Locust: FAO provided an update on the Desert Locust infestation and ongoing
response efforts. So far, 38 immature swarms (one swarm covers 50km2 , with a population of
150 million locust) entered to Eastern Ethiopia from Somali Land. During last week 3 swarms
crossed to Ethiopia; two of the swarms were sprayed and one escaped and is wandering between
Ethiopia and Somaliland. The Desert Locusts that came two Addis three weeks ago, have gone
to North Gonder, very close to the border areas. Currently, the ecological conditions particularly
in Desert Locus invasion and breeding areas are favorable for Desert Locust breeding. Hence
possible egg laying from escaped and unseen swarms/swarmlets of Desert Locust is likely to take
place. The breeding sites have been immensely expanded throughout the regions – beyond the
traditional breeding sites, making control efforts difficult. It was noted that the next breeding
season if July to September and failure to control the swarms is likely to lead to a devastating
impact on meher production.
The Government has appealed for USD1.8million per cent for funding the Desert Locust survey
and control efforts. FAO reported that USD 300,000 is to be secured from HRD and FAO was
able to raise an additional USD500,000 through its internal funding mechanism. With the
remaining gap of USD 1 million, the need to mobilize additional resources, considering the
likely catastrophic impact. FAO noted that it plans to mobilize logistical support (vehicle) from
NGOs for the ground survey and control operation. It was noted that considering the weak
Government capacity in Somaliland, the Ethiopian Government had offered to undertake aerial
survey and control in Somaliland, subject to consensus by the Somaliland government.
Action point 4: FAO to mobilize additional resources to fill the gap for the Desert
Locust response;
Action point 5: FAO to approach NGOs to mobilize logistical and operational support
for the ground survey and control operation;
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6)Relief food and TSF: the dispatch of relief food for the first round 2014 allocation has
reached 98 per cent, of which 89 per cent has been distributed. As to round two, 66 per cent has
been dispatched and 47 per cent distributed. The relief food prioritization committee has
approved the allocation for the third round – for both cash and food woredas. The RFM
resources are to be utilized to cover transitory relief needs in PSNP woredas in PSNP woredas
from third to fifth round with an estimated USD 67million. It was noted that the amount is
transferred to regions not in a total rather for each round. DRMFSS has issued a tender for
procurement of cereals for the coming months.
As to TSF, 53 hotspot priority woredas are to be covered through the TSF programme. WFP
reported that a request has been received from Afar, Tigray and Amhara regions. Concerns were
raised by the Cluster Leads over the delay in undertaking the screening in the remaining regions
and urged WFP to expedite the delivery of the resources in areas where request was received.
7. Nutrition update: ENCU briefed on the results of the nutrition survey undertaken by GOAL
and Concern in Lare and Jikaw woredas in Gambella Region focusing on host communities
surrounding camps/entry points. The preliminary results in Lare revealed a very critical situation:
SAM – 4.3 per cent and GAM – 18.2 per cent and a high mortality rate – way above the
emergency threshold. It was noted that a measles outbreak in the area contributed to the high
level of malnutrition. CONCERN has secured funding from OFDA to immediately commence
nutrition intervention in the area. The Cluster Lead noted that he will be traveling to the area this
week to discuss with the Regional Health Bureaus on ways for enhancing the Health facilities in
the region. In Jikaw, GOAL will continue to operate until September and ACF will continue
from September onwards. ENCU raised concerns on the challenge to get a partner to work in
Akobo. It was noted that CRS is planning to start operation in Gambella region and it was
suggested for ENCU to approach them and discuss coverage of Akobo.
Action point 6): ENCU to approach CRS to discuss nutrition response coverage in
Akobo;
8. A.O.B
HNO – OCHA provided an update on the status of HNO. Input has been received from all
sectors apart for Health, which is expected to be finalized soon. OCHA noted that the HNO will
be a useful input both for the HRD and UNDAF.
Response in Hardin – IOM reported that the conflict in Hardin in April 2014 has reportedly
displaced some 600HH. Despite the need for emergency shelter assistance, IOM noted that the
region has not yet sent a request and asked OCHA to follow up with the region.
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Action point 7) OCHA to contact the Somali Regional DPPB to follow up on the status
of request for assistance for the conflict displaced population in Hardin;
Guji conflict response: in reference to the Guji ICP report, IOM raised the challenge related to
NFI response as some actors including ERC distributed a partial NFI kit, resulting in an
inadequate response. OCHA underscored the need for the cluster to standardize the NFI kit for
response and ensure all sector actors comply to the standard.
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