Existing assistance is improving food security but future programming remains underfunded
KEY MESSAGES
• The scaling up of humanitarian assistance through the Seasonal Targeted Assistance (STA) has improved food security in sixteen food insecure districts across the country, however some households in southern districts are experiencing livelihood protection deficits and are Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) in the presence of food assistance. Households in the northern areas are experiencing Minimal (IPC Phase 1!) outcomes, with the exception of districts like Mbire and Rushinga where households are Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) conditions in the presence of food assistance.
• For households that are not receiving humanitarian assistance, market purchases are the main source of their cereals. Cereal remains available in most markets including the southern and western areas; however price increases continue to prevail, particularly in the southern cereal deficit areas.
• The country has received significant rainfall with most northern and southern areas receiving 20-50 mm since the beginning of October. Planting has started in some areas and most households are using seed and fertilizers received through the government input support scheme as well as the FAO crop input and livestock support program.