In bi-modal southeastern and coastal marginal agricultural areas, early season dryness was more severe, with no significant precipitations received so far. Below average rains continued into April and there is increasing concern for crops. In Kenya, in high potential cropping areas of the southwestern “maize basket”, substantial rainfall deficits at the start of the “long rains” season, with cumulative precipitation in February and March estimated at 45-75 percent below-average, seriously disrupted and delayed planting operations. If dry and hot conditions persist through May, poor cropping outcomes are likely for much of the region and food security will be of increasing concern. This below average rainfall was exacerbated by high temperatures since the beginning of March at 3 to 4 degrees above average in most of Uganda and Kenya and 2 to 3 degrees in South Sudan, southern Ethiopia (mainly Oromia and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People's Region (SNNP)) and southern Somalia. March-April rainfall was among the driest on record and below average rainfall has potential to continue through the start of May. In central and southern parts of the subregion, planting of main season crops across Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and northern Tanzania has been disrupted by delayed onset of the March-May rains and severe early-season dryness coupled with above average temperatures. The Crop Monitor for Early Warning May 2019 report was recently issued with analysis highlighting areas of significant concern in East Africa and Yemen. The Group on Earth Observations Global Agriculture Monitoring Initiative ( GEOGLAM) Crop Monitor for Early Warning uses Earth observations data to address the critical need for enhanced early warning of crop production shortfalls in crop production, so as to better inform government and humanitarian responses to disaster. The United States remains committed to relieving the suffering of the Yemeni people and others displaced by conflict through the provision of humanitarian aid, as well as continued support for peace talks to ultimately end the conflict in Yemen.This post was compiled by Kiersten Johnson of USAID based on reportage from GEOGLAM’s Crop Monitor for Early Warning May 2019 Report and FEWS NET’s East Africa Key Message Update for April 2019, and originally posted on Feed the Future's Agrilinks blog. The United States has mobilized a robust humanitarian response to the crisis in Yemen despite the complex and insecure operating environment. The USAID-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) estimates that between seven to 10 million people in Yemen are currently in need of emergency food assistance. Since the conflict broke out in March 2015, more than 3.1 million Yemenis have been displaced and more than 80 percent of the country-or 21 million people-are in need of humanitarian assistance. In addition, this new funding will provide critical protection, shelter, and other assistance for Yemeni refugees in the Horn of Africa. The United States is also providing critical support to improve the capacity of Hudaydah Port to receive humanitarian and commercial supplies. Specifically, the new funding-which will be provided through UN and non-governmental partners-includes additional food and nutrition assistance to help those suffering from moderate to severe malnutrition, emergency health care, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The contribution will help meet urgent humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable people in the Middle East's poorest and most food insecure country, as well as Yemeni refugees in neighboring countries. humanitarian assistance for Yemen to more than $327 million in fiscal year 2016. Secretary of State John Kerry announced today nearly $189 million in additional humanitarian assistance in response to the crisis in Yemen, bringing the total U.S.
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