§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on the levels of food security in southern Somalia following the flooding of the Juba and Shabelle river basins. [115735]
§ Hilary BennThere has been localised flooding in the Juba and Shabelle river basins in Somalia, particularly in the Jowhar, Jamame, Bualle and Jilib districts. The risk of flooding has been compounded by farmers opening up river-banks to facilitate flood cultivation.
However, the general food security situation in Somalia is relatively good. The main sorghum and maize harvest of 2002 was up by as much as 40 per cent. from average years and 80 per cent. up on the 2001 harvest. The January 2003 (and secondary) harvest was also good and this rainy season (April/May), although late, has been above average.
281WThe UK is assisting efforts at political resolution of the conflict in Somalia, as well as continuing a humanitarian programme (with some £3 million per year), supporting agencies such as UNICEF, ICRC and MSF Spain in the Juba and Shabelle valleys. If the situation should worsen, or continue for any length of time, DFID would then consider providing further support.
§ John BarrettTo ask the Minister of State, Department for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact the closure of Al-Haramyn aid agency will have on humanitarian efforts in Somalia. [116715]
§ Hilary BennWhile the departure of any NGO providing humanitarian assistance in Somalia is unfortunate, the withdrawal of Al Haramayns small Saudi team will not have a significant impact on the large international assistance programme to the country. It is still unclear what will happen to the children who benefited from Al Haramayns support to orphanages and schools. We and other members of the international community are making inquiries.