Food Security Assessment in Select Villages of Bogale Township

 In February 2009, WFP carried out a food security assessment in Bogale and Laputta. Based on
the findings it was recommended that: WFP continue its emergency operations in areas within
Bogale and Laputta townships beyond April 2009 but to extend no later than November 2009.
However it was urged that the ‘mix’ of assistance programs be re-organized.
While pockets of food insecurity still existed it was clear that progress had also been made and
hence there was a need to shift focus gradually from emergency operations to recovery and
reduce dependency. Thus the February’ 09 report urged for reduction in general food assistance
and an increase in Food-for-Work activities.
In May’ 2009, some partners working in the southern part of Bogalay mentioned that, the harvest
were good and food availability was no longer a problem. There had been no data to suggest this
prior to May’09, within WFP or from external agencies. While the situation had been improving
(a fact reported by WFP) household food insecurity was still a major problem. Hence it was
decided to undertake another survey in select villages as identified by WFP’s partners. The main
purpose of this report is to ascertain
1. If the state of agriculture and food security is indeed as healthy as suggested, and
2. If there is a role for food assistance now and if indeed food assistance and its continuance
in the near future will be detrimental
Note: Non-food assistance as an intervention has been actively supported and propagated by
WFP. WFP strongly recommended (and continues to do so) activities such as assets
replenishment, seed distribution, extension etc. Thus the purpose of this report is to simply
determine if there is a role and need for food assistance (targeted and otherwise) in the sampled
villages at this point in time.
It should also be noted that data was collected during the lean season and this will naturally have
an adverse effect on the performance of food security indicators. However given that feedback
from partners reported an very high food availability and general food security situation; the exact
impact of the lean season on the data can be ignored for this report.