The problem is most pronounced in the Gedo region. According to a survey done by WFP in the region, 37 percent of children under five have malnutrition and eight percent of them are severely malnourished. The Information Officer for WFP, Laura Melo, called the situation an "emergency." On a global level, a 15 percent malnutrition rate is considered an emergency.

"For months now we have been warning about a major crisis developing in Somalia," said WFP Country Director for Somalia, Kevin Farrell. He went on to say that if efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Somalia were not stepped up then the situation will deteriorate even further.

"The current drought, the very low level of humanitarian assistance, the prevailing climate of insecurity and fears of disruption could push an already very precarious situation over the edge," warned Farrell. In November the main money transfer company closed down. This reduced the amount of foreign remittance income. According to Melo many people relied on small amounts of money that was sent to them by relatives abroad. This has made many families destitute.

Due to the Rift Valley Virus there was a ban imposed on the export of livestock in 1998. This ban still continues and has affected the economy adversely. This ban has also resulted in environmental degradation because herds have built up causing over-grazing and making it difficult to maintain a healthy herd.

Somalia's problems do not seem to stop there. A very high level of inflation has caused added economic problems. And an general state of insecurity is rapidly pushing this situation to a critical level.

In an attempt to combat this crisis the WFP is distributing food in the severely affected areas and continues food-for-work projects that provide income and help rebuild local infrastructure. WFP is also supporting local institutions such as feeding centers for malnourished children and hospitals.

In August, WFP appealed for 20,000 tones of food. Only 5,000 tones have been donated so far. This will be exhausted by March 2002. In order to prevent further deterioration 15,000 tones are needed in addition.