United Nations Radio

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the food situation in several regions of Ethiopia is deteriorating.

It says the cost of maize, the staple food for many Ethiopians, is increasing by 275 percent in some areas, compared to the same period in 2007.

OCHA says rural-urban migration by people in search of food is increasing and the nutritional situation is dire.

A rapid assessment team has verified critical water and pasture shortages in some areas and humanitarian agencies have identified critical malnutrition.

Pipeline breaks have resulted in reduced rations for beneficiaries, which began in July and will continue until December 2008.

As a result of reduced rations, OCHA expects to see increased malnutrition and a rise in child labour and begging.

The Office says if the October-December rains do not deliver, food insecurity will likely continue well into 2009.

This is Donn Bobb for United Nations Radio.

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