Ethiopia

The government and Ethiopia's humanitarian partners should prepare for significant increases in vulnerability until at least June 2009 if rains are poor between October and January, an early warning agency has said. In its latest food security alert, the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS Net) stated that food insecurity could deepen in parts of the country should below-normal rains fall in the October-December/January season. Livestock interventions, such as commercial de-stocking, veterinary care and vaccinations, are also required before and during the dry season, FEWS Net said. (IRIN)