Following intensive malaria prevention and control measures underaken by woreda health offices, the number of new malaria cases reported in the past week has declined in some areas, like Wondo Genet town, Dalla, Aleta Chuko and Dara woredas of Sidama zone
J uly 23, 2012 Agriculture Update Scaling up humanitarian response in key sectors that support food security, including agriculture, remains the priority for both Government and partners in view of the deteriorating food and nutritional security conditions in areas where production has been negatively affected by poor belg (mid-February to May) rains. With the window for planting of long-cycle meher crops (i.e. cereals such as teff, barley, maize, and wheat) now closed in most areas, the focus is on procuring and distributing pulse seeds (i.e. lentils, soy beans, chick peas, haricot beans) to affected farmers. Pulse seeds can still be planted in September in most areas. In pocket areas where meher planting is still viable, long-cycle seed distribution should also be pursued. At present, SNNPR seems to be well covered with various seed and root and tuber crop projects ongoing. The priority areas for expanded agricultural interventions are Amhara and Oromia and, to a lesser extent,