The objective of the Banana Sector Study for Somalia is: andldquoTo assess the banana industry in the context of irrigated crop production. Based on the assessment a strategy to improve banana production to an internationally competitive level will be developed. In case this is not sustainable, a strategy for diversification of irrigated crop production will be developed.andrdquoThe study is carried out in two phases. Phase I was implemented between February 13th and March 03rd, 2003 by H. Hack, and H. McKilligan. The result of Phase I is presented in the Preliminary Assessment and Strategic Options Report, providing the baseline for the decision on the focus of the support programme under the Special Framework of Assistance for Traditional ACP Suppliers of Banana in the Lower Shabelle region. Phase II is scheduled for May/June 2003.

(Extract from the foreword)This report is the outcome of a multi-sectoral nationwide household survey, the first of its kind in Somalia for over two decades. The report provides statistics on demographic and housing characteristics, access to basic services, household income and employment, modes of communication and women's participation in family decision making and community-level activities, among other things. Individually, these statistics provide valuable information on different facets of socio-economic characteristics, and together they reflect to a certain extent, the well-being of an average Somali household.

In order to improve the flood warning, preparedness and response in the flood prone areas the SC (UK) Belet Weyne food security team carried out a flood baseline assessment. The aim of the flood baseline assessment was to:br br+ Understand how the El Nino flood of 1997/1998 affected the riverine food economy group in Belet Weyne District particularly the most vu1nerable groups.br + Use this information to recognize the associated risks and impact of similar floods on agricultural production, livestock holdings, social support systems and infrastructure.br + Identify and understand the local community flood monitoring systems, preparedness plans and response ability.br + Use this assessment to enhance relief co-ordination efforts and operational preparedness of UN, International and local agencies when floods occur.br + Identify appropriate strategies that would contribute the control of floods.br + Improve and develop weak links between flood warning information generators and information users.br; br This flood assessment was done using the Household Economy Approach (HEA). This approach is the core methodology used by Save the Children (UK) and other partner agencies throughout the region to assess food security and livelihoods. In this particular assessment the HEA looks at the impact of the El -Nino flood on the livelihoods of the affected communities at household level. It distinguishes each different socio-economic group's (wealth group) access to food and income, as well as their ability to afford daily necessities during this year. The HEA identifies the risks and shocks associated with the flood as well as each wealth group's respective coping and risk minimizing strategies.