Crisis Overview
If not addressed in the coming weeks, the consequences of the outbreak will lead to long-lasting impacts on farmers' food livelihoods and household economies, resulting in a major food security crisis by March 2015. The most affected areas within each country are also the most agriculturally productive. Reduced food trade and rising prices, as well as expected reductions in domestic harvests, are all undermining a fragile food security situation.
Control measures implemented to contain the outbreak, such as border closures, quarantine, movement restrictions, curfews, have curtailed the movement and availability of food, goods, and services in the region, leading to panic buying, food shortages and increased basic food and commodity prices. Higher food prices and the loss of purchasing power mean an increasing number of vulnerable households are resorting to negative coping strategies in order to access food.
Food insecurity and lack of access to markets have been increasing community tensions. Lack of food in quarantined areas has led to violence.
A multidimensional and multi-sector approach is required to contain the outbreak and stabilise affected areas while safeguarding against a long-term food security crisis.
Key Findings
Anticipated scope and scale
The current food assistance response plan targets 1.3 million people but will not be sufficient if the EVD outbreak is not contained within the next few weeks.
Contingency for the scale-up of emergency food assistance beyond current planning is urgently needed given the high levels of malnutrition.
Priorities for humanitarian intervention
Priorities remain the containment of the outbreak, treatment of EVD patients, and body management.
Food assistance is a high priority to avoid further deterioration of the nutritional status of the most vulnerable affected population or those with limited movement due to quarantine.
Vulnerable groups include families with members who are ill or have died of Ebola, especially if they are the bread winner.
EVD survivors and affected children who are stigmatised and isolated by the community. Market-dependent families in areas worst-affected by EVD.
Other vulnerable groups affected by the crisis (pregnant women, people with disabilities, chronically ill, elderly, etc.).
Humanitarian constraints and response gaps
Logistics and transport constraints continue to challenge the humanitarian community's response.
Border closures, quarantine, disruptions to the local, regional and international supply chain and markets, custom delays have hampered food access.
Threats, attacks and security issues are increasing as fear and mistrust among the populations are growing.
Limited number of international staff with the required skill set and competencies are available for this unique crisis.
Limited regular and large-sample size assessments available.
Credible estimates of the food-insecure population are needed.