(a) On 21 May, WFP together with the Flood Damage Rehabilitation
Committee (FDRC) assessed the effects of the prolonged dry weather
conditions in Unpha and Pongsan counties in North Hwangae Province.
The mission observed severe signs of water stress on the rainfed
double crops. However, in some areas under irrigation, crops were
growing well. In addition the Unpho Reservoir, which normally holds
175 million cubic metres, was only holding 50 million cubic metres
of water. People are being mobilised to carry-out extensive handwatering
of crops during the month of May. WFP in collaboration with UNDP
continues to monitor the agricultural situation.
(b) Five noodle factories were delivered to Pyongyang, Sinuiju,
Wonsan, Hamhung and Chongjin, in May. This will bring the total
number of WFP supported local food production facilities in DPRK
to 16. Further plans are being made to start biscuit production
in Wonsan and Hyesan.
(c) WFP carried out 220 monitoring visits during May. The
process of streamlining and simplifying WFP monitoring system continues.
The checklist system previously used has been revised to move toward
a more assessment-oriented qualitative system. Training sessions
are currently being planned for June. The new system is expected
to come on-stream in July and will be continually evaluated. WFP
FFW Unit is discussing with Triangle and Children’s Aid Direct
to implement 13 joint agricultural projects later in the summer,
in areas prone to flood damage.
(d) WFP observed that the PDS distributions, which are expected
to end in May, have been reduced to 150 gr. of cereals per person
per day, using the bilateral contributions from the ROK. The prolonged
dry weather conditions this year are causing concern for the double
that sustain the PDS until the main crop becomes available in September.
This could cause extreme hardship for the people, especially those
who do not benefit from WFP food assistance.
