A new report says there is enough food in northern Mali to meet local demand, despite recent conflict in the region.
The report from the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network says traders from southern Mali, Algeria, and Niger continue to supply markets in northern Mali's main towns and cities.
It says the situation is worse in more isolated rural areas, where it says emergency needs remain high.
The report notes household incomes are down and food prices are up in northern Mali but predicts the overall food situation will improve because of a promising harvest and expanding humanitarian aid programs.
Northern Mali was plunged into conflict early this year when Tuareg separatists renewed their rebellion. Separatists and radical Islamists seized control of the region after the government was toppled in March 22 military coup.
The fighting in the north prompted hundreds of thousands of Malians to flee their homes, with many going to neighboring countries. The report says some of the displaced have returned to their hometowns as food conditions improve.
The report from the U.S.-funded Famine Early Warning Systems Network says traders from southern Mali, Algeria, and Niger continue to supply markets in northern Mali's main towns and cities.
It says the situation is worse in more isolated rural areas, where it says emergency needs remain high.
The report notes household incomes are down and food prices are up in northern Mali but predicts the overall food situation will improve because of a promising harvest and expanding humanitarian aid programs.
Northern Mali was plunged into conflict early this year when Tuareg separatists renewed their rebellion. Separatists and radical Islamists seized control of the region after the government was toppled in March 22 military coup.
The fighting in the north prompted hundreds of thousands of Malians to flee their homes, with many going to neighboring countries. The report says some of the displaced have returned to their hometowns as food conditions improve.
