The region was majorly classified in overall Phase 3 (Crisis) with the most affected districts being Kaabong, Kotido, Napak and Moroto. Phase 2 (stressed) districts included Amudat, Nakapiriprit, and Abim.

Food insecurity was attributed to the poor harvest caused by poor rainfall performance in 2014, with a dry spell being experienced in June to July and heavy rain received towards the end of the cropping season. This lead to destruction of mature crops and caused honey dew and mildew in sorghum growing areas. Though land areas cultivated were reported to have increased, crop production was generally below normal. Pasture and browse were available for most of the year, however the high prevalence of livestock diseases such as FMD, and PPR, tick infestation affected livestock production and eventually household incomes. Currently household food stocks are exhausted with the lean season at its peak for the majority of households. Households are mostly involved in cultivation activities and are surviving on market purchase, vegetables, wild foods, income from labour opportunities resulting from cultivation activities, firewood, charcoal and exploitation of natural resources.

The most extreme limiting factor to food security in the region is utilization followed by access.

Utilization of food is affected by:

• poor sanitation
• poor child care practices (low feeding frequency for children, poor dietary diversity, and poor food preparation methods)
• low per capita water usage below 15 litres per person per day
• poor food storage

Access to food is affected by:

• high prices
• low purchasing power and incomes.

Food availability is a minor limiting factor, because despite crop harvests of the previous season being dismal, food is available in the markets due to fair road network, stable security and active social safety nets.

Driving factors by Phase and district

Phase 3 (Kaabong, Moroto, Napak, Kotido)

• Poor harvest caused by poor rainfall performance in 2014.
• Below normal food production hence low household food stocks
• High prevalence of livestock diseases affecting livestock production and household incomes.
• Poor hygiene and sanitation
• Poor food utilization ( tastes and preferences and preparation methods)
• Poor child care practices
• Protect livelihoods, reduce food gaps and reduce acute malnutrition

Phase 2 (Nakapiriprit, Abim, Amudat)

• Poor harvest and below normal food production
• Low household stocks
• High prevalence of livestock diseases affecting livestock production and household incomes.
• Poor hygiene and sanitation
• Poor food utilization (tastes and preferences and preparation methods)
• Poor child care practices

Risk factors to Monitor from July- November 2015

• Rainfall performance
• Rising food prices
• Crop and Livestock diseases
• Human disease (malaria, diarrhoea, Hepatitis E, cholera)

Recommended responses by phase and district

Phase 3 (Kaabong, Moroto, Napak, Kotido)

• Protect livelihoods
• reduce food gaps 
• reduce acute malnutrition

Phase 2 (Nakapiriprit, Abim, Amudat)

• reduce disaster risk
• protect livelihoods