The United Nations says drought and famine conditions are easing across the Horn of Africa, though it warns the regional crisis is not over.
The U.N. humanitarian affairs office says ongoing rains have improved water supplies in most parts of the Horn, and notes that natural vegetation has “vastly” increased across the drought-stricken parts of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
The report Friday, which cites the U.N. Food Security and Nutrition Working Group, says the increase in water has also led to increased milk production from goats and other livestock.
The U.N. cautions that food security in the region remains shaky due to high food prices, impassable roads, and conflict. Kenyan forces recently crossed into southern Somalia to hunt down the militant group al-Shabab.
Earlier this year, famine was declared in six areas of southern Somalia after back-to-back years of poor rain. Aid agencies are still helping millions of people in the Horn, mainly Somalis, who are dealing with food shortages and regional insecurity.