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Research into more productive varieties of staple crops is an important part of agricultural R&D. Agricultural conditions can vary greatly among regions, countries, and even micro-regions; thus, seeds that produce well in one area may not be as productive in another. And with climate change posing even greater agricultural challenges for poor producers, this research is even more critical.

Today marks the 19th annual World Water Day, a campaign designed to draw attention to pressing issues related to sustainable global water use. The theme of this year's World Water Day is Water and Food Security, an issue that will only grow in importance as the world approaches a population of 9 billion.

According to a Hazards Outlook released by FEWS NET on Wednesday, a slow start to the rainy season has resulted in seasonal rainfall deficits across the Greater Horn of Africa. The delay in seasonal rainfall has already impacted some crops in the region. Heavy rainfall forecast for Ethiopia next week could mitigate the moisture deficit; however, other areas of the region will continue to see only light rainfall.

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GIEWS has released a special alert for the Syrian Arab Republic, citing continued civil unrest that is threatening food security in the country, particularly for vulnerable groups. According to the World Food Programme, approximately 1.4 million people have become food insecure since the start of the civil unrest. The outlook for the 2012 winter cereal crops could suffer due to disruptions in overall agricultural activities and limited access to fertilizer and seeds.

FEWS NET has released an updated forecast analysis for the Horn of Africa, citing the likelihood of poor rainfall in the coming months. In the most likely scenario, rainfall in March-May will be ten percent below average. While a ten percent reduction in rainfall would not have substantial negative impacts on crop production, humanitarian agencies are urged to prepare contingency plans to address possible disruptions to food access.

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