NAIROBI, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations said Monday it would seek 689 million U.S. dollars for 174 humanitarian projects for Somalia in 2010.

A statement from the UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, said the Consolidated Appeal to be launched later this week in Nairobi reflects the most urgent needs in Somalia.

OCHA said there has been a 19 percent reduction of the amount requested from 849 million dollars in 2009 to 689 million dollars in 2010.

"This is the result of a reassessment of the food aid requirements and a revised estimate of target populations and the scale of rations required. This reduction is also the result of improved coordination structures and rigorous project vetting," it said.

According to OCHA, some 3.64 million Somalis, more than half the population, will continue to be in need of livelihood and or humanitarian support. This is a 13 percent increase since January 2009.

Malnutrition levels have also increased, with one in five children under five years acutely malnourished and one in 20 are severely malnourished.

The low funding from key donors has also exacerbated the situation and has had a negative impact on operations of key sectors especially food aid, water sanitation and hygiene, health and shelter items.