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Food Security and Humanitarian Implications in West Africa and the Sahel. N°52 - January 2014

Year of publication 2012

Pages 6p.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Journal, magazine, bulletin

Series title Food Security and Humanitarian Implications in West Africa and the Sahel

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) In West Africa and the Sahel, cereal harvests have allowed prices to decrease across markets. However, prices are higher than their five-year averages (especially for millet and sorghum), which negatively affects vulnerable households depending on markets to meet their food requirements. Zones that experienced erratic rainfall during the rainy season, causing poor harvests and pasture deficits, will face an early lean season affecting mainly the most vulnerable households. The effects of poor ha rvests are starting to be observed in some areas in Mali (Mopti and Bandiagara), Mauritania (agropastoral, rainfed and suburban livelihood zones), Niger and Chad (Wadi Fira). The situation needs to be closely monitored to avoid any further deterioration of the food security situation. A good off-season agricultural campaign will be crucial for the people depending on agriculture in the Sahel, particularly for those that were affected by poor harvests earlier this year.

Language English

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    The 2014-2015 agricultural campaign has started in the region accompanied by heavy rains in the countries of the Gulf of Guinea and a calm desert locust situation. The precipitation deficit currently observed in Ghana and Nigeria should be monitored in the coming months. Concerning the Sahel countries, in addition to the zones that were affected by production deficits, the lean season has already started for the majority of rural households. Cereal prices, which are above their five-year average in the majority of the region, will likely create supply issues for poor households who will need assistance. The situation in the regions of Wadi Fira and Bahr-El-Ghazel in Chad, in the circle of Bandiagara in Mali, in Senegal, in Mauritania that experienced production deficits and in Niger where fodder deficit was registered should be monitored closely. Because of high prices, the poorest households in Ghana also face food access problem.
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    Journal, magazine, bulletin
    Food Security and Humanitarian Implications in West Africa and the Sahel. N°82 April - May 2017 2017
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