West and Central Africa: Floods

Abstract

Recent torrential rains have triggered catastrophic floods across West and Central Africa, severely affecting 40 percent more people compared with last year. Widespread population displacement, disruption of livelihoods and the destruction of productive assets have occurred at a critical time during the agricultural season. Millions of hectares of cropland have been destroyed and farmers who have lost their crops and livestock are struggling to feed their families. The agriculture sector is particularly vulnerable to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate extremes. Reaching the most flood-affected households with time-sensitive agricultural assistance is essential to restore their food production and safeguard their livelihoods against future climate shocks.