Livelihoods are affected by 2018 climate shocks

Rainfall conditions are close to normal in January. These conditions are sufficient for the development of winter crops such as beans, except in areas still affected by drought, particularly in the North and Northeast. Significant root and tuber crops, as well as banana and breadfruit picking, are currently supplying markets until May.

The demand for agricultural labor is low, however, non-agricultural sources of income such as migration, charcoal sales, petty trading, and coping strategies are alternatives to the poorest in order to access the food.

Unlike local maize, prices of imported beans and rice have shown relative stability but remain high and above their five-year average. Prices for products such as milk, oil, pasta and condiments, on the other hand, are rising significantly.

In this context, most regions are in Stress (IPC, phase 2), while some areas severely affected by the drought in 2018 are in Crisis (IPC, phase 3).