A promising start to the summer farming season, but socio-political and economic instability persists

Above-normal precipitation between late July and early August kept the soil at a satisfactory moisture level, reflected in vegetation index and crop development (North / Northeast, Great South, Nippes, etc.). This favors the start of the summer crop season, which good harvests prospects if rainfall conditions are maintained.

Markets are generally well supplied with local and imported products, but high prices make their access difficult for the poor and very poor. Prices of major commodities including rice, maize and beans are above those of last year and their five-year average.

A combination of factors, including weak government initiative and fuel shortages, is likely to maintain a climate of socio-economic tension negatively affecting markets and economic activities, which ultimately affects the food security of the poorest.

Thus, livelihoods will remain disrupted. Poor and very poor households continue to resort to negative coping strategies such as increased migration and the sale of charcoal to purchase food - which is still observing high prices- or non-food items, and most regions of the country are in Stress (IPC Phase 2) or Crisis (IPC Phase 3) acute food insecurity.