Despite recent harvests, high prices limit food access for poor households

Stressed (IPC Phase 2) food insecurity is generally observed in the country due to the gradual depletion of cereal stocks and high food prices, adversely impacting food access. However, insecurity continues to disrupt livelihood activities and the functioning of markets in the Diffa and Maradi regions, where food insecure households are Stressed IPC Phase 2!) with food assistance secured to cover more than 50 percent of the food needs of at least 75 percent of households.  In the Tillabéry and northern Tahoua regions, the depletion of cereal stocks, unfavorable market and livelihood conditions, and limited access to food assistance are causing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) food insecurity outcomes.

Livestock conditions are characterized by a gradual reduction in pasture following a recorded fodder deficit. As a result, animals migrate mostly into the agricultural zone where pastures and water are more favorable. Livestock body conditions has begun to deteriorate due to low fodder availability and insecurity affecting transhumance in the pastoral areas of Aderbissenat, Abalak, Tillia, Tassara, and Abala,. As of December 2022, the goat/millet terms of trade were estimated to be 130 kg of millet for an adult goat, down from 121 kg in December 2021.

The supply of food products is generally average in most markets due to the gradual availability of products at points of sale. However, the supply level remains below the normal situation due to the significant reduction in carryover stocks and the persistent disruption of inflows from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria, where cereal purchases and exports have significantly decreased as a result of merchants refusing to accept the old version of the Naira currency. According to the Agricultural Market Information System (SIMA) monthly bulletin for December 2022, year-on-year average cereal prices increased by 23, 18, and 17 percent for maize, millet, and sorghum, particularly in the markets of Agadez, Tahoua, and Tillabéry.