Crisis (IPC Phase 3) persists in areas with a high presence of displaced persons

Rainfall trends remain satisfactory, with generally above average cumulative seasonal totals. Crop physiognomy is good with the beginning of flowering of sorghum and millet and the appearance of new crops of maize, cowpea and fonio. However, in addition to the reduction in the area sown in the northern and eastern portions of the country due to insecurity, localized flooding that affected 71,341 people (CONASUR, September 2020) could reduce crop yields in the lowlands, except for rice crops. This rainfall nevertheless favors good regeneration of water points and normal greening of pastures.

Cereal prices were higher in August 2020 than in August 2019. Nevertheless, compared to the five-year average, prices are average to above average. Moderate increases (30-50 percent) were observed for millet and sorghum in areas with a strong presence of IDPs (Djibo, Dori), while high increases (50-70 percent) were observed in the east of the country (Namounou, Diapaga) for maize and sorghum. Local purchases by NGOs for the benefit of IDPs, and higher outflows to Niger, have led to a decline in merchant stocks and a reduction in supply on all markets. In addition to these factors, transport costs have increased due to the deterioration of the road network with the intensification of the rains. Access to new crops and ongoing humanitarian assistance are helping to reduce household dependence on markets.

Food assistance in August reached less than 20 percent of the total population in the provinces of the Sahel region because of insecurity, and Crisis (IPC Phase 3) persists in this area and in neighboring provinces in the Center-North and Northern regions. In addition, population displacements and the closure of 41 percent of health centers continue to limit the prevention of acute malnutrition among children under five years of age - In the first half of the year, MAM and SAM admissions accounted for only 23 and 29 percent respectively of expected cases in the Sahel region.