Off season crops (berbéré) decreasing due to hydric stress

Unlike the rest of the country, certain regions have seen a production deficit compared to the five-year average: Wadi Fira and Kanem (-27 percent), Barh-El-Gazel (-20 percent), Lac (-8 percent), Batha and Moye-Chari (-5 percent), Household stocks are starting to decrease in these areas, leading households to Stressed (IPC phase 2) food insecurity outcomes between February and May 2018, except for Lac. 

Flood-recession crops (berbéré) in the regions of Guera, Salamat, Chari-Baguirmi and Batha are affected by field abandonment due to the early end of the rainy season, leading to crops drying and a decrease in the water table level. This situation will compromise part of the production and consequently households’ income. 

The conflict keeps disrupting livelihoods and markets in the Lac region and hindering the supply of food products from Nigeria and Libya. With the decrease in cereal production, the area is currently facing Stressed (IPC Phase 2!) food security outcomes thanks to humanitarian assistance but will move to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) until May 2018 in the absence of confirmed humanitarian assistance. 

The pastoral situation has started to deteriorate following a decrease in pasture availability and the depleting of semi-permanent ponds. This situation affects herd movements cycle and the lean season. A massive and early movement of herds towards the Sudanian area has been observed. However, good current livestock conditions could deteriorate as soon as February. Animal health is under control.