Chad
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- The influx of Sudanese refugees and Chadian returnees is putting pressure on the livelihoods of host households in the provinces of Ouaddaï, Sila, and Wadi Fira. Due to competition for scarce income opportunities and rising food prices, they have difficulty accessing markets, thus reducing their food consumption. For their source of food, refugees depend on humanitarian assistance, and as a result, they are in acute food insecurity Crisis (IPC Phase 3). However, households in the departments of Kimiti and Assoungha, where the most significant number of refugees are hosted, are in Crisis! (IPC Phase 3 !). Food access for IDPs and host households at the Lac and poor and very poor households in the Western Sahel (Bahr el Gazal and Kanem) is limited by low purchasing power due to widespread income erosion and atypical upward price trends. They are facing food consumption deficits and are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).
- The decrease in off-season production has prevented the replenishment of household stocks in deficit areas of the western Sahel. In addition, the rise in fuel prices increased transport costs and reduced the volume of food imports from Libya and Nigeria to the north (Borkou and Tibesti) and the Lac, respectively. As a result of increased demand due to greater dependence on markets during the lean season, food prices remain high, above the five-year average. In areas hosting Chadian refugees and returnees, the halt in inflow from Sudan, coupled with the reversal in the trade flow direction and pressure on the markets, is leading to a significant rise in cereal prices. In Adré, Assoungha, the price of millet rose by 60 percent between January and May 2024. Compared with the five-year average, millet prices in N'Djamena and Abéché are up 13 percent, while maize prices in Kanem are up 22 percent.
- The season is marked by off-season cropping and preparations for the main agricultural season. In Abéché, off-season crops such as garlic and onions are being harvested. In the Bongor and Lai rice basins, off-season rice is at the tillering stage despite low irrigation capacity due to the high fuel cost of motor pumps. Because of irrigation difficulties, off-season production is estimated to be below average. On the other hand, in the Sudanian zone, soil preparations are continuing in anticipation of the actual start of the season at the end of May. However, access to inputs, mainly fertilizer, remains a concern for growers.
- The socio-political context remains dominated by the results of the May 6, 2024, presidential election. Despite the proclamation of the results in favor of the President of the Transition, the deployment of large security forces patrolling the main streets in cities is creating psychosis among the population. This environment of political uncertainty is impacting the livelihood activities of poor and very poor urban households, such as temporary jobs and petty trade, which are being reduced due to the disruption of movement across the city.
Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Chad Key Message Update May 2024: The influx of refugees and high staple food prices keep acute food insecurity Crisis! (IPC Phase 3!) outcomes in Assoungha and Kimiti, 2024.
This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.