The renewal of economic activities post-Ebola encourages favorable food security conditions

The growth of rice production during the 2015-2016 agricultural season, estimated at 11.75 percent by the National Agricultural and Food Statistics Agency (ANASA), indicates that households have more available food stocks currently (January to March 2016) than in an average year, not only for their consumption but also to increase their revenues. The availability of agricultural products and well-supplied markets will maintain food prices at relatively stable levels, until the beginning of the lean season at the end of May, and thus accessible to poor households.

The return of agricultural manual labor post-Ebola and the reprise of activities in the agricultural, livestock, and fishing domains as well as the revival of local market exchanges and exportation (palm oil, groundnuts, cocoa, etc.) are enhancing food availabilities post-Ebola and allowing producers and traders throughout the Ebola-affected areas to improve their revenues. These factors will contribute to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) food insecurity conditions throughout the country until at least March 2016.

Rainfall, predicted to be average during the 2016 rainy season, will promote normal crop development, the existence of good pastureland, and normal water levels. Combined with the different assistance programs of the government and its partners (in agricultural inputs and equipment) particularly in Ebola-affected areas, these conditions favor average production levels (cereals, tubers, and oleaginous) for the 2016-2017 agricultural season.