High food prices affect poor households' food consumption

Most households are experiencing Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity as staple cereal prices decline, crop conditions are average to good, and income from livelihood activities is improving household access to food. In Liptako Gourma, the current harvest has improved the food situation, but households remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2) due to deteriorating livelihoods. In Ménaka, approximately 35 percent of displaced residents have lost their assets and face limited access to food assistance and other social services. As a result, poor households in this area face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes.

The resurgence of insecurity in Liptako Gourma, particularly in Ménaka and southern Gao, continues to disrupt economic activities, the flow of supplies to markets, the delivery of humanitarian food assistance, and access to essential social services. As a result, the decline in income opportunities and the atypical displacement of populations are causing a sharp deterioration in livelihoods, reducing the ability of households to meet their food and non-food needs.

 In the rest of the country, the current harvest is contributing to increased cereal supplies in markets and resulting in a decline in staple grain prices of about 5 to 20 percent compared to the previous month. However, insecurity has hindered access to particular markets in the north and central parts of the country. As a result, prices in urban and pastoral areas remain 40 percent higher than the five-year average, negatively affecting poor households' access to food.

Pasture and water points are sufficient to support good livestock production and feeding. However, the seasonal return of transhumant herds continues, with disruptions and limited access to certain grazing areas in Ménaka and Gao due to insecurity. As a result, regions affected by insecurity are experiencing a decline in livestock production due to feeding difficulties, and theft negatively affects livestock production and pastoralist households' purchasing power.