Increased sorghum prices in the Goundam Lakes District limits food access for poor households

Food access is limited for poor households in the Goundam area due to a 25 percent increase in sorghum prices compared to an average year. The intensification of atypical coping mechanisms including labor, loans, and purchasing less expensive food leaves the population in Stressed (IPC Phase 2) levels of food insecurity.

The majority of households can access food due to sufficient market cereal stocks, favorable livestock/ cereal terms of trade for pastoralists, and low prices for staple foods which are 5 to 15 percent below average. Consequently, most households in the country are at Minimal (IPC Phase 1) levels of food insecurity.

Pastoral conditions are average across the country with some exceptions in the North,  allowing for a generally normal pastoral lean season. However, there is a decline in pastoral income compared to an average year for poor households in Gourma which limits their market access.  The atypical use of loans, the reduction in non-food expenditures, and the substitution of less expensive foods in that region all indicate a Stressed (IPC Phase 2) level of food insecurity through at least September.

The agricultural season began with the start of the rains across Southern agriculture zones, offering income opportunities and improved food access for poor households in the region. The forecasts for average rainfall (ECMWF, NOAA, IRI)  as well as plans for government support allows for an average to above average outlook for the 2016 harvest.