Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• Activities marking the beginning of the agricultural campaign, such as cleaning, transporting manure to the fields, and even early sowing, were observed in the South of the country. These activities create a demand for agricultural labor, and this provides a job opportunity for poor households to earn an average income to purchase food. Average crop production is forecasted for rice grown during the off-season from May through July; this will improve food availability in the affected areas.

• Markets remain adequately supplied with food across the country despite security disruption to the flow of commodities in areas affected by insecurity and mobility restrictions with neighboring countries due to COVID-19. Cereal prices remain broadly similar and above the five-year average. The improving terms of trade for goat/cereals are generally favorable to average household access to food.

• The pastoral lean season has been satisfactory overall, thanks to the average availability of suitable livestock farming conditions. However, limited access to some pastures located in areas affected by insecurity in the center and the north of the country leads to unusual overcrowding leading to early deterioration of pastures in the host areas, which negatively impacts the ability of livestock to feed properly.

• Starting in May, displaced poor households and those located in the Liptako Gourma region and some areas in the north of the country will face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes because of the deterioration of their livelihoods linked to insecurity and COVID-19.