Famine Early Warning Systems Network

Key Messages

• Minimal food insecurity (IPC Phase 1) is underway for most households in the country's agricultural zones due to average to above-average harvests, improving household food access and availability. As a result of continued insecurity in Liptako Gourma, households face Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes during this harvest season. In May 2023, they will be in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) due to rising prices that will restrict their food access. Menaka is currently facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes. Humanitarian assistance is needed to prevent further deterioration of food security during the lean season (June to August) and the continued erosion of household livelihoods, particularly those of displaced persons, which account for over 35 percent of the population in the region.

• According to the agriculture department, harvests are at five-year average levels, improving household food access. Average production and in-kind payments support household access to food in agropastoral areas. However, high staple grain prices are up more than 60 percent above the five-year average, worsening terms of trade for livestock/grain, which is, in turn limiting poor households' access to food in urban centers and pastoral areas.

• At the end of the rainy season, average to above-average livestock conditions indicate a typical pastoral lean season for livestock beginning in April. However, the resurgence of insecurity in central and northern areas will disrupt animal movements, leading to difficulties accessing pasture in some areas. As a consequence, livestock feeding will be affected, resulting in reduced income from livestock sales and, subsequently, reduced availability of food for pastoral households.

• Northern and central regions continue to experience insecurity and a resurgence of conflict, disrupting economic activities. The decline in employment opportunities, the dysfunction of markets, and the resulting displacement of populations are causing a deterioration in livelihoods, reducing the ability of households to meet their food and non-food needs.