Civil insecurity is spreading to new areas and disrupting off-season activities

Conflict and insecurity continue, affecting three-quarters of the Tillabéry region, where attacks are being directed at civilians and are disrupting livelihood activities, including vegetable growing and the availability of agricultural labor. Tillabéry and northern Tahoua are the regions most affected by frequent armed attacks. Most of the population is in Crisis (IPC Phase 3), and food assistance is not accessible in these areas.

Market supplies are satisfactory but well below their usual level due to reduced availability due to lower agricultural production at the national level, and the disruption of supply flows due to the continued export ban or insecurity on certain supply corridors (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria). However, demand is high in most markets due to the presence of traders and institutions for stock replenishment. As a result, average prices for all commodities show significant increases of 20 to 30 percent for millet, sorghum, and maize, compared to the same period last year and the five-year average.

Food assistance is underway as part of the implementation of the government's emergency plan developed for the November 2021 to March 2022 period with the support of partners to cover the food needs of more than 2 million people in the country identified as being in Crisis (IPC Phase 3). Food assistance consists of 100 kg of cereals, 10 kg of cowpeas, 5 liters of oil, and 5 kg of sugar per household per month. Unfortunately, tight security constraints in Tillabéry and northern Tahoua limit access to the areas where the people identified as in need are located, and only a small proportion of them (5 to 10 percent) are accessing food assistance. However, thanks to better control of the security situation by the armed forces, which is ensuring secure humanitarian access in Diffa and southern Maradi, the majority (80 percent or more) of households in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) can cover their food needs thanks to the food assistance they receive.