Atypical staple price increase are being noted at the beginning of the lean season

Staple food price increases continued in May, reaching 27 percent above the five-year average for millet in Zinder and Nguigmi and 35 percent for sorghum in Maradi. This is explained by weaker than expected trade flows from Nigeria in connection with a continuation of restrictive trade and price increases from Nigerian source markets, as well as the increase in demand linked to the seasonal depletion of household stocks, the beginning of Ramadan and the replenishing of food stocks by pastoralists returning from transhumance.

Typical livelihood activities, such as the sale of irrigated crops, land preparations for the cropping season, and migratory labor are providing typical levels of household income. However, in some livelihood zones, high cereal prices are bringing some households difficulty in meeting all essential non-food needs. Minimal (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity, with pockets of Stressed (IPC Phase 2), is expected to continue until at least August 2017.

Food security outcomes remain concerning in pastoral areas, despite ongoing livestock feed assistance programs, following two consecutive years of pastoral resource availability shortfalls. Livestock prices are generally below average as livestock care costs remain high. However, Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes in May could move to Minimal (IPC Phase 1) from August 2017 if the installation of the rainy season progresses well through July.

In the Diffa region, household stocks have already become depleted as Boko Haram conflict continues to disrupt livelihood activities and markets. Cereal prices remain above average and purchasing power is low as a result of the decline in income from labor and the sale of livestock. A food security Crisis (IPC Phase 3) is likely to continue until at least September 2017 especially for poor households in areas less accessible to humanitarian intervention.