Household food access is improving following above-average October harvests

Cereal production in Senegal is up by 54 percent compared to the five year average (DAPSA, 2016). This is favorable for food availability and access in the post-harvest season, particularly for households who are meeting their food needs through the sale and consumption their own production. Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity is expected across the country through at least May 2017. 

Increased international demand for groundnuts from China at prices similar to 2015 as well as government support for credit to wholesalers has allowed for a normal peanut marketing campaign across the country.   Average to above-average income following above-average production is expected from groundnut sales, which will improve the purchasing power of producers, allowing them keep a larger share of cereal production for household consumption. 

Poor households in Fatick, Dakar, Saint Louis, Matam and Louga who saw a deterioration of their livelihoods and assets due to flood damage in July and August continue to have difficulty meeting both food and non-food needs. Atypical coping strategies including labor work, loans, and eating less preferred foods is expected to put these households into Stressed (IPC Phase 2) acute food insecurity starting in March 2017.