In Senegal two weeks ago, I spoke to Momodou Lamin Fye, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ west Africa representative, and Nathalie Bonvin, regional food security, nutrition and livelihoods delegate. They explained the urgent need for funds, if people are to be able to plant crops before the rains begin.

The British Red Cross West Africa Food Crisis Appeal launched in March. Three months on, what is the situation?