Attachments
Key Messages
- Food assistance remains the main food source in blockaded areas in the north of the country. In Djibo, Arbinda, and Sebba, free food distributions in July by the government and partners covered around 50 percent of the needs of at least 25 percent of the population. This kept poor households in these municipalities in Crisis! (IPC Phase 3!). Government and partner food distributions (supplied by convoys on July 15) are also underway in the municipalities of Gorom-Gorom and Diapaga and should meet at least 50 percent of the needs for a large part of the population. On the other hand, in the municipalities of Markoye and Titao, assistance remains insufficient as the lean season programs have not yet been effectively implemented. Households in these areas are relying on own-production and vegetables grown near accessible water sources. Due to high cereal prices and marginal incomes from agricultural labor, gold panning, and cash transfers, households do not have sufficient funds to purchase from markets. In these municipalities, households are facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes and are employing negative coping strategies, such as reducing the quality and quantity of meals, prioritizing children’s consumption, and increasing the consumption of less preferred foods.
- The agricultural season started late, with poorly distributed rains leading to crop failure in several localities in the west and center of the country. The rains became more regular from early July onwards, and growers are hoping this will make up for the delay. Nevertheless, pockets of dryness persist, particularly in the southwest and north-central parts of the country, adversely affecting crop development. Government support (notably free plowing and increased inputs) has enabled farmers, particularly those in accessible areas in the west and south, to increase the area planted. In blockaded areas in the north and east, households received seeds from the government and partners, enabling them to cultivate their fields or plots within a wider security radius than last season.
- In addition to the seasonal downturn, this year's agricultural market is characterized by a relatively low cereal supply, below both 2023 and the five-year average, particularly for sorghum and millet as a result of lower production last year and reduced inflows from neighboring countries. In insecure areas requiring escort of goods, shortages of certain staples (millet, sorghum, maize) were observed in the Djibo, Arbinda, Barsalogho, and Diapaga markets due to long supply delays of over three months. Given the high demand in the face of insufficient supply, commodity prices were on average 20 percent higher at the beginning of July 2024 compared to the relatively stable June 2023 prices.
- The nutritional status of the population is being directly affected by the disruptions in the supply of nutritional inputs and a deterioration in food consumption, combined with waterborne diseases and the disruption of health services due to closure or minimal operation. Children under five are particularly affected. Compared to the January to July period last year, admissions of children suffering from severe and moderate acute malnutrition increased nationally by 29 and 25 percent, respectively, and cases of death by 89 percent (Nutrition Department, PCIMA weekly bulletins). Deaths have more than doubled in the Sahel and Eastern regions, which account for almost half of all deaths, while the Gorom-Gorom health district recorded the highest number of deaths (12.7 percent).