ReliefWeb

Larger than expected April price increases compound food Crisis in the Sahel

Adequate access to food remains a primary concern across the Sahel given localized 2011 production deficits and higher than average 2011/12 price levels. Larger than expected April increases in local cereal prices have further compounded existing acute food insecurity. Likely humanitarian assistance remains insufficient to fully mitigate food insecurity in northern Mali, parts of Burkina Faso, and western Niger, particularly in areas hosting IDPs and refugees. Very poor and poor households in these areas will require additional, targeted emergency assistance through the peak of the agricultural lean season (Jul‐Sep) to meet minimum food needs and prevent increases in already high background levels of acute malnutrition.