Attachments
Key Messages
Despite the availability of the harvests, some poor households rely on markets to meet their food needs due to high inflation. Overall, the country's food insecurity outcomes remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2), particularly households in the communes north and west of Nouakchott and the agro-pastoral zone. During the projected period, the lack of seasonal employment opportunities in urban and mining areas will limit poor household access to food. Overall, the most likely food insecurity outcomes would remain Stressed (IPC Phase 2).
Crop development for the first dry cereal crops, mainly millet and sorghum, is satisfactory thanks to adequate rainfall in the southern part of the Guidimakha region and the Senegal River strip. In addition, for off-season crops, the optimal filling level of water reservoirs will allow a normal production of these crops.
Favorable rainfall has improved pastoral conditions, contributing to better physical conditions for animals. This situation has helped with the production of animal products, particularly milk and meat-derived products. In addition, favorable pastoral conditions have positively impacted animal prices. Despite this, the terms of trade continue to be unfavorable to breeders due to the level of high food prices.
The cereal supply is marked by the first harvests from the production zones in the south of the country. This supply, although very limited at the moment, is supported by flows from neighboring countries, particularly Senegal. However, this supply remains globally reduced by restrictions on cereal imports from Mali, which limit food availability during this period. Food prices are on an upward trend despite the first harvests - almost double the five-year average for cereals in some markets, with the exception of imported rice, which remains stable. Therefore, the cost of transport coupled with national inflation, 7.2 percent in September, further contributes to higher prices in the markets.