ReliefWeb

Improvements in the food security situation expected, beginning in September/October, except in the Lake Chad Basin

KEY MESSAGES

• In northern Nigeria, the improvement of the security situation continues to favor the return of displaced persons and refugees, but humanitarian aid remains insufficient due to limited funding.
  For example, many people in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States remain in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food insecurity, with an increased risk of high levels of acute malnutrition and mortality. Less accessible areas, particularly in Borno State, experience similar or worse conditions and continue to face an elevated risk of Famine (IPC Phase 5) in 2017.

• Markets remain well stocked with local and imported food, helping to meet rising demand during the lean season. However, food prices are rising seasonally as household stocks decline and households become more market dependent.
  These increases are more pronounced in the eastern basin, particularly in the Lake Chas Basin where market flows remain disrupted by civil insecurity, and in Nigeria where the depreciation of the Naira enables the rise of prices in the areas in conflict. Despite the increase in market demand until the next harvest in September/October, prices will remain close to average levels throughout the region except in Nigeria.

• In July, the 2017/18 agricultural season is progressing well with widespread planting in many parts of the Sahelian and Sudanian zones, and weeding for early plantings. Maize and groundnut crops are beginning to enter markets in the Sudanian and Gulf of Guinea regions. According to forecasts for a wet to normal season except for some parts of the Western Gulf of Guinea (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia,
  Cote d‘Ivoire) average harvests are expected. However, ongoing infestations of army worm (Spodoptera frugiperda) in Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Niger and Burkina Faso are a serious risk.

• Most of the region will remain in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) until January 2018 due to well-supplied markets, adequate rice and wheat imports, early harvests beginning in September, and the use of usual coping strategies.