Currently, there is a surge in food insecurity in West and Central Africa, with a four million increase in the number of people affected by this issue. This is particularly evident in Mali, where around 2,600 people are facing catastrophic hunger, according to the IPC food classification index phase 5 (for more information on the IPC system, read our explainer here).
Margot Vandervelden, WFP’s Acting Regional Director for Western Africa, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that immediate action is needed. She called for all partners to come together and implement innovative programs to prevent the situation from worsening and ensure that no one is left behind.
The latest data reveals that economic challenges such as stagnant production, currency devaluation, inflation, and trade barriers have exacerbated the food crisis in Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Mali. This has led to a sharp increase in staple grain prices, with a more than 100% rise over the past 5 years.
The region is currently heavily reliant on imports to meet its food needs, but the economic turmoil has made imports more expensive. Vandervelden stressed the need for stronger investments in resilience-building and long-term solutions for the future of West Africa.
The high rate of malnutrition in West and Central Africa is a cause for concern, with 16.7 million children under the age of five experiencing acute malnutrition. The majority of households struggle to afford healthy diets, and many children lack essential foods for their growth and development.
Gilles Fagninou, UNICEF Regional Director, stated that in order for children in the region to reach their full potential, they need good nutrition, a safe environment, and access to quality education and healthcare. He emphasized the importance of strengthening systems in areas such as education, health, water and sanitation, food, and social protection to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
The UN agencies, including FAO, UNICEF, and WFP, are calling on governments, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to work together to find sustainable solutions to support food security and increase agricultural productivity. They also urge these entities to address the adverse effects of economic volatility and ensure the human right to food for all.
UNICEF and WFP plan to expand national social protection programs to Chad and Burkina Faso, following the success of such programs in Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger. Additionally, FAO, IFAD, and WFP have collaborated in the Sahel region to improve productivity and access to nutritious food through resilience-building programs.
Dr. Robert Guei, FAO Sub-Regional Coordinator for West Africa and the Sahel, stressed the importance of promoting policies that encourage the diversification of food production and processing. This not only ensures year-round access to healthy and affordable diets but also protects biodiversity and mitigates the effects of climate change. It also helps to counter high food prices and protect the livelihoods of those affected by food insecurity.