Regional tensions threaten West African food security

Significance

This could worsen to an estimated 49.5 million people by mid-year as the lean season sets in between harvests. Meanwhile, over 100 million people could face food insecurity if preventive action is not taken.

Impacts

• The lingering impact from recently lifted sanctions against Niger could affect food security.
• Jihadist control of rural areas will disrupt local food monitoring systems.
• In part due to its demographic weight, over half of those at risk of food insecurity will likely be in Nigeria.
• Persistently high inflation will aggravate food insecurity across the region.
• Losses of development aid by regional military juntas may have negative impacts on livelihoods.