Cereal prices remain generally stable with small increases in localized areas
KEY MESSAGES
Between April and the end of June, all areas of the country will face Minimal/None (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity (Figure 1). However the earlier than normal depletion of food stocks, coupled with seasonally normal cereal price increases, will propel households in Kanem, Bahr-El-Gazal (BEG), Batha Est, Logone Oriental, Tandjilé, Logone Occidental, and greater Mayo Kebbi into Stressed (IPC Phase 2) acute food insecurity between July and September.
Due to last year's good rainfall conditions, the availability of pasture and water resources has been good, although these resources are beginning to deteriorate with the approach of the pastoral lean season (April through June). However despite the recession of pastures and the drying up of semi-permanent watering holes, animal body conditions remain at seasonally normal levels.
Household food stocks in the Sahelian zone are starting to decline, but are still at high levels compared to a normal year. Household food consumption is also stable due to the availability of milk and market garden produce and the start-up of humanitarian assistance programs in Kanem, BEG, Lac, and Hadjer Lamis.