HIGHLIGHTS
Despite good agricultural production in 2012 and good conditions for pastoralists, the situation in the Sahel remains critical, mostly due to the impact of the 2012 crisis as well as previous recent crises. Approximately 10.3 million people remain food insecure in 2013 and over 1.4 million children are at risk of severe acute malnutrition.
Large population movements are reported as a consequence of the conflict in Mali. It is estimated that there are currently around 298 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mali and some 175 000 refugees in neighbouring countries, mainly Burkina Faso, Mauritania and the Niger.
The food security situation in Mali is deteriorating with 3.5 million people affected by food insecurity and 1.4 million people in need of immediate food assistance.
Due to insecurity and low food production in northern Nigeria, cereal prices are increasing. This is a matter of deep concern for the food access of the most vulnerable population in the Niger, Nigeria, northern Benin and western Chad. Eastern Burkina Faso and eastern Mali may also be affected by increasing prices.
Based on current estimates, FAO is requesting a total of USD 135.3 million for 2013, in order to support almost 6 million people with livelihood interventions in the Sahel, including those related to the Malian conflict. So far, only USD 14.8 million has been received. While supporting the main agricultural campaign (May-October) is no longer an option, support to livestock production and health, as well as off-season agriculture are urgently required.
Aggravated by existing chronic vulnerabilities, the negative effects of recent crises in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012 remain. Vulnerable people have eroded their capacity to withstand external shocks and many continue to be heavily indebted and have been unable to restore their productive means. Time is of the essence for building resilience to strengthen the livelihoods of the most vulnerable people.