A normal lean season for very poor and poor households
KEY MESSAGES
As of the beginning of the lean season, food consumption by very poor and poor households has been relatively normal. In addition, livestock-to-grain terms of trade are favorable to pastoralists and ongoing resilience-building programs are helping to keep food insecurity at Minimal/None None (IPC Phase 1) between July and December.
In a departure from normal seasonal trends generally marked by rising grain prices, prices have been stable and, in some cases, in decline compared to previous months. This is mainly due to large market supplies of grain and below-average household demand, which is helping poor households maintain their access to grains.
In general, with good harvests expected in October and increased demand for livestock during Tabaski (in October) and the end-of-the-year holidays (in December), household income levels will be better than usual, particularly for incomes relating to the sale of livestock, animal products, and crops. This income will strengthen food access while, at the same time, help households protect or generate assets.