Food security and climate change challenges in the Sahel.
Despite improved cereal output in 2018-19, many communities have entered the annual ‘lean season’ in a fragile position. Climate change is slowly destabilising the regional balance, while spreading insecurity prevents the region from realising the full benefit of its sustained development efforts.
At 17.7% above the five-year average, the 2018-19 cereal harvest offers a good basis to meet needs during the May-September lean season.
Local shortages should be spotted by robust regional early warning systems, with emergency grain stocks and donors ready to step in.
Pastoralist populations are in a particularly vulnerable position, as insecurity affects access to many important grazing zones.
