FOOD INSECURITY IN THE SAHEL REGION OF AFRICA

Millions of people in West Africa’s Sahel region continue to grapple with the combined effects of armed conflict and other situations of violence, exacerbated by climate change and persistent food insecurity. The impact of the ongoing situation has also spilled over into the Gulf of Guinea and has increased the humanitarian needs in that area.

THE ICRC’S OPERATIONAL PRIORITIES AND RESPONSE

The most vulnerable communities affected by the prevailing situation are often in areas that are almost inaccessible to humanitarian organizations and the volatile security situation makes the delivery of humanitarian assistance even more difficult. Amid
such challenges, the ICRC remains steadfast in its commitment to reach, protect and assist conflict-affected people, and in particular those dealing with the compounded effects of climate change and food insecurity, throughout the Sahel region and beyond.

We are helping violence-affected communities struggling with food insecurity to meet their urgent needs and pursue their livelihoods
* As part of its response to food insecurity, the ICRC is distributing rations and/or cash for buying food, as well as seed, farming tools and other forms of support to enable people to grow their own food.
*Households with malnourished members, particularly women and children, are receiving nutrient-enriched food rations and training in detecting and managing malnutrition. To ease people’s living conditions, the ICRC is donating basic household items, such as cooking utensils and hygiene kits, to people recently displaced by violence.
* Where possible, households are also pursuing income-generating activities with the ICRC’s help. The ICRC is providing farmers with locally adapted seeds and helping them with land reclamation and dune fixation. Herders are benefiting from ICRC veterinary services, to keep their livestock safe and healthy. Breadwinners – including women and people with physical disabilities – are receiving cash grants and/or training for starting or expanding small businesses, or are being employed in ICRC cash-for-work projects to protect farmland from bush fires.

We are facilitating access to health care, clean water and other essential services
*Working with the National Societies and local authorities, the ICRC is helping to restore access to essential services, such as water, electricity and health care, in violence-affected areas. It is constructing or repairing water-supply and/or sanitation systems, using solar-powered equipment when possible, and training local technicians to maintain these.
* Hospitals and primary-health-care centres are receiving medical supplies, equipment, training and other support from the ICRC for managing influxes of wounded patients and treating victims/survivors of sexual violence. Health workers are being trained to treat malnutrition in women and children.

The humanitarian needs brought about by the persisting violence in the Sahel region, and its spillover effects, are growing by the day. The food crisis and climate shocks are worsening an already dire situation. It is crucial for humanitarian actors such as the ICRC to implement a comprehensive response and to have safe and regular access
to people in need.
Your generous financial support will help us to continue to ensure the protection of people affected by conflict and to deliver urgent and long-term assistance and essential services to people in the Sahel region and in affected surrounding countries.