The recent coup d’état in Niger is raising concerns about its potential impact on food security in the West African region, according to the World Bank. The coup has the potential to put an additional seven million people at risk of severe food insecurity in a region already grappling with rising commodity and staple food prices and existing food insecurity affecting 3.3 million people during the lean season.
The World Bank’s September Food Security Update highlights the potential challenges, stating that the coup could exert additional pressure on West African food markets. Economic and financial sanctions imposed by regional bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) have led to food price increases of up to 21% in Niger, reducing poor households’ access to food and their ability to meet dietary needs.
The bank also notes that Niger’s government has limited financial capacity to implement its food assistance program, making continued food aid delivery by organizations like the World Food Programme essential, despite access restrictions hindering delivery.
Additionally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) anticipates that shortages of seeds and feed and high fertilizer costs will impact the next agriculture season, further worsening food insecurity, which is expected to persist beyond the lean season.
Overall, Western and Central Africa are facing ongoing food crises, with the number of people in need of food and nutritional assistance increasing significantly. Various factors, including civil insecurity, conflict, climatic shocks, political instability, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global factors like the war in Ukraine, have contributed to food security challenges in the region.
The situation is compounded by persistently high food prices for staple and imported food products, making it even more difficult for vulnerable populations to access sufficient and affordable food. The recent border closure between Nigeria and Niger following the coup further complicates the situation, with trade worth millions of dollars at risk of disruption.