Sahel region at risk of catastrophic hunger levels: UN

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - Acute food insecurity is on track to reach its highest level in 10 years in West and Central Africa by June, the UN said Tuesday.

"For the first time in the Sahel, 45,000 people will experience catastrophic levels of hunger" with 42,000 in Burkina Faso and 2,500 in Mali, a food security analyst said in a report.

The study found an 83% increase in global acute malnutrition and shows 16.5 million children under 5 will face acute malnutrition in 2023, of which 4.8 million will suffer from the severe debilitating form, an 83% increase in global acute malnutrition compared to the average for 2015-2022.

It warned of a "worrying expansion" of food insecurity in coastal countries and catastrophic levels of hunger in conflict-affected areas of Burkina Faso and Mali where humanitarian assistance is severely hampered by insecurity.

"The combined effects of conflict, climate shocks, COVID-19 and high food prices continue to exacerbate hunger and malnutrition in the region," said the report, quoting an expert.

The number of people without regular access to safe and nutritious food is expected to reach 48 million during the lean season from June to August 2023 -- a fourfold increase in the past five years, according to the report.

It confirmed a long-term trend toward geographic expansion of food insecurity in the region.

With security incidents increasing by 79% and increasing vulnerability, "the worsening food security and nutrition situation in West Africa is simply heartbreaking," said World Food Programme (WFP) Regional Director for West Africa Chris Nikoi.

It is "crucial to invest heavily in building the capacity of communities and individuals to withstand shocks, while prioritizing local and long-term solutions for food production, processing and access for vulnerable groups," he said.