Home / Environment / Sahel Food Crisis Looms: Millions Face Hunger
Sahel Food Crisis Looms: Millions Face Hunger
21 Oct
Summary
- Nearly 57 million face food insecurity in the 2026 lean season.
- Prolonged dry spells and rainfall variability hit the agropastoral campaign.
- Response plans are severely underfunded, needing urgent donor mobilization.
As of October 2026, projections indicate a dire food security situation across the Sahel, with nearly 57 million individuals anticipated to experience acute food and nutrition insecurity during the upcoming lean season. Experts at a recent regional consultation highlighted significant risks to agricultural production following the 2026-2027 agropastoral campaign.
The season has been characterized by prolonged dry spells and unpredictable rainfall patterns, leading to concerns about yield deficits in several nations, including Chad, Mauritania, and Niger. Deteriorating forage resources, particularly in eastern Niger and the Lake Chad Basin, also threaten pastoralist families, diminishing their access to vital milk supplies and undermining household income.
Compounding these challenges, response plans for 2026 remain alarmingly underfunded, with critical shortfalls in essential resources in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Action Against Hunger is urging immediate mobilization of funds from governments, regional bodies, and international donors to implement early action before pastures are depleted and livestock are sold at distressed prices.
