West Africa Food Crisis

18 million people across Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Senegal are facing a severe food crisis.

Harvests failed in many areas in 2011. Today, many people have run out of food - and food prices are alarmingly high.

The poor harvest was the result of failed rains, and, in some areas, infestations of pests like caterpillars or crickets.

“We planted last year but there was a long drought. When the millet was about to bear gains, the rain stopped.

What is very painful is when children surround you and say ‘We need food’ and there is no food to give them.”

Hamani, Dosso Region, Niger

“There are times when the children hold me and say, ‘Grandma, we need to eat.’ I don’t have anything.

I have several months in the darkness. I am afraid of the future.”

Mintou, Dosso Region, Niger

“When I am really hungry, it hurts my stomach, and then it ends up giving me a headache. I can’t hear what the teachers are saying.”

Halarou, Dosso Region, Niger

Many people have been forced to leave their villages because of the lack of food, or because of conflict.

Momoudou and his nine children have moved to Niamey, the capital of Niger, where they are living in a tiny shelter made of cardboard boxes and tarpaulin.

“For me, this is the worst ever season. In previous years, I could harvest something.

The most important thing for us in the future is food. How can I feed my family?”

Momoudou, Niamey, Niger

With your support, we are running health centres for malnourished children across Niger.

We are distributing food to the most vulnerable, and setting up cereal banks that provide grain at subsidised prices.

We are paying people in cash or food to work on projects that benefit their communities – like half-moon fields, which prevent water from draining away when it rains..

And we are making sure that people who were forced to flee their homes have food and essential supplies – like pots, pans and clothes.

“I am very happy to have received your support. If I hadn’t come here, I don’t know what would have happened to my baby.

Please continue to support us in these changing times.”

Haoua, Niamey, Niger

Please support our response to the crisis>>

Photos: Nick Harrop/CAFODFranziska Koller/Caritas Suisse Peter With/Caritas Denmark