According to the June 2012 SMART survey, the global acute malnutrition rate reached 14.8 per cent, compared to 12.3 per cent in June 2011 and 16.7 per cent in June 2010. GAM rates exceed 15 per cent in four regions; Zinder (15.9 per cent), Maradi (16.2 per cent) Tillabery (16.6 per cent) and Diffa (16.7 per cent).
Overall the 2012 growing season is taking place normally. Production prospects are generally good, with the exception of Tillabery and Dosso. The government estimates that some 485,000 people have been affected by flooding as of late August. Food prices remain above the five year average, limiting household food access. Although market supply is improving thanks to good production, prices remain high due to high consumer demand. In August pastoralist terms of trade began improving, after having below the five year average since the previous harvest. UNCHR estimates that there are over 56,000 Malian refugees in Niger.
Generally, food security conditions are expected to improve with the main harvest in October. However, following successive crises, very poor households are likely to continue to require assistance beyond September. WFP monitoring shows that these households are very indebted and have lost productive assets. The desert locust situation requires continued monitoring.
October 2012
